Classic cars
Dry climates make honest classics.
Forty summers in the Gulf can be hard on rubber and paint and remarkably kind to steel. Some of the most solid old cars we see have spent their lives in Kuwait, Oman and the Emirates.
The Gulf has always loved big cars. American saloons from the 1970s and 80s, early Land Cruisers and Patrols, Mercedes that were bought new and simply never sold. Plenty of them have sat in a garage out of the sun for years, which is about the best thing that can happen to an old car.
We bring them home carefully. That can mean a container of its own, unloading by our own team, and registration by people who know what the DVLA wants to see for an older car.
The numbers
Thirty years and forty years both matter.
A lower tax rate
Cars over 30 years old, in their original state, pay 5% import VAT and no duty. On a valuable classic that is a very large saving compared with the usual 10% duty and 20% VAT.
No MOT before registration
Cars over 40 years old can be registered without an MOT, and they may qualify for the historic vehicle tax class, which means no road tax to pay.
Or no tax at all
Moving home and owned it for at least 6 months? Transfer of Residence relief can cover a classic like any other car. Check if you qualify.
What the Gulf does to an old car
Dry air means far less corrosion than a car of the same age that has lived in Britain. But heat is not kind to everything. Rubber seals and hoses go hard, interiors fade and crack, and tyres can look perfect while being many years old. Our guide to heat, sand and your car covers what to look for.
Paperwork for older cars
The DVLA wants to know a car's age and identity before it will register it. For a modern car that is straightforward. For a forty-year-old Caprice with a Kuwaiti registration book, it can take more work. We have a wealth of experience registering historic cars and can source the additional paperwork the DVLA needs.
Looked after the whole way
For rare or delicate cars we recommend a container of its own rather than a shared one. It is sealed in the Gulf and opened only by us, at our own facility, where our team take as long as they need to bring it out safely. We are not in a hurry to unload, which matters most with a classic.
If you are not ready for it once it is registered, we have indoor storage and keep it charged and on the key. When you are, collect it from us or we bring it to your door in one of our enclosed trailers rather than on an open transporter.
Classic car questions
What import tax does a classic car from the Gulf pay?
A car over 30 years old pays no import duty and 5% import VAT, as long as it is in its original state without substantial changes. If you are moving home and qualify for Transfer of Residence, it may pay nothing at all.
Does a classic car need an MOT to be registered?
Cars between 10 and 40 years old take an MOT. Cars over 40 years old do not need one before registration, although you can choose to have one anyway.
Can a classic from Kuwait or Oman get its age-related plate?
Often, yes, if the age and identity of the car can be proven. We know what the DVLA wants for older cars and can source the extra paperwork, such as dating evidence, where it is needed.
Does a classic have to share a container with other cars?
No. A container of its own is available, and for valuable, rare or delicate cars we recommend it. We unload it ourselves at our own facility rather than at a busy port warehouse.
An old friend coming home?
Tell us about the car and where it is. Someone at My Car Import builds your quote around your car, and there is no obligation to go ahead.