12 replies to this topic

[Brucey]

Hi guys,

 

I currently have a 1960 Austin Mini in New York State, USA and I am looking to bring it to the UK. It is currently titled incorrectly as a 1963 Austin Cooper. I believe I can re-title it correctly once it gets to the UK?

 

Can anyone recommend a door to door shipping service? The car isn't running well but, it can be driven onto a truck for example. 

 

Any things to look out for when bringing it into the UK?

Thanks  

[surfblue]

Hi guys,

 

I currently have a 1960 Austin Mini in New York State, USA and I am looking to bring it to the UK. It is currently titled incorrectly as a 1963 Austin Cooper. I believe I can re-title it correctly once it gets to the UK?

 

Can anyone recommend a door to door shipping service? The car isn't running well but, it can be driven onto a truck for example. 

 

Any things to look out for when bringing it into the UK?

Thanks  

The steering wheel may have been been mistakenly placed on the left (wrong) side of the car? 

[Cooperman]

Was the car ever registered in the UK? If it was the details will be on the DVLA records if you are lucky.

 

If not, you will be able to get a Heritage Certificate from British Motor Heritage for the payment of a small fee. Then when it is registered in the UK it will get the correct V5 registration document (Pink Sheet) and an age-related registration number.

 

There are plenty of shippers, just google vehicle shippers USA to UK.

[Brucey]

To my knowledge this car has been an original US left hand drive, so I doubt the DVLA has any records. 

One thing that might be concerning is that it does not have the factory 850cc engine. I bought it with a 1098 and then swapped that for a 1275. Will this be a big issue?

[Compdoc]

Don't expect an easy ride from the DVLA. It is entirely staffed by low paid, school leavers that can't get a job anywhere else. It took me four months to get a correct V5 registration document for my Austin Mayfair, after I notified them of a change of engine to 1275cc. Just to give you an idea of the mindset, they suggested that I took the car to an "Austin dealer" to verify that it was indeed an "Austin" engine and wasn't stolen.

[mini 4o]

Hi guys,

 

I currently have a 1960 Austin Mini in New York State, USA and I am looking to bring it to the UK. It is currently titled incorrectly as a 1963 Austin Cooper. I believe I can re-title it correctly once it gets to the UK?

 

Can anyone recommend a door to door shipping service? The car isn't running well but, it can be driven onto a truck for example. 

 

Any things to look out for when bringing it into the UK?

Thanks  

Hi Troy,  It all depends on how long you need your mini in the uk.. having just spent 10 weeks trying to re import from Greece, i would stay away for the dvla,  read this  www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk

 

  I would  go for the heritage certificate from  www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk make sure your paper work is correct with matching numbers you can buy stamped tags plates from   http://www.classic-plates.com

 

otherwise the British customs will impound it at your cost around £20 per day until its cleared.  

John. 

[Brucey]

John, 

Thank you for the reply. I will be living in the UK.

 

So my issue is that the VIN on my car does not correctly reflect what the car actually is. The VIN says its a 63 cooper but the car is a 60 Austin Mini. 

 

So what order should I approach this? Get a new stamped tag first, then heritage certificate, then import the car?

Is there an customs agent who I could contact to help me with this procedure?

[mini 4o]

hi i would be careful trying to pass off any thing as the British customs they are on the ball  with imports,  i would go with your American documentation ..Get a  heritage certificate of the chassis number  then new stamped tags off the certificate . so everything lines up ..the chassis and engine plate {should come with two bifurcated rivets }   need to be fixed ...try to make them look old..lol..  john 

[Brucey]

Ah so bring it in under the NY registration that it currently is, and then look to correct it with the heritage certificate. The engine number and VIN number are clearly visible in the engine bay. Would they have a problem with it not being the original engine?

It will not pass the MOT as I need to do a little more work to it, can I have it SORN on arrival?

[Mini Waco]

As for shipping, I used Phoenix-cargo.com and they were fantastic.  They taught me everything I needed to know prior to going through with the shipment.   I would ask for Terry Pittaway, but I think he may have finally left them.   The least expensive way to ship is if your Mini can be driven onto the ship and off (Ro-Ro:  Roll On Roll Off).  For the life of me, I can't remember the lady that worked with Terry.  Terry may have his own business where he helps people buy/sell/move Minis.  I'm sure he could help you get the Mini from the Docs to wherever it is that you need it to go.  When / if you contact Phoenix, just ask them for Terry's info and they may pass your contact info along to him.  I will keep looking for all my contact info, but the website will help....

[nicklouse]

Ah so bring it in under the NY registration that it currently is, and then look to correct it with the heritage certificate. The engine number and VIN number are clearly visible in the engine bay. Would they have a problem with it not being the original engine?

It will not pass the MOT as I need to do a little more work to it, can I have it SORN on arrival?

no as it is not UK registered.

 

if it is not road legal where you are now you will not be able to drive it in the UK. so it will have to be transported from the docks to a place of repair. all wheels off the road. you can then get it ready for a MOT this would be done on the current VIN/chassis number. you would also need to get insurance in the for the car on the VIN/chassis number. when you have both you can register it for use in the UK in the mean time get on to heritage for what info they have. as that will help in providing the car with the correct info.

[Brucey]

So I have gotten in contact with Phoenix Cargo. Terry has indeed retired but his daughter runs the business and is handling my car. They will do a door to door service.

 

My first hurdle is to bring it into the country, and I will do so under its current 63 cooper registration.

[Mini Waco]

awesome..  The Phoenix folk are definitely top notch!!  Hope all else works out for you.