Exporting tat to the land of Trump

[outlaw118]

Hey Shiterers!

 

My mate Rich has just had his green card issued (after living and working in the States for about 7 years) so he's now looking at long term plans.

 

When he was over here last month he was talking about knocking his lease car on the head and getting something older and dafter for his short commute.

 

Having previously owned an XR4i over here, I suggested getting a Merkur Ti, but he was already way ahead of me. Apparently they're pretty thin on the ground, and either fucked or minty, there appears to be no in-between.

 

He then suggested that a TVR would scare the locals (Oklahoma!) , and probably be fairly re-saleable (if that's a word) once Mrs_Rich gets bored with a shouty car that smells of piss and petrol.

 

Being a bit bored I contacted a shipping company, and got a quote. (hopefully below)

 

Has anyone else done this - was it easy, and considering it'll be me doing most of the work apart from the obvious, what's there to know about a TVR - Chimera or Cerbera?

 

Most comments will be appreciated 

 

Edit: Apparently I'm not allowed to use the image - the quote's for £927.00 from Southampton to Galveston

Edited August 18, 2017 by outlaw118

[eddyramrod]

At least any locals who've seen Swordfish will have a clue!

[Junkman]

Not really sure what you are actually asking, since you provided all the answers already.

[Tickman]

I believe the TVR in Swordfish is on UK plates as it could not be imported/registered legally.

 

Please make it happen!

[DSdriver]

The car you import into the US needs to be over 25years old.

They are prone to being crushed if they do not meet the very strict import regs so best to bone up on the law before booking a container

[cort1977]

The car you import into the US needs to be over 25years old.

This. Also need to consider which state and county it will be registered in.   Rural counties in the south allow you to register pretty much anything as far as smog rules go.   Land Rovers or G wagens go for stupid money here if he has an eye on resale at some point.

 

That doesn't sound like too bad a price to Galveston but consider that the US is a land of extra fees and taxes as well as all the usual nonsense with shipping so I would budget another 500 on top of that.   I'm in Houston so could possibly help in some way if required.  

 

7 years for a green card is good going.

[Clanger]

There are some rules to be aware of. As mentioned above the 25 year DOT rule and then the 21 year EPA rule - so original engine will be fine if the car is 25 years or older but a replacement engine may fall foul of the regulations. Then there is the local state, each will have its own rules and regulations relating to smog and/or safety equipment. The short version of this is "don't bother in California".

 

Depending on the purchase price of the vehicle it might be wise to invest in the services of a customs broker. For a couple of hundred bucks they can help with calculating taxes and import duty and make life a whole lot easier. Make sure to find out the port fees as well as these usually take you by surprise when you're trying to leave and a nice man refuses to let you exit until you cross his palm with silver.

 

Car may also require a thorough cleaning on the underside to satisfy the good folks at the Department of Agriculture. I promised to take my Land Rovers to the jetwash which satisfied the guy in Ventura - this may not happen in your case.

[PhilA]

Plus consider Galveston to anywhere in Oklahoma isn't like getting it from Portsmouth to Bristol; you'll want it trailered, preferably covered and road transport isn't cheap here.

 

Used to enjoy the drive to Galveston, taking the ferry was a nice break

 

Been thinking about shipping my Sprite so this is an interesting insight. Figuring about $4k all in doorstep to doorstep.

 

Phil

[outlaw118]

HOLY THREAD RESURRECTION BATMAN!!!

Enquiries are being made about repatriating this....

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1215420 a Merkur XR4Ti, price looks good, especially compared to "normal XR4i's" any thought on the process will be appreciated.

Will get my mate Rich to join, so this may be the most epic colection thread of EVAR!!!

[chaseracer]

4 minutes ago, outlaw118 said:

Enquiries are being made about repatriating this....

...to Belgium...?  #pedant  <runs, hides> ?

[outlaw118]

4 minutes ago, chaseracer said:

..to Belgium...?  #pedant  <runs, hides> ?

I'm not sure who'd be out of breath first if I were to have to chase after you....?

[hairnet]

14 minutes ago, chaseracer said:

...to Belgium...?  #pedant  <runs, hides> ?

'lommel called they want their shopping car back.................'

[New POD]

On 8/18/2017 at 3:33 PM, cort1977 said:

7 years for a green card is good going.

My sister has resident alien status.  Her ex husband, a retired colonel in the US army reckon a her refusal to apply for a green card, is the reason he never made general.

But I reckon it's because he was/is a twat. 

Her kids do not wish to have dual citizenship, and see themselves as proper Americans. 

[outlaw118]

Got a shipping quote, about $1800 from Southampton to Galveston.

ENquiry has been made to matey in UK from my mate in USA, whatsapped him moments ago.....

[outlaw118]

There's another pic... I thought Celica, but the tail lights are wrong...

[SpareSnare]

GTM Libra

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk

[outlaw118]

I'll make sure I get snaps when ;/ if I go to collect the Merkur!

[cort1977]

If it goes ro-ro make sure the battery is in good shape.  If it doesn't start at the other end then they will drag it with whatever they have to hand.   

[Joey spud]

Wheeler Dealers did one of these a couple of weeks back they pulled the home made intercooler off it and reinstalled the AC,fitted euro spec headlamps and wheels to it too.

I was struggling to stay awake watching it but seem to recall Mike claiming he only paid $4.5k for it and could make silly money on it if he just shipped it straight back to Blighty.

I think the final couple of minutes showed him standing next to a shipping container waffling on about the new owner shipping it to the UK.

[outlaw118]

I've recorded the WD episode, but haven't been calm enough to watch it yet.

My mate in the US has experienced the age - old quandary of lack of "middle" condition Merkur's over there, they all seem to be spears and reapers basket cases or mintola show standard cars, nothing in between.

He forwarded the email he's sent to the seller, he's asked for a few more photos and explained the situation, so awaiting response.