Hi all,

Returning to the forum after a while. Did not know where to post this query, so, moderators - please feel free to move this thread to the relevant section.
As it goes, I've been bit by the classic Jaguar bug - specifically the MK 1 and Mk2, maybe the Mk 9. I have tended to gravitate towards the Mk1 3.4 more often. From online searches across different platforms, it seems that there is quite a lot more availability in the UK and Europe as opposed to here in the USA (I am in Texas). Importing has crossed my mind under the 25 year rule. I have spoken with a few customs brokers and I am running into one issue - some of the good quality examples have replacement engines / gear boxes from other cars and can tend to be Mk2 motors in Mk 1s and vice versa. The importers / customs brokers seem to be stuck on the language of "at least 25 years old and in original condition" and they seem to be interpreting as the car having its original engine and transmission. I have not had much input from them on what happens if its an equivalent XK engine from let's say a Mk2 installed in a Mk1 during restoration. So the VINs stamped on the car chassis match the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate but the engine and sometimes gear box numbers do not.

Does anyone on here have experience in importing classic Jaguars from abroad? Are the officers at the ports and / or the rules that picky that the only option would be a numbers matching car? Or is it still legal to import a restored classic Jaguar with a period correct replacement engine / gearbox?

Any inputs would be welcome and thank you in advance for all the help.