Apologies if this scenario has been covered elsewhere, but I an an ex-pat living and working in Seattle and planning to retire back to the UK next year. I own a beautiful green 1996 XK8 coupe and I'd like to understand what would be involved if I were to ship it back to the UK with me. I bought it about ten years ago for $10,000, it has 73,000 miles on the clock and is virtually flawless.

As I see it, I have three challenges - 1) The cost of shipping, 2) the import charges when it arrives in the UK and 3) perhaps most importantly, the modifications that would be required (and their approximate cost) to meet UK standards - emissions, etc.

I could simply sell it here in Seattle and then use the funds to buy a UK model when we retire to Herefordshire, but I'm attached to this beautiful car and I did pay about $5,000 about 100 miles ago to replace the timing chains and plastic chain tensioners.

I did speak to a UK classic car dealer was while ago who told me the exercise wouldn't be economic. This may be true for a dealer interested in making a profit, but that is not my objective. As a vintage car owner, I'm well versed spending far more on my cars than they are worth.

Thanks in advance.

 

$5000!?!?!?!?

 

you will have to have it certified which is like a giant MOT at a special certification centre. I will try to find more details. These cars have a very low value in the UK so get a UK rather than US valuation to reduce your import duty if any. A 96 Coupe here is worth £2000-£3000 .

Its called Individual Vehicle Approval ..does not sound too difficult as long as the emissions are all good.
Details here..
Vehicle approval: Individual Vehicle Approval - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There is a 364 page manual which shows everything that will be done but as it built in the UK and US has strict laws I dont think you have a problem.
I am currently getting a quote to import from Seattle all inclusive will let you know (delay by Queens funeral)

 

You shouldn't have to pay any import duties if you are changing your residence back to UK and meet the criteria. Its called Transfer of Residence Relief:-

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transfer...-great-britain

In all honesty though if it's LHD you would be much better off selling in the US and buying a RHD version when you get to the UK.

 

LHD great if you are planning trips to europe ..in UK car park barriers are the biggest pain in you are on your own.

 

Just got an all in quote inc changing the lights for LHD All testing collecting in US and delivery etc in UK about £4500
Having used containers to ship goods myself I am sure you could load it yourself to a conainer in US and have it delivered to you house in UK much cheaper but its a ball park figure .
PS you could buy a Coupe in UK for that much money !!

 

This bit is interesting ....
USA light conversionUSA vehicles often have a different lighting composition to UK standards and therefore need to be converted in order to be compliant. This work involves converting rear indicators from flashing red to amber, installation of side repeating indicators, installation of a rear fog light and an overhaul of the lighting system's wiring so these elements interact with each other in the correct manner to pass UK testing and be roadworthy. We often have a choice of lighting packages for your vehicle we can offer to ensure you get the right 'look' for your vehicle. Thats £420.
Strange it does not list convert from right dip to left . However that is only a small bit of metal inside the projector dip "bullseye" which you could change (make) and fit .Its just behind the glass of the "bullseye". If the cover glass has E11 on it you will be ok . The front indicator has a clear glass and yellow bulb as does the rear . i think the US has a red lens on the rear which is not removable.
A side repeater should not be a problem but the wing will need to be cut . There will be a lens for the the fog light in the unit. One trick could be to fit a yellow bulb in the reversing light socket and re wire for the indicator . You dont need to have a reversing light for an MOT but easy to fit into the rear plastic bumper..you only need one.