Strong dollar options

[Berg]

With the dollar being as strong as it is against the pound and Euro right now it is pretty appealing to look at buying a car there and shipping it back. Has anyone done this and if you have what were the major issues involved?

 

Secondly, to convert to LHD, is it possible? I have the shop and skill to tackle it but not sure if the chassis will need major reworking.

[slowdude]

59 minutes ago, Berg said:

With the dollar being as strong as it is against the pound and Euro right now it is pretty appealing to look at buying a car there and shipping it back. Has anyone done this and if you have what were the major issues involved?

 

Secondly, to convert to LHD, is it possible? I have the shop and skill to tackle it but not sure if the chassis will need major reworking.

Just did this. Bought at 1.07 - all in with insurance, shipping and brokerage fees I was under 20k.

 

I used Inbound Motorsports in the NJ/NYC area. Highly recommend as they're bringing cars in constantly (over 25 years of course).

 

RHD hasn't been a problem for the 120 miles I've done so far. Registration through RI hasn't had any hiccups. @Croc recommended that I did not register in NJ due to their RHD concerns, so definitely check the state.

 

Any questions feel free to PM or we can hop on a call.

[SENC]

I imported an old Seven in late 2019.  The best advice I can give is to hire an agency/company that specializes in importing vehicles to assist.  There is a lot of good information on the import process on the web - just Google importing a car to the US.  My take home after researching was that though importing is reasonably simple, there are a number of areas for potential problems that can have high risk/cost, up to and including a vehicle not getting approved at port of entry.  An experienced company and agent can significantly reduce the risk of a big issue.

 

I used Schumacher for an all-inclusive import - from document assistance on the export side to shipping contracting to document assistance on the import side.  They also identified an import/export attorney to serve as my rep at the port of entry to make sure things kept moving at customs, DOT/EPA, and the warehouse.  I think I figured the process cost me a little over $1k more than if I'd done it solo, but it gave me some piece of mind and also likely saved me some warehousing and delay costs.  They were particularly helpful in determining best and most cost effective method of shipping and export port.  On my own, I may have chosen a roll-on/roll-off method to save money, but with their assistance I ended up shipping in a container at not too much more cost and knowing it had been packed well and would be more protected.

 

As for strength of the dollar, that should definitely be useful - but while down from their peak, my understanding is shipping costs are still fairly high so that may eat and currency exchange gains.

 

Good luck!

Edited November 17, 2022 by SENC

[das76]

It’s probably better to look on the continent and find an LHD car

 

this website is a decent , but not foolproof, aggregator. You can filter by country and then click the original post. However it’s not always easy buying a car overseas if you don’t have someone you trust there to look at it and help with the process 
 

https://www.theparking.ca/used-cars/caterham.html

 

but dont forget shipping costs right now aren’t cheap and you’ll pay duty as well

 

there is a nice looking one on BaT right now. I’d go for that and save all the hassle!!

[truckin-on]

Why in the world would you go through the hassle and expense to change RHD to LHD?  My '89 Caterham is RHD (imported from Northern Ireland) and it doesn't bother me in the least. The car is so narrow, that the difference between RHD and LHD is literally 20 inches. And the benefit is you get to exercise your left arm, the exhaust is on the passenger's side, and people were already looking at you funny so what's a bit more oddity?

Edited November 18, 2022 by truckin-on

[Croc]

19 hours ago, Berg said:

With the dollar being as strong as it is against the pound and Euro right now it is pretty appealing to look at buying a car there and shipping it back. Has anyone done this and if you have what were the major issues involved?

 

Secondly, to convert to LHD, is it possible? I have the shop and skill to tackle it but not sure if the chassis will need major reworking.

 

 

Lots of people have bought overseas and brought back to the USA.  Its more complex because you have to handle things remotely and cannot be hands on but it can be done.  Some sellers will not deal with international buyers - get used to it.  There are so many scams in the UK that sellers are skeptical of anything out of the ordinary.   I have not imported a se7en but have done it with plenty of other cars.  Assuming you are doing the over 25yo route which is easy.   You want a good import broker identified in advance before you start shopping.  That way, as you seal a deal, they can arrange for the local car pick up, transport to port and then onto shipping method of choice (ro-ro or container).  The only catch with buying a car remotely is assessing condition remotely.   Sometimes it is worth flying in, sometimes not.  It can be overcome - not a major problem.

 

Conversion of a se7en from RHD to LHD can be done - a number of people have done it.  .  Off the top of my head the task list:

- strip it back

- may need to lengthen footwell on (current) passenger side - some were shorter than driver side depending on year

- flip pedal box - replumb brakes on the firewall shelf to other side

- flip steering rack

- flip steering column.  Will require all the bracing/collar

- may need to reposition engine mounts column or dry sump tank / catch tank / battery for steering column clearance.

- needs a new dash blank for LHD (that can be pricey) but can re use dials and switches

- mild electrical work to length gauge feed wires, etc.  ECU may be underneath roof of passenger footwell or on firewall shelf behind engine - need to reposition

 

Some of these tasks can be eliminated if you buy the right car, i.e. no need to lengthen passenger footwell, no obstructions inside engine bay, no ECU reposition needed.

 

Having your own shop with skills/tools on tap makes it much easier.

 

But you can live with a RHD car on USA roads.  I don't find it an issue.  I have driven all combinations - RHD in USA and Europe.  LHD in UK.  LHD on left side of road (US Virgin Islands - who thought that was a good idea?).  All are manageable with some concentration initially and then its no fuss.  

 

You are in a state that does not create issues with RHD or over 25yo imports provided your import paperwork is correct.  You will need originals of the UK title/registration paperwork - making sure you have these documents in hand before car leaves country is critical.  Have a chat with your DMV in advance to know what documentation they want so you can make it happen during purchase process.    Doing it afterwards can be impossible as I discovered.

 

[IamScotticus]

21 hours ago, SENC said:

I imported an old Seven in late 2019.  The best advice I can give is to hire an agency/company that specializes in importing vehicles to assist.  There is a lot of good information on the import process on the web - just Google importing a car to the US.  My take home after researching was that though importing is reasonably simple, there are a number of areas for potential problems that can have high risk/cost, up to and including a vehicle not getting approved at port of entry.  An experienced company and agent can significantly reduce the risk of a big issue.

 

I used Schumacher for an all-inclusive import - from document assistance on the export side to shipping contracting to document assistance on the import side.  They also identified an import/export attorney to serve as my rep at the port of entry to make sure things kept moving at customs, DOT/EPA, and the warehouse.  I think I figured the process cost me a little over $1k more than if I'd done it solo, but it gave me some piece of mind and also likely saved me some warehousing and delay costs.  They were particularly helpful in determining best and most cost effective method of shipping and export port.  On my own, I may have chosen a roll-on/roll-off method to save money, but with their assistance I ended up shipping in a container at not too much more cost and knowing it had been packed well and would be more protected.

 

As for strength of the dollar, that should definitely be useful - but while down from their peak, my understanding is shipping costs are still fairly high so that may eat and currency exchange gains.

 

Good luck!

This is golden advice. 

[MV8]

I guess the import cost is the same if it is a kit car project (where the paperwork is of little use for titling here as a donor) or a grey market production vehicle. I like the Fisher Fury, Riot, etc.

 

I could go deaf when trying to drive on the wrong side of the road (all that screaming about what's coming head-on). Wrong side of the car, not so much.

Edited November 18, 2022 by MV8

[slowdude]

1 hour ago, MV8 said:

I guess the import cost is the same if it is a kit car project (where the paperwork is of little use for titling here as a donor) or a grey market production vehicle. I like the Fisher Fury, Riot, etc.

 

I could go deaf when trying to drive on the wrong side of the road (all that screaming about what's coming head-on). Wrong side of the car, not so much.

My shipping quotes via my broker were roughly $1,700 for ro-ro, while container prices were still high, figure $15,000 for a container with maybe 2 cars in it.

 

The hardest part I have had so far was the VIN check. The DMV was looking for 2 VINs, and I could only find the one. However, I have the original caterham invoice and build sheet from 95 which the local PD said was OK for the VIN check.

 

I'd say if it was overseas and you had it built as a kit it may be harder?

 

Funny you post a Ginetta. When the G40R's become available for import, I think that will be the next one for me.

[Croc]

2 hours ago, slowdude said:

Funny you post a Ginetta. When the G40R's become available for import, I think that will be the next one for me.

 

Don't do it.  Chassis is very twitchy/snappy at the limit.  Engine is underpowered for application.  Miata is a better proposition and even looks similar.  

[slowdude]

52 minutes ago, Croc said:

 

Don't do it.  Chassis is very twitchy/snappy at the limit.  Engine is underpowered for application.  Miata is a better proposition and even looks similar.  

This is why I love this group of car people. Real world exeperience + pragmatism. I would imagine the parts are expensive for them. I was interested in the cage and plumbed in factory fire suppression. Good to know they're unpredictable/inconsistent. Absolutely not worth the effort. 

Edited November 18, 2022 by slowdude

[MV8]

I thought about ginetta but that is actually an early/classic fisher fury. Id' thought about just bringing the body and top over, making the rest here with parts more common here or maybe an ebay UK find without drivetrain, so essentially just parts.

https://www.furysportscars.com/

[Croc]

3 hours ago, slowdude said:

This is why I love this group of car people. Real world experience + pragmatism. I would imagine the parts are expensive for them. I was interested in the cage and plumbed in factory fire suppression. Good to know they're unpredictable/inconsistent. Absolutely not worth the effort. 

 

Ginetta were supporting my UK Caterham for trackdays for up until last year after they bought Bookatrack.  So I got to try a few of their cars out on track.  Also a group of us went to Spa-Francochamps a few years back where 1 person rented a G40.  Write up on the event here (takes a while for the photos to load fully):

 

 

 

[slowdude]

4 hours ago, Croc said:

 

Ginetta were supporting my UK Caterham for trackdays for up until last year after they bought Bookatrack.  So I got to try a few of their cars out on track.  Also a group of us went to Spa-Francochamps a few years back where 1 person rented a G40.  Write up on the event here (takes a while for the photos to load fully):

 

 

 

Shame I can't comment on the original post. Looked like a fantastic trip. Turn 10 always catches me in simulators with its decrease. Do you have any advice for it?

 

Pre-pandemic I was spending a decent amount of time in Europe for work and had the opportunity to do a few laps on the ring... a 7 at Spa is now higher on the list than it was. Great write up!