Importing from America, simplified!

Having exported hundreds of vehicles from America to European and other international buyers, AutoClassix has the years of experience needed to safely and effectively import your next classic car. To simplify it even more all vehicle prices include free shipping from the Los Angeles, California port to the Rotterdam or Bremerhaven ports.

Buying your next classic car from America is not only becoming hugely popular, it’s downright smart! West coast American cars are simply some of the best preserved cars on the planet due to an abundance of owner’s having private garages, a frequently mild and sunny climate  and roads and freeways that are extremely smooth and easy on a car. Plus, due to preferable U.S. Dollar exchange rates, we can offer nicer cars at unbeatable prices.

Port Details

Rotterdam

This port generally has a friendlier and more organized personnel and lower VAT and duties costs on vehicles that are 25 years or older.

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Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven port is a well-known port for vehicle imports but can take longer and may be more complicated to get your vehicle customs cleared, which is a negative if you are personally picking up your car. This port DOES NOT have a duties discount for classic cars.

Q&A

I live in Europe, what port do you recommend having the car shipped to? Due to the reasons mentioned above, we highly recommend having it shipped to Rotterdam. They have a classic car duties discount, plus they clear vehicles faster and are generally easy to deal with on a professional level. Clearance is generally same-day. Whereas, Bremerhaven can take their time, sometimes more than 48 hours to clear your car.

How long does it take for my car to arrive into Rotterdam? Once your car is loaded into a container and placed on the cargo ship it takes almost exactly 30 days to arrive at the Rotterdam port. From there it takes 2-3 days for your car to be unloaded and ready for personal pickup or additional transportation to your residence.

What duties, VAT and other fees am I charged in Rotterdam?

• Just 6% VAT and  0% duties on cars 30 years or older

• 19% VAT and 10% import tax on cars newer than 30 years old

Both rates are based on the purchase price plus shipping costs from America to Rotterdam. Most Rotterdam port companies also charge a nominal unloading and administration fee of €300-€500.

For example: a 1972 Mercedes 350SL that you bought for  €9.000 and had a cost of €1000 for shipping to Rotterdam will have a total VAT and and import tax of €600. These taxes are usually paid indirectly by you through the port company that is responsible for unloading your car from the cargo ship. The title to the vehicle will be held by the port company until all fees are paid. These fees can be paid remotely with Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer, or in person.

Can I have my car transported from Rotterdam to my home? Yes, of course. Either AutoClassix or the port company in Rotterdam will be happy to arrange ground transport to any European country. Prices vary and depend on route and distance.

When do I receive my vehicle ownership documents (title, Bill of Sale)? The original ownership documents must be transported on the ship along with your car so they can be present upon your car’s arrival into Rotterdam. The port company then takes possession of the documents and will release them after VAT, duties and port company fees are paid in full. In the case you don’t personally pickup your car in Rotterdam the port company will have them delivered to your current mailing address while you car is transported to the location of your liking.

Is there a risk my vehicle will get damaged during shipment? There is always that risk, but we work hard to minimize that risk by only hiring very experienced, licensed and bonded transport companies who provide damage insurance with reasonable deductibles.

Is it worth all the trouble to buy my car from AutoClassix? First of all, we do practically all the work for you so there is really nothing left for you to do except wait for your car to arrive, which can make some people a little excited. However, to answer your question, IT IS WORTH IT simply because you are getting a superior car at a much reduced price. Nearly every classic or collector car we import gains instant equity once it crosses the ocean. West coast and California cars are some of the most desirable cars in the world, this means they are easier to sell and demand more money than similar cars for sale in Europe.

I plan to buy an American muscle car and import it into Germany, can I find parts and service for it? Any competent mechanic can repair a muscle car due to their engineering simplicity. Parts can be purchased on many American-based online parts stores. Contact us if you would like a referral.

I just want to be sure, does AutoClassix really include free shipping? Yes! Every car we sell includes free shipping from the Los Angeles, California port to the Rotterdam or Bremerhaven port.  All other taxes, fees, duties or additional ground transportation are your responsibility.