Importing non-matching numbers car to EU (France)

[silverlock]

Has anyone had first hand experience importing a non-matching numbers car (e.g. a swapped motor) into France?

I know folks do this, but I’d love to get first hand advice on any additional scrutiny or risk that might play a part here.

Assessing a couple of build options for my SC and a swap to a bigger motor (3.4SS or 3.6 NVM) are on the table. Selling the car in the U.S. and buying another in Europe not on the table.

[proporsche]

Is it your 911- or you just bought it? If it is yours there is no tax in France if not there is a lot of logistics and paper work involved.Also it is good to know some peeps in France to help you.When i imported my 911 from California-living there in 2009...no tax for me drove on my CA plates for 1/2 year there after i got it changed to French plates...I do not think anybody ever checked for matching numbers on mine...Just, i had too big rims-8th and 9th, but the Porsche boss in Paris dealer helped me..saying i was legal with those....other that this all good.But my 911-is euro model...was looking for it for 4 years in CA back in 1990`s....got it in 1996...
To be honest..if you are not attached to your 911 ,sell it -you can always get one here in Europe..less hassle with the registration

Ivan

[silverlock]

It’s my current car. I’ve put a ton of work (and time) into it such that rebuilding a similar car in FR would be a pain, and probably net out more expensive with constantly escalating parts prices.

Good to know matching numbers didn’t come up.

[proporsche]

yes no number checked--just make sure you have euro rear lenses ..i would add the front fenders turn signal lights too.I used euro-Hella H4 front headlights with sugar scoops rims...if you need official info contact Franck Plecy - Responsable Homologations...
Ivan

[silverlock]

Super helpful, thanks. I have a H4 conversion with RoW/Euro front turn signals, but US tail light lenses (red+white only). Rear is an easy swap at least!

[Psychepilgrim]

Hello, I imported a 81 SC in 2019 with a 83 3.0 converted to MOTRONIC looking just like a 3.2.

It went relatively easy with the french customs even though like Ivan said it involved a lot of paper work...
All I had to pay was 5.5% VAT of the total amount declared car price + transportation, being a car over 30 years and myself a french citizen.
A lot of spare parts were hidden all over the car most of them in the trunk which they propably could get it to open!
Now when I think about it, the customs officers don't know nothing about cars so if your car is modified but looks stock you may get away with it.

Good luck with your importation process, will likely respond to MP if you need more info, Cyril.

[proporsche]

[QUOTE=Psychepilgrim;12397206]Hello, I imported a 81 SC in 2019 with a 83 3.0 converted to MOTRONIC looking just like a 3.2.

It went relatively easy with the french customs even though like Ivan said it involved a lot of paper work...
All I had to pay was 5.5% VAT of the total amount declared car price + transportation, being a car over 30 years and myself a french citizen.
..............................
Interesting Cyril ..i did not have to pay any VAT at all since i was the owner of the car for longer time in USA.Plus my 911 is Euro model helped too.You do not have to be French all you need is European citizenship even for France import--i still have my French driving licence and plates till today;-)

Ivan

[Schulisco]

I bought my US SC ready imported to Germany. So no personal experience.
What I heard: Consider using the right harbour. In the Netherlands Rotterdam ist the best harbour due to tax and toll payments. You can import a Vintage Car (30yrs at least old) toll free and pay a tax of 9% on the purchase price of the car. Don't know if this is different in France. In Germany you have to pay 19% tax and 10% toll afaik.
In top there will be transport costs, street legality mods, registration costs and repairs if any.

Thomas

[silverlock]

France is 5.5% VAT for cars > 30 years old (vs 20% for newer!), but I’m the long term owner of this car and if proporsche is right about skipping that altogether then great.

Build is going ahead on the original 3.0 block at this stage but good to know my options. I would have an importer take as much of the work off my hands as possible.

[H-viken]

In Sweden the rule is that if you have lived abroad and owned the car for more than one year then you import it for free when moving back to Sweden. Same as your furniture etc

Would assume similar in most other EU countries

Reg the engine I wouldn’t worry too much. The customs guys don’t care. The guys inspecting it before road registration might, but if it looks stock then likely you won’t have an issue. Ask around with the local car guys where to take it for inspection. Then come prepared. Bring only the paperwork you want them to see and just enough to get across the finish line. I.e make sure you get yourself familiar with the rules and know where to reference them. Some of these guys aren’t that well read on them

[proporsche]

silverlock..one more thing..fill your 911 with many many parts you will need -tax free- as well as your 911..I had mine to the roof..plus full trunk under the seat all the bolts and many other things;-)I used Shumacher company or you can use this one,West coast shipping- i am sure they have the same in the east of USA

Ivan