Moving to Australia? 5 Options for Keeping Your Classic Car

The prospect of relocating to Australia can be very exciting. But if you are a classic car enthusiast who wants to bring the true love of their life with them (don’t worry, we won’t tell your other half!), you might be wondering how you will arrange to get your cherished motor to the other side of the world.

We all know that classic cars aren’t just vehicles we like to look at and drive. They’re pieces of history that are often attached to memories and emotional investments. Like anything we love, we might want to keep them. And if we have to let them go, then we only want it to be a good home.

For this reason, before you book your flights, it’s worth knowing what your options are. Whether that is to ship, sell, store, or relocate your vintage pride and joy is ultimately up to you. But here’s what to expect if you decide to bring your classic car down under.

Can I Bring My Classic Car With Me When I Move to Australia?

First things first. Let’s set your mind at ease. Yes, you can absolutely import a classic car to Australia. However, there are a few boxes you’ll need to tick first.

The Australian government treats vintage and classic vehicles as imports under strict regulations. Subsequently, you’ll need to check the Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) process through the Department of Infrastructure.

To qualify, most classic cars must be over 25 years old, in original condition, and meet environmental and safety standards. You’ll also need to provide proof of ownership for at least 12 months before you apply for its transfer.

Once approved, your car must go through quarantine and compliance checks when it arrives in Australia. This includes a detailed inspection for biosecurity risks (for things like dirt, insects, or plant material) before it’s cleared. You might also have to make modifications to the vehicle to align with local standards. For instance, lighting or seatbelts.

Additionally, there are Australian car import duties and taxes to budget for. This includes import duty, Goods and Services Tax (GST), and possibly a Luxury Car Tax (LCT) if your classic is particularly valuable. The good news is that, once cleared, your ride can be registered and enjoyed on Australian roads.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Classic Car From the UK to Australia?

The cost of shipping your classic vehicle over from the UK depends on a few factors. This includes your chosen shipping method, the car’s size, and your chosen route. However, you can expect to pay between £3,000 and £7,000 at least for most imports.

Overall, there are two main shipping options:

• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): This is the cheaper method and involves your car being driven onto a ship and secured in a shared cargo area.
• Container shipping: A safer but pricier choice, this option protects your car from exposure to the elements and potential damage.

If this is something you want to do, you will also need to factor in insurance, customs fees, and quarantine charges.

Overall, the total time for shipping from departure to arrival usually takes around 8–12 weeks. However, once it lands in Australia, allow a few more weeks for clearance and registration.

What Are Your Options for Keeping a Classic Car When You Move to Australia?

If you’re unsure whether to ship, sell, or store your beloved classic car, here are five realistic options to consider.

Option 1: Ship Your Car to Australia

Shipping is the most obvious choice if you can’t imagine leaving the vehicle behind. Just keep in mind the aforementioned upfront costs of shipping a car from the UK to Australia.

Before choosing this option, think about registration, storage, and even getting a CTP insurance quote with NRMA Insurance, or another similar company, to protect your vehicle once it’s on Australian roads.

Option 2: Store It Safely in the UK

If you’re not ready to commit to spending the rest of your life in Australia. Or you aren’t sure about the logistics of shipping it over. Some classic car storage options in the UK might offer a good solution.

You’ll find facilities across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales that charge reasonable rates. Many even offer climate-controlled storage, battery maintenance, and insurance protection.

Option 3: Sell It Before Moving Abroad

Selling your car before relocating is often the most practical route if you’d rather not deal with shipping logistics or taxes. It is also a decent way to make some extra cash because the UK’s thriving vintage car market can help you secure a fair price before you go.

Make sure you use trusted dealers or platforms like Car & Classic if you want to go this route. They will offer the safest transactions, and sometimes even the best prices.

Option 4: Lend or Lease to a Collector

If you know a classic car collector in the UK, you could always lend or lease your vehicle to them while you’re in Australia. Doing this will ensure it stays in use and is properly maintained without the hassle of exporting or storing it.

Should you decide to do this, just make sure you draw up a legal agreement to protect your ownership.

Option 5: Use a Classic Car Relocation Service

Are you adamant about bringing your classic car to Australia, but don’t want to take any risks? Then, the best thing to do is to use the services of a specialist international car transport service.

They will help to simplify the process by handling the logistics, paperwork, and customs on your behalf. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s ideal for rare or high-value vehicles that deserve extra care.