Importing from UK
 

Anyone had any experience on importing incomplete builds from UK or pre 89 registered vehicles?

Cobra 427 Sumo Replica for sale, classic cars for sale uk (Car: 141970)

Sovereign Car Sales has some good used cars but the cheapest I've seen through this company is around GBP27,000 (A$44k) excluding shipping etc so probably low $50k (cheaper to have one built turn key).

Interested to know if anyone has had any experiences with cars from UK?

I've ordered the "The Complete Guide to Cobra Replicas" thanks to Merv's post so it's becoming clearer what I'm going to do.

Just as another question (to save posting another thread) I've been reading the South Australian "Individually Constructed Vehicles" manual. And I haven't fallen asleep yet but I don't get it...

For engines to get RWC, it refers to ADR 37/01 which basically is a fit for purpose section stating fundamentals (not being a mechanic it makes sense to me which means something's wrong). It basically says that;
1. The engine needs to run on unleaded petrol and appropriately labeled
2. Tested in accordance to ADR 37/01 (which doesn't have guidelines apart from what I have detailed?)
3. Engine to remain standard as manufactured and incorporate all design features/ components originally fitted to that engine (would suggest that you could never put in an imported engine but then has a sub clause that imported engines can be accepted under ADR 37/01?)
4. Retain components such as catalytic converter
5. Crank case gases are not permitted to escape into the atmosphere

So what am I missing regarding engines and emissions?

Hi SeanO,

Not sure what you mean by "cheaper to have one built turn key" ? (vs >50k)

Most guys here who are doing the building themselves are spending 50-70K including paint (and some a good deal more). A complete turn-key car built for you will cost you a good deal over 100K

I have phoned a few local kit builders whom have built these before and have advised that if good second hand parts are found I could have one built for $50 to 55k for a budget build that I can modify later.

Even on the the g-Force website a complete build could come in between $60 to $65k.

You get what you pay for obviously and to benchmark pricing is one thing but I need to detail what it is I am getting for this specifically, like I am designing a house but on wheels....

No disrespect to Sumo owners but is this kit up to the standard of what you can buy in OZ?

It seems that you can register anything in the UK!


Ben

I can remember being so optimistic too...

If someone can build you one for 50k they would have to be literally bolting used parts straight on with no paint and old bearings and bushes. You will have a new car with 30 year old Jag parts unrefurbished. You could get a used one for that price though.

I have done absolutely everything myself on my car accept the drive shafts and expect to come in around the 40k mark. That includes buying the kit second hand and making my own fuel tank and windscreen frame. 10k wouldnt come close to covering labour. I have been told that spray jobs with stripes are $15k plus.

Treeve on this forum has experience with trying to import an unfinished kit from the UK.