Thanks for the comments guys. I'm super happy with the way things turned out. I've bought a few cars from the States and haven't ever flown over for a look. Jeff was really helpful in sending me as many pictures and details as possible (and he'd already taken this video of it which made me fall in love with the sound of it at idle. Crank up the sound!!!)
Jeff also got involved in sorting out a typo I spotted on the title that would have caused major issues if it wasn't resolved before the purchase. I asked him what other parts needed replacing so that I could throw them into the container. He explained what had been updated or replaced over the past years and said it didn't need anything and to be careful driving it because "it's a beast". As Dad and I were on the way over to collect the car from the customs broker I suddenly became really nervous and hoped the car was what I'd expected. Jeff was right about the condition of the car and had probably been over critical in his description of the little flaws than you'd expect in an old car. It was good to go as soon as it was wheeled out of the container and other than burning my arm while fixing a broken sidepipe mount on Saturday, it's been flawless. Even the burn makes me smile, because it's proof that I've actually done something mechanical to the car. You see, I'm generally more inclined to drive cars than maintain them...
Kyle; lots of pitfalls in determining whether a car has sufficient documentation to gain import approval. If you're working with a seller who understands that things can't happen instantly it helps a great deal. I always start by trying to reassure people that I'm not a Nigerian scammer. That's a good start! The logistics of getting it over here are something that I'm pretty comfortable with. I've used Intercity Lines a few times now and they take care of the cars for overland transport. I also deal directly with a customs broker who normally works with companies bringing in dozens of cars, so that has helped with the price and ease of paperwork. This latest container was seized by US Customs and taken offsite for a cavity search (so to speak). Lucky that Jeff didn't throw in any free guns, cocaine or illegal immigrants into the Cobra or I would have been in all sorts of strife... It delayed shipping by a while and cost some more money, but to play you have to pay.
Dick; if your car comes to Queensland you'll be OK. If it goes interstate you may have to settle for a photo of the Opera House in New South Wales as proof that it's arrived. I'm not sure what symbolises Victoria. Mainly B-grade celebrities, sporting stadiums and cafes If it goes to Northern Territory, there will be headlines showing Boxhead being carted off to prison for being caught driving at double the current NT speed limit. Oh yeah, there might be a big red rock in the background...
Sambo; big block and side pipes are OK. No noise testing for the oldies.
Legless; I've already told Dick that his car would be a great addition (and I LOVE the EFI big block in there, the history and patina of the car), but 4 red Cobras in the family would be getting a bit carried away.
As it turned out yesterday at the Cobra breakfast, Dad's Arntz, the Contemporary, Digby's Robnell and Ron's RMC all looked like quadruplets with their ever so slight interpretations on the classic Rangoon Red!
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If it goes to Northern Territory, there will be headlines showing Boxhead being carted off to prison for being caught driving at double the current NT speed limit. Oh yeah, there might be a big red rock in the background...
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