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Importing Race Cars to Australia

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2018 4:38 pm
by DLRA
G'Day All,
I have had an enquiry from a Bonneville Racer, thinking about advertising his car here in the hope that someone will buy it and import it.
So who has had experience or has current knowledge of importing a race car to Australia?

To get the ball rolling, apart from the actual container costs ($4000), there would also be Asbestos Certification ($1500) and then Customs Duty, which would be dependant on the cost paid for the vehicle ($?).
Would it be imported under "Race and Rally Regulations"?
Are you better off to register as an individual to import your vehicle?
Or use an Agent?

Re: Importing Race Cars to Australia

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 9:05 am
by Cookey
Hi Greg,
I have used Rob Thompson here in Adelaide for my engines and parts over the years and found him to be very reliable & reasonable cost wise.
He imports cars, bikes & boats and has brought a few race cars in over the years. Check out his website.
https://www.hemi.com.au/importing_cars.html

Re: Importing Race Cars to Australia

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 9:09 pm
by Stayt`ie
I have used a company called "California Image" based on the Sunshine Coast (Brisbane) to import Motorcycle LandSpeed bodywork (3 x large boxes) out of LA, thay were good to deal with, their prices were reasonable and the stuff got here in a favourable time frame,, my understanding is that thay also import vehicles,,

Re: Importing Race Cars to Australia

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 11:19 pm
by Blacduc
I've imported bike and car parts and a mid 30's pickup at various times into the country through John Cain in Newcastle. The paperwork is relatively straight forward however that was prior to the asbestos rules being enforced. I am aware of a Bonneville race car being imported from the US previously that required DFAT approval and additional certification by the owners/importer that the vehicle would not never be re- purposed for road use. The process was relatively straight forward but that was back in 2010.

Re: Importing Race Cars to Australia

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2018 11:07 am
by Stayt`ie
Actually Californian Image are now known as "American Classic Imports" 8)

Re: Importing Race Cars to Australia

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 3:28 pm
by dolsonlelan
It is vitally important to Australian car dealerships that the government gives them total support and does not allow anything like a free market for car imports. The government says this is for safety and compliance readings. I suggest you check ACC customs clearancein Brisbane to help you with your customs. You can import a car from any where in the world to Australia. However getting it roadworthy and registered to be able to drive on Australian roads is another matter.

Re: Importing Race Cars to Australia

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 12:16 pm
by DLRA
From the Department of Infrastructure website

COVID-19 and Vehicle Imports
The following is an update on the department's arrangements surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The department is working to protect and support staff while continuing to deliver the critical programs and services of this department and portfolio agencies.

While we will continue to provide our essential services and keep things as normal as possible, we are conscious that things need to change as we adapt to new ways of doing business.

The department has a robust continuity plan in place and we have been testing our arrangements to ensure work from home measures are effective and provide minimal disruption to you and to the services we provide.

The department remains open and we have implemented measures to mitigate risks arising from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), particularly as we increasingly move ta home-based workforce.

We will continue to receive applications, undertake assessments and issue approvals via the:
Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS),
Vehicle Imports System (VIS); and
Registered Automotive Workshop system (RAWS)
We are testing our ability to run these systems remotely and are confident we can continue to provide a similar level of service while working remotely.
Remote working will impact our ability to manage our call centre, and we ask that you email your enquiries to the relevant area (see email links below), rather than make phone calls. Our client services team can assist you with your enquiry and call you back if required.
For Registered Automotive Workshop enquiries please email: raws.info@infrastructure.gov.au
For Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme enquiries please email: sevs@infrastructure.gov.au
For Vehicle Certification enquiries please email: VCS.ROADS@infrastructure.gov.au
For vehicle import enquiries please email: vimports@infrastructure.gov.au
For matters related to vehicle recalls, please email recalls@infrastructure.gov.au
We will also continue to monitor our other email inboxes that support your business as usual activities.
We thank you for your support and understanding as we work through these challenging times together. We will continue to maintain an open line of communication, and will provide timely updates if there are any material changes made tour working arrangements.

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/