Importing & registering classics from Europe (LHD)

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PetAT

257 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#324485 15-Apr-2026 23:21

Hey everyone,

So I am moving back to NZ this year and bringing with me 2 of my favorite classic cars. Cars are all well over 20 years old, no rust, accidents or such.
They are for private use, have sentimental value to me, and I can't find them with same options (notably 5 or 6 speed manuals) and all the bells and whistles in the local or Australian market. So bringing them in is what I want really.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/importing-a-vehicle/2-complying-with-vehicle-standards-and-providing-evidence/importing-a-left-hand-drive-vehicle

The cars should fall under Category B: Light vehicles that are 20 years old or more and it seems an RHD conversion is not an absolute requirement either but the details surrounding the requirements are a bit misty. I asked the importer that is going to bring my household belongings into NZ. They said they can import the cars into NZ and do the customs clearance and drop it off at Fast Track NZ. I dont think they will have any trouble to pass these.

Long story short, the registration process of a LHD car is not well understood by me. 🤪

Does anybody here understand how that works or have any experience or know someone / expert / agent who does in matters of importing and registering such that I could discuss/hire?

pdh

498 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#3481211 16-Apr-2026 04:49

Well, there are lots of old US cars at the various classic car shows.
None appear to have been converted to RHD.

I imagine there are some Porsche / Ferrari classics from Europe - but I guess the $$ threshold is lower for US iron.

I know of a Chev that was purchased & imported about 6 months ago - but I don't know the kiwi owner.
I only know the Canadian guy who stored it for the vendor - for a few months before it left.
My Canadian friend remarked on it - as he's aware I live in NZ - and asked if I could find out if the car made it in one piece.

Most of the US cars I see here are in the 40-60 years old zone - but I don't know if that's regulation or easier DIY.

You could reach out to some of the commercial outfits I get googling :
'usa classic cars site:.nz'

Or try someone at https://www.americanclassiccarclub.org.nz

Someone will have practical tips about steam-cleaning, insurance, headlight lens, turn signals, etc.

PatClay

1 post

Wannabe Geek
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#3481234 16-Apr-2026 08:41

I imported a LHD car when I moved back, though it was ~15 years ago & rules do change.

As I understand it, the rule for cars over 20 is simple - no problems.

The process we followed (from memory) was:

Car arrives.

We pick up, put RHD lights on & drop at testing station (not WOF place).

They inspected it, gave plates & we are off to play.

A few points to be aware of: NZ is a lot more stringent on rust than most places, if there is any, you will likely be up for expensive repairs. Likewise if there has been previous crash damage, they will look to see if it has been repaired to NZ standards. If there is dirt on the underside of the car, it will need to be cleaned by the biosecurity people, this is expensive, go to town cleaning it before you leave. You will need new headlights ( they point a different direction). Have a look to see if it is cheaper to get them from the UK over here. Check to see if they have the same plug!

I would reach out to one of these & see if anything else is needed:

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/warrants-and-certificates/entry-certification

We were not charged GST on the import but only bought one in, not sure what the rules for 2 are. We did need to get a valuation for the GST owing if we sold it in 3 years - I think it was the local dealer who gave us that.

There is likely also a local club for your brand, get in touch with them, someone will have done the same.

Good luck

33coupe

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#3481307 16-Apr-2026 13:34

I've just been through a similar process as I've recently imported my 1933 Ford coupe. If your car is original / stock then I think you should be ok (disclaimer, I won't be held liable for any inaccuracy of that statement lol)

The process I was told was when it arrives, get a Vin number allocated, then take it to certifier to check. Once that is passed, it goes back to vin place for record completion, then to wof.

Mine only got as far as the certifier and was told it needs quite a lot of work due to engine modification (v8). Mine is on the backburner until funds allow

PetAT

257 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#3481709 17-Apr-2026 23:47

Cheers guys, that gives me a good grasp over it, Much appreciated and I will update this topic on my further findings, experience and such.

ilovemusic

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#3490004 11-May-2026 23:15

What cars are you bringing back ?

nztim

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#3490020 12-May-2026 08:21

ilovemusic:

What cars are you bringing back ?

That's what I want to know too :)

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Rikkitic

Awrrr
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#3490052 12-May-2026 09:21

For what it's worth, I have a friend who was bringing older cars from America for awhile, mostly trucks and 70s muscle cars. He had to do the things mentioned above but never had any issues getting the vehicles licensed here. After a few times he had it all down to a routine.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos