Importing Classic Cars from the USA: Rules, Taxes, and Challenges in South Africa

There’s something about classic cars that makes people go a little weak in the knees. A ’67 Mustang fastback rumbling down the road, a Chevrolet Bel Air gleaming under the sun, or a Cadillac Eldorado with tail fins that look like they were designed by someone with a flair for the dramatic. For South Africans who have fallen in love with American classics, the idea of owning one isn’t just about transportation—it’s about nostalgia, identity, and sometimes a statement of taste.

But if you’ve ever looked into actually bringing one of these beauties across the Atlantic, you’ll know it’s not as simple as wiring money and waiting for a ship to arrive. South Africa’s import rules can be tricky, taxes might make your eyes water, and unexpected challenges tend to sneak up at the worst possible time. I’ll walk you through the essentials, share a few pitfalls, and even sprinkle in some stories of what I’ve seen enthusiasts go through.

Why Import from the USA Anyway?

Before diving into paperwork and tariffs, it’s worth asking: why the USA?

The short answer—supply. America has one of the largest pools of classic cars in the world. Whether you’re looking for muscle cars, pickups, or 1950s cruisers, chances are you’ll find more options (and often better-preserved examples) there than in South Africa. The dry states—Arizona, Nevada, California—are especially known for vehicles with minimal rust.

Price also plays a role. While not always cheap, classics in the US can sometimes be more affordable than local finds, particularly if you’re chasing a very specific make or model. A friend of mine once compared it to shopping for antiques: you can spend years poking around local flea markets hoping to stumble upon the right thing, or you can go directly to the biggest antique fair in the world.

That said, the attraction sometimes glosses over the harder reality: just because you found a dream car listed for $25,000 in Texas doesn’t mean it will land in Durban for anything close to that figure.

South Africa’s Rules: What You Need to Know

The government doesn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for classic car imports. On paper, South Africa has fairly strict regulations around bringing in used vehicles, and cars don’t just slip through customs because they happen to look stylish in chrome.

The Vintage Exemption

The key rule to know is that South Africa generally bans the import of used vehicles—except under certain exemptions. One of the most important is for classic and collectible vehicles. Usually, cars older than 40 years can be considered classics, though some exceptions apply if a vehicle is rare or of special historical interest.

Even so, you’ll need to apply for a special import permit through the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC). This isn’t just a rubber-stamp exercise. Officials will want proof that your car qualifies as a “classic” and isn’t simply a cheap used import masquerading as one. Sometimes they ask for documentation from recognized car clubs or historical records.

Roadworthiness and Left-Hand Drive

Another catch: left-hand drive. South Africa does not allow left-hand drive vehicles to be registered for normal road use unless they’re over 40 years old and recognized as collectible. That rules out a lot of 1980s or early 90s “modern classics” unless you’re content to keep them for shows only.

Even if the age box is ticked, the car must still pass a roadworthy test. That can be easier said than done when dealing with a 1960s American car designed to US standards, not South African ones. Some enthusiasts have shared stories of chasing down obscure parts just to satisfy local inspectors—like amber indicators or specific types of seatbelt fittings.

Taxes and Duties: The Part That Stings

This is where the dream often meets the harsh light of reality. Importing a classic car can be done, but the financial side often catches newcomers off guard.

Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:

Import duties: For passenger cars, South Africa charges around 25% duty.

Ad valorem tax: A luxury tax that applies to vehicles based on their value—this can be brutal for high-value classics. The higher the price, the steeper the percentage.

VAT: Currently 15%, calculated not just on the purchase price, but on the total landed cost (which includes shipping and duties).

To give you a scenario: imagine buying a ’69 Camaro for $30,000. By the time you add $3,000 shipping, plus duties, plus VAT, you might easily be looking at the equivalent of $50,000 or more once it’s parked in your driveway.

I’ve spoken to people who admitted they spent more on taxes and duties than on the car itself. It doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it—some classics appreciate in value or are simply priceless to their owners—but it’s a financial punch you need to anticipate.

Common Challenges Along the Way

Even if you’ve budgeted for duties and secured an import permit, there are other headaches that crop up.

Shipping Delays

Classic cars are often shipped in containers for protection. That’s generally safer than roll-on/roll-off shipping, but containers can sit at ports longer than expected. I know of one collector whose Corvette spent nearly three months sitting in New Jersey due to a dockworker strike.

Documentation Snags

If the paperwork from the US seller isn’t airtight—clear title, proof of ownership, export documents—you could find yourself stuck. South African customs isn’t known for leniency when something looks off. A missing stamp can snowball into weeks of delay.

Unexpected Repairs

Many enthusiasts underestimate how much wear and tear can happen in transit. Tires deflate, batteries die, seals leak. A freshly restored Buick that looked pristine in Houston may roll off the container with a fuel line issue. That’s not necessarily the shipping company’s fault—it’s just the reality of moving machines across oceans.

Stories from the Garage

I’ll never forget chatting with a man in Johannesburg who imported a Dodge Charger R/T. He told me that by the time the car was in his garage, he’d paid nearly double what he had originally budgeted. But when he fired it up, he just grinned and said: “Worth every cent. You can’t put a price on that sound.”

Contrast that with another enthusiast who bought what he thought was a “solid” Mustang off an online auction site. When it arrived, the rust was far worse than the pictures suggested. By the time he paid for restoration, he could have bought a locally available one in better shape. His takeaway? Always, always get an independent inspection before buying overseas.

Is It Still Worth It?

That’s the million-rand question. Importing a classic car from the USA to South Africa is possible, legal (under the right exemptions), and can be deeply rewarding. But it’s rarely cheap or straightforward.

For some, the hassle and expense make no sense. They’d rather hunt locally or attend auctions in Europe, where import rules may be less strict. For others, the challenge is part of the story—the paperwork, the taxes, the setbacks. It all becomes part of the journey toward owning a piece of rolling art.

If you ask me, it comes down to mindset. If you’re doing it purely as an investment, the math may not add up. But if you’ve been dreaming of a Plymouth Barracuda since you were a teenager, and you know exactly what you’re getting into, then the process—though frustrating—can still feel like magic.

Final Thoughts

Classic cars occupy a strange space in South Africa’s regulations: technically discouraged by the broad ban on used imports, yet still celebrated under the vintage exemption. The taxes will bite, the shipping may test your patience, and the red tape can feel endless.

And yet, year after year, people keep bringing them in. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it to hear the rumble of Detroit iron on South African soil.

If you’re considering it, do your homework, budget more than you think you’ll need, and prepare for a journey with as many twists as a winding coastal road. And when you finally turn the key for the first time, you’ll understand why people put themselves through all of it.

Published on: Sep 11, 2025

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