Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22843 Location: UK

I received this question today, anyone care to share their opinions on the most popular US cars preserved over here?? not something I know much about really!! Smile

I do know that the import duty on 1950-on vehicles can make bringing cars into the UK a pricey experience..

"I was just wondering what the demand is like for cadillacs in the UK? Not new ones, but pre 70's cadillacs, convertibles and how much they go for. I live in the US, and some of my buddies have been restoring cadillacs and finding some great deals, and i thought it would be a good idea to sell them in England as they're pretty rare there.. or aren't they?? Just wanted to know your thoughts. Also in your opinion what would you say are the hardest american classics to get in england, the ones that there's a high demand for?"

RJ
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62rebel · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 10:41 pm Post subject:

don't you chaps have to have your LHD cars changed over to RHD to make them MOT legal? or are there exclusions? what about light lenses and window glass regs?

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22843 Location: UK

naa we can run LHD cars no problem here, lights I'm not sure about but I think the changes needed are few, if any on the older stuff? sure someone will know for definite Smile

R
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Old-Nail · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 853

I think the major thing is that Petrol (gas) is $11.00 a gallon over here so that stops many potential owners (such as me) from even thinking about importing an old V8.

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3382 Location: South Cheshire

You want to get a sidevalve like mine! he he

Dirty Habit · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 398 Location: West Midlands, UK

Dirty Habit · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 398 Location: West Midlands, UK

Old-Nail · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 853

If I could buy and run something like a 1950 Buick 48/53 Chevy, anything from that era really I'd be in my element Very Happy

LPG would seem to be the answer.

Uncle Joe · Guest

How would the rules affect someone visiting the UK?

My 1970 Lincoln has white front indicators, and red sequential rears. Would these be illegal if I drove it over?

Regarding the export of Caddys to the UK, it would probably be more worthwhile to export them, as well as other desirable cars to Sweden. There is a big demand here for top class US cars.

Job-Rated · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1010 Location: Sugarbeet County

Joe, I think you're okay for up to six months - it's only if you're going to be residing here permanently that you would need to alter anything on your car.

Having owned a few American cars, I can safely say that I would not want to go back to a RHD vehicle. Even on British roads.
Having the gear lever on my right just feels far more natural.

As for the types of American vehicle that are sought after or desirable over here, I would say that 30's, 40's, 50's & 60's pick-ups, sedans & coupes are all very popular. Surprisingly, the weathered look is also at the top of some people's lists, as are rat rods.
Late 60's/early 70's muscle cars are very popular aswell, even with our extortionate gas prices.
Pillarless cars, mainly 60's, are regarded in high esteem, too. Very pretty vehicles, these.
I've seen many Cadillacs of all ages over here, though not many pre 54/55s.
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Uncle Joe · Guest

It wouldnt be very difficult to change the fronts ove to amber, but it would mean going from standard. But to change the rears from red would be impossible.

One thing that does surprise me about the UK scene, this coming from mags such as Classic American, forums and so on, is the fact that there seems to be a predominance of late model vehicles. Is this correct or just a misconception?

Dirty Habit · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 398 Location: West Midlands, UK

Uncle Joe · Guest

The trouble with doing that is the fact that, in the case of my Lincoln, the rear indicators would be illegal anyway, as the reversing lights are to the left and right of the number plate, nad therefore I suppose to far awy from the edge of the car... Heres the photo:

Some late model Chrysler lights have to be modified when they get to the intended country. In the case of my NewYorker (a 96) the high brake light had to be remove, and converted to a reflector.

I always thought though that laws in the various EU countires regarding vehicles were supposed to be the same, or is that just another EU myth?

62rebel · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:38 am Post subject:

i did notice that while i was working for VW there were "extra" bulb locations in the taillights; it took an Air Force Officer to tell me why. VW was farsighted enough to provide the extra bulb hole for your "parking light" or "fog" light circuit, and didn't deem it necessary to remove it from our cars, only not to provide the wiring!
i'd imagine a sidevalve 6cyl Plymouth saloon would be quite a draw over there....

Uncle Joe · Guest

Do I take it you have a nice Plymouth for sale? Laughing