Regist erin g in th e UK

Registering an imported classic vehicle in the UK is relatively simple. Use the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) service within 14 days of the car’s arrival to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that you’re importing a vehicle; if it’s from another EU country then no VAT should be payable.

You’ll also need a completed V55/5 form available from the DVLA , the original non-UK registration document, insurance certificate (several UK insurers will be provide insurance cover using the chassis number until the car is registered), documents proving your name and address and a valid UK MoT certificate.

There is no need for Type Approval if your vehicle is over 10 years old. The fee for first registration is £55, plus the cost of taxing the vehicle. So, was it worth it? Well, factoring in the purchase price, insurance, travel, bureaucracy a conversion to right-hand-drive and everything else, the final cost was budgeted at a smidgen under the £4000 mark.

To some that might sound expensive for a base-model Mini, but we’d got a 31,000mile car with a whole lot of life left in it, and we enjoyed a memorable few days driving it home, too. So, if you’re up for an adventure, it’s well worth looking further afield... that is, if the Pound ever recovers...