cars across the border

What is involved in bringing a replica into Canada (or shipping it out to Canada) from the States? Anyone have any experience with that?
I'm wondering about title, customs, taxes, etc. How difficult is it to license a replica made in the US in Canada?

I've just started looking to buy one.

Thanks,

Robert Carley

Robert
Iam from Ottawa Ontario Canada...searching for the same
treasure...and asking myself the same questions...Help us somebody...

Gary

I have some bad news for you.....You no longer can bring any replica cars from the U.S. into Canada. I think Transport Canada put this restriction on a couple of years ago. This really limits the market in Canada since we cannot look to the U.S. I researched it a bit prior to buying my speedster. I live in Canada and was able to find a used one in Victoria. Check in the classifieds under 78 intermeccanica from Dec 10. This is a beautiful car for sale....in Canada.

Henry, at Intermeccanica, will often have cars on consignment. Try giving him a call 604-872-4747 or fax 604-877-1533. I haven't seen the 78 that is for sale, but I have talked, via email, to the owner. From what he tells me the car is in excellent shape, and he's upgraded the car considerably over the past few years (I talked to him before he decided to sell his car). The car is situated in Surrey or Langley, which is just east of Vancouver. I live about 60 kilometres further east.

I have tried to contact the owner of the 78 Intermeccanica. I hope to be able to reach him soon.

Thanks for all the postings with the helpful information. I will also try Intermeccanica themselves to see what they have.

Cheers

Robert Carley
Guelph, Ontario

Hey canadian tub lovers, just wanted to thank Tim and Ron for the positive feedback on my Speedster.
I have contacted Robert and sent a few pictures his way.
Thanks again guys, and keep up the love for these wonderful little cars.

Cletus

I am not sure if it is correct that you can't bring them in from the States. You will though need to simply check with the liscence bureau. I bought one recently in Toronto in August 2002 and it still isn't plated. Now mostly because it's winter here in Quebec City. But, I needed to get the car verifies at a government garage for road worthiness. Then needed to bring it to the QPP to inspect the serial number (which was missing). They applied new numbers. Then after all this towing around over the free time I had. I received a letter saying that it was missing a sun visor on the drivers side. HUH? So I went to CDN TIRE and bought one of those clip-on green ones that just magically fit on the windshield frame. So then it had to be towed back to the inspection place. Now it's passed......but there was a form missing. Just got it the other day. I will try to plate it tomorrow. Look out baby.

So, I guess you need to work with the liscence bureau and be patient and prepared. You will not pay duty coming from the US but you will need to pay GST and Provincial Tax.

I know on the Transport website it lists cars that can and cannot be imported into Canada from the U.S. with various models listed, etc.

Any car over 15 years old (based on month/year of manufacture) can be imported without difficulty.

Any Kitcar less than 15 years old cannot be imported.

So, my interpretation is that a replica on a VW chassis with a VIN prior to 1987 and registered as a VW should be okay, or any replica that is registered as a 'replica' but with a year prior to 1987.

RJC

After a few phone calls to Transport Canada, I was told that any kit car must have been assembled more than 15 years ago (from the date of importation) to be brought across the border, regardless of the year of the VIN.

Therefore, a Speedster built on yesterday's date 15 years ago can be imported to Canada.

Hope this helps some of the other Canadian listers who are looking for a speedster replica.

Robert Carley

Robert
I'm still looking for you, out on the Wet Coast. Its been strange, in that there has been nothing for sale (except for Cletus' car) for a LONG time. I did find another guy, though, who wants to BUY a speedster replicar. If a newer one comes on the market, out here, you have to act fast...they usually don't last very long. And that makes it tought when you're thousands of kilometres away. Don't forget to check the Auto Trader out for Calgary/Edmonton area.
Ron

Having just brought a Speedster into Canada, through U.S. and Canadian customs, I now have a good idea of what is needed. It takes some effort, but not as much as what I had anticipated.

Anyone who wants to find out what is required, etc., give me an email and I can fill them in.

I bought the 1978 Intermeccanica that Ed Bazydlo had advertised on this site. It's a lovely speedster, and Ed was great to work with, as he had to take some extra steps to make it all work.

Robert Carley
Campbellville, Ontario.

Congrats Robert! These cars are great fun. Glad to see you finally found one. Tim.

I am located in Burnaby, BC, and am also looking to purchase a Speedster. I have talked with Henry, and would love to get an IM, but they are so expensive. I have also looked at JPS and am considering both his new cars and his rolling kits. If I can't import one into Canada however, that certainly makes the decision easier. I guess I would need to look at either a new IM or a used one in Canada. What is confusing me is the Crazy-Toyz guys in Ontario who are selling imported Vintage Speedsters. I found them on Ebay and have called and talked to them. They have 3 cars for sale. cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2414656759&category=6428 I am wondering how they did that if Transport Canada is not allowing new replicas into Canada? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ron