Buying a classic in France

[choubaka]

I have found a classic I like in France but the owner says it isn't possible anymore to buy a car in France without a "controle technique" (MoT) because he would face a fine.

I see all the time old non running classics crossing the channels, how do they do it?

Thanks to anyone who can help

[rich.]

most cars are sold with the ct (mot) less than 6 months old but there are loads of cars sold for spares/renovation.. do you need help with translation?
pics please

[choubaka]

No I am ok with translation, thanks

Apparently the problem is that it is not legal to sell a car without MoT in France and the car is not running so impossible to get a MoT.

[SirTainleyBarking]

Sold as scrap on a trailer?

[choubaka]

Seems it's not allowed either.

The fine is up to 75,000 EUR.

Anyone bought a classic in France?

[rich.]

i bought my rx7 a few years ago without ct/anything. it was on english plates & i picked it up with a trailer.. ive sold a few cars but they have all had the ct, my old tipper had 2 weeks ct & was sold with english plates... i have a mate who renovates old bangers & buys wrecks etc & he never seems to have any problems.. if you search on le bon coin there are several cars sold without ct.. biggest problem i have found is if there is no carte grise (logbook)..

[rich.]

look here
http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/731943947.htm?ca=18_s

[choubaka]

All right, so it is forbidden but everybody does it

And what about crossing the border. Is it possible without carte grise? Can a "lettre de cession" be enough for French and British Customs?

[rich.]

thats one you will have to try.. id have thought you would need the carte gris to register the car back in blighty, you had best contact the dvla for advice...keep us informed on how you get on what are you going to buy??

[TerryG]

Conveniently the DVLA are actually quite helpful with registering foreign cars (or cars in general for that matter)
Handy Link

5. Registering an imported vehicle

You need to register any vehicle that you’re importing into the UK permanently.

You can get a vehicle import pack from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to register an imported vehicle.

How to register

Follow the instructions for registering a new vehicle or use one of the registration schemes for the motor trade.

You’ll need to send the original foreign registration certificate to show when the vehicle was manufactured (you won’t get this back).

You may be able to prove the date another way if you don’t have this, eg with a letter from the manufacturer or a vehicle enthusiast club.

You’ll also need to provide:
proof of Mutual Recognition or type approval or an exemption from it
form V267 if the vehicle is new
evidence showing the date the vehicle was collected, eg the invoice from the supplier

Send original documents, not photocopies or faxed copies.

DVLA may ask to see the vehicle to check its identity.