Page 1 of 4
Buying a classic in France
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 6:25 pm
by 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
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 7:13 pm
by 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
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 8:22 pm
by 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.
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 8:41 pm
by SirTainleyBarking
Sold as scrap on a trailer?
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 10:49 pm
by choubaka
Seems it's not allowed either.
The fine is up to 75,000 EUR.
Anyone bought a classic in France?
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:48 am
by 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)..
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:50 am
by rich.
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 2:29 pm
by 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?
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 5:09 pm
by 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??
Re: Buying a classic in France
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:34 pm
by TerryG
Conveniently the DVLA are actually quite helpful with registering foreign cars (or cars in general for that matter)
Handy Link
Mr DVLA wrote:
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.