From our Blog
How Importing a Classic Car Can Double or Triple Its Value in Australia
In this guide, we explore why classic cars from around the world hold such appeal in Australia, demystify the importation process, and share practical advice to maximise your investment. Whether you’re eyeing a legendary Jaguar, a pristine MG, or a vintage Rolls Royce, understanding the advantages and nuances can make all the difference.
Table of Contents
Classic cars inspire admiration globally, captivating enthusiasts, collectors, and investors alike. For Australians, importing a classic car from the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Africa, Europe, and beyond offers a unique opportunity — not just to own an iconic piece of automotive history but to potentially double its value through strategic importation, restoration, and market demand.
Why Classic Cars Worldwide Are So Valuable in Australia
Australia’s classic car market prizes rarity, authenticity, and the stories certain imported vehicles carry. Many such vehicles were never mass-imported or produced locally, meaning Australian collectors eagerly pay premium prices for:
- Scarcity: Limited global availability pushes values up over time.
- Authenticity: Cars arriving with original parts, documents, and history are highly prized by restorers, collectors and buyers.
- Passion: A strong international collector community fuels ongoing demand for timeless classics.
Classic Cars as a Modern Investment Strategy
In today’s market, classic cars are becoming one of the most promising alternative investment assets. Unlike shares or property, which fluctuate with market trends and interest rates, classic cars represent tangible, timeless assets that steadily appreciate in value. Their limited production, rarity, and emotional appeal make them resilient to short-term volatility.
Many automotive investors consider classic cars a “driveable investment” — an asset that not only increases in value but also offers the personal enjoyment of ownership. High-demand models, particularly British and European marques such as Jaguar, Porsche, BMW, and Aston Martin, have consistently outperformed traditional investment returns over recent years.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
For those seeking diversification, classic car importing offers Australians the opportunity to capture significant returns while participating in a passion-driven, collectible market. With SEA GO’s expertise in sourcing, compliance, and shipping, clients can invest confidently — knowing their future classic is both a lifestyle choice and a long-term appreciating asset.
The Easy and Exciting Import Process for Classic Cars
Importing classic cars into Australia is one of the easiest types of vehicle importation due to the 25-Year-Rule Scheme. Unlike other vehicles, classic cars don’t require owning it for 12 months, nor is RAWS or SEV certification mandatory if the car is over 25 years old and largely original.
You simply need to provide an invoice, detailed vehicle photos, and basic information to apply for a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) using the streamlined process.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Learn more about VIA here: Vehicle Import Approvals: All You Need to Know.
How Importing Classic Cars Can Extremely Increase Their Value
- Access Rare or Unavailable Models: Many unique or limited edition classics from the UK and other countries are yet to find solid footing in Australia.
- Maintain Originality: Cars with verified provenance and original factory options retain higher values in the Australian market.
- Specialist Restoration: Restoring imported classics with reputable workshops focused on authenticity raises resale potential.
- Capitalise on Collector Demand: Australia’s enthusiastic classic car scene with events and clubs supports steady growth in value.
Cost Considerations When Importing Classic Cars
- Shipping: Container shipping offers premium protection, with SEA GO’s shared container (R-Rak) providing a cost-effective and safe option.
- Taxes:
- GST (10%) and Import Duty (5%) usually apply.
- Cars older than 30 years are Import Duty exempt.
- UK-manufactured classics benefit from Import Duty exemptions under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
- Quarantine: Strict Australian biosecurity means vehicles must be professionally cleaned to prevent costly quarantine cleaning and treatment delays.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Personalised cost breakdowns are available via UK to Australia Car Import & Shipping Costs.
Steps to Import Your Classic Car
Step 1: Identify Your Desired Vehicle
Locate reputable sellers globally — UK, Japan, Europe, Hong Kong, Africa, New Zealand — ensuring the classic’s condition and history.
Step 2: Prepare for Shipping
Choose RoRo for operable cars or container shipping for delicate or non-running vehicles. SEA GO’s R-Rak system offers a premium shared container service.
Step 3: VIA Application
Submit the Vehicle Import Approval application via ROVER with required documents: invoice, photos, and vehicle details. SEA GO can manage this step for you.
Step 4: Ship and Track
SEA GO handles VIA applications, vehicle pickup, transport logistics, international shipping, customs clearance, and live shipment tracking.
Step 5: Quarantine, Release & Registration
Upon Australian arrival, complete quarantine inspection and customs formalities. Final compliance and registration make your classic legal for Australian roads.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Detailed Legal & Compliance Resources
For official guidance on importing classic vehicles, see Importing a road vehicle in Australia.
Protecting and Maximising Your Classic Car Investment
- Maintain regular mechanical and cosmetic care.
- Keep detailed service and history documentation.
- Join Australian classic car clubs and networks for support and valuation insights.
- Obtain comprehensive classic car insurance covering shipping, restoration, and road use.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What defines a classic car for Australian import?
A vehicle 25 years or older typically qualifies under classic import legislation.
Q2: Are RAWS or SEV approvals needed for classics?
No. Under the 25-Year-Rule Scheme, RAWS and SEV are not required for cars older than 25 years.
Q3: Can I import a non-operable classic car?
Yes. Container shipping is recommended for non-running or restoration projects.
Q4: Are imported classic cars subject to import duty?
Cars older than 30 years are duty-exempt. UK imports benefit from duty exemptions under the UK-Australia FTA.
Q5: How long does VIA approval take?
Typically 15–20 business days with complete applications.
Q6: Is quarantine inspection strict on classics?
Yes. Vehicles must be professionally cleaned to avoid quarantine cleaning/treatment and delays.
Q7: Can SEA GO manage the import end-to-end?
Yes. SEA GO offers full shipping, VIA application, customs clearance, and compliance management.
Q8: How can I verify a classic car’s authenticity?
Request detailed history and provenance reports and consult recognised classic car clubs.
Q9: Does restoration increase value?
Professional restoration significantly enhances classic vehicle value.
Q10: What is the best shipping option for classics?
Container or SEA GO’s R-Rak shared container provides superior protection versus RoRo for classics.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
For over 30 years, SEA GO International has been passionate about getting vehicles anywhere in the world, safely and efficiently. Our team offers a full range of services, from secure containerised shipping to innovative solutions like R-Rak.
- Import & Export Shipping
- Shared Container Service (R-Rak)
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Caravan Shipping
- Vehicle Import Approvals (VIA)
- Vehicle Valuations
- Customs Clearance
