American Cars

American cars have a genuine and growing following in the UK, but private sellers have had nowhere dedicated to list one — the UK's American car scene is built almost entirely around import dealers, specialist shops, and generic "we buy any car" services, none of which are set up for someone who simply wants to sell their own American car privately. The Ford Mustang leads UK demand by a clear margin: the first-generation Mustang (1965–73) is America's most popular classic car export, with more than 20,000 shipped abroad over the past decade, and the UK alone has taken in more than 2,300 of them. Full-size American trucks — F-150s, Rams, Silverados — are a newer and fast-growing presence on UK roads too, supported by a growing network of specialist importers. Whether it's a classic muscle car project, a modern truck, or something in between, theRestohub gives American car owners a dedicated place to list — no fees, no dealer markup, just genuine buyers.

What to Look for in an American Car Project

Import history and paperwork matter more with American cars than with UK-market vehicles. Check whether the vehicle has already completed Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) and ask for evidence that VAT and customs duty were correctly declared through HMRC's NOVA system if it was privately imported rather than dealer-sourced. On classic muscle cars, check the trunk floor, rear quarter panels, and frame rails carefully for rust, particularly on cars that spent years in the US before import. Left-hand drive is standard on almost all American imports and rarely converted, so confirm both buyer and seller are comfortable with LHD before agreeing a sale. On modern trucks, confirm UK-specific modifications — such as headlamp beam pattern changes and rear fog lamp fitment — were completed as part of IVA compliance, since these are commonly required and easy to overlook.

American Car Import & Running Costs: What to Budget

Import costs are one of the most misunderstood parts of American car ownership in the UK, and the exact rate depends on the vehicle's age, type, and origin — treat any single flat percentage quoted online with caution. GOV.UK confirms that VAT and customs duty rates vary by vehicle type and origin, and recommends checking directly with a shipping company, customs agent, or HMRC. As a general guide, most privately imported vehicles are liable for both duty and VAT, though older vehicles, personal relocations (Transfer of Residence), and EU-origin vehicles with valid proof of origin can qualify for reduced or zero rates. Beyond duty and VAT, budget for shipping, UK registration through the DVLA, and an IVA test if the vehicle isn't already UK type-approved. Once landed, running costs for the most common models (Mustang, Camaro, F-150, Ram) are manageable, since decades of high US production mean parts remain widely available even in the UK.

Classic Muscle vs Modern American Trucks: Which Project Is Right for You?

Classic muscle cars — Mustang, Camaro, Charger, Corvette — carry the strongest cultural recognition and resale value in the UK; the first-generation Mustang alone accounts for over 2,300 UK imports in the past decade, making it by far the most established classic American car in terms of UK parts and specialist support. Modern American trucks (F-150, Ram, Silverado) suit buyers who want a usable daily project rather than a garage queen, and are a newer, growing segment on UK roads — though buyers should budget time and cost for IVA approval and UK-specific modifications. If you want the most recognisable, best-supported American classic, a Mustang is the safest starting point; if you want something more practical to drive day-to-day, a modern truck project is a genuinely growing route in.

Selling Your American Car

If you've got an American car, truck, or project you're ready to move on from — imported, home-built, or bought as a project that never got finished — theRestohub gives you somewhere dedicated to list it, built specifically for private sellers rather than dealers or cash-buyer services that lowball on price. No listing fees, and buyers who understand what LHD, import paperwork, and project condition actually mean.

Frequently Asked Questions