Run & Gun 2002 16th to 19th September St Louis USA

[Mike Viney]

Having seen Wilf's terrific posts on his visit to the US I thought I would mention another event which might be worth going to. Held at the Gateway International Raceway (north of St Louis) over three days in Sept. Some detail can be found at WWW.GESSFORD.COM I've no idea if the event is as big as the one Wilf went to but if it takes three days and is on an oval used by NASCA etc it can't be too shabby. Spured on by Wilf's adventure I'm certainly giving it some thought.

[robert]

Who wants to find out the shipping costs of a GD to the states and back??? I need a holiday.

Robert
Forum Admin

http://www.cobraclub.com/flags/UK.gif

[wilf]

Normally, a 40 foot container costs around $2000 one way, thats without handling/clearance charges etc, and to port of entry only. I guess for a single car a 20ft container would suffice, so a bit less, but not by much.
We got any shipping agents on the forum can add more? Or even better, any USAF guys need a load?

I don't (yet) know what else is involved in temporarily importing a cobra to the US, but I shall find out, since I WILL be going to DVSFIII next year, and assuming I win the lottery in the interim, so will my car.

Run & Gun is another great meet, can't make it myself as I have other committments.

Happy Wilf

[Mike Viney]

Roll on/ Roll off Liverpool to Newark (5 days) about $1000 five years ago. Dead easy and same back. Alternatively QE2 and play the casino to cover expenses!

[STOMPER]

If any of you lads are thinking of using the container method, make sure the car is strapped down front and at the rear.The jag hand brake does not hold
the car in position, I have recently seen a cob with the front and rear damaged where it move in the container.
Not wanting to put any one off.
Regards
Paul.

[StuartH]

When I nearly moved to the US last year, I investigated the possibilty of importing my car with the help of a very nice chap called David Kirkham, though this was for permanent import to California, I guess tempory import may be the similar? Not possible to import a whole car unless it is a classic however you can take the engine out and import it as secondhand parts, put the engine back in - then do registration as per any other kit - easy compared to an SVA (except for the tricky california emmisions testing)

Stuart

[pcoghlan]

Alll,

I lived in Dallas for a year and investigated taking my '99 BMW 840 out there. If you have the car in the US for less than a year you avoid taxes and more importantly emissions issues. You need to show them proof that you intend to take it back out. A booked return crossing would be fine.

Beware of 'ro-ro' (roll-on, roll-off) shipping. I shipped some corvettes and the batteries are all removed due to fire hazards etc. The battery you get back is likely a random choice! I also saw many examples where tyre/wheels were different at the far end(!). Best thing to do is take photos of the car at the local and distant end in case you have insurance issues.

To be honest I would suggest save your money, contact a classic car hire place, fly to the local airport and turn up in something else. Not ideal but you could drive a 57 Chevy convertible for a LOT less.

If you opt to ship and value your beast go for a container but the $$$ will add up. Insurance used to be @£200-£300 per crossing from memory.

I used to ship cars in from the US to the UK and found Southampton to be a good port in the UK. Maybe from there into New Jersey and drive from there, @850 miles?

I am SERIOUSLY considering the September event. Anyone else heading out there let me know.

May be a good opportunity to buy some bits, get some build ideas and generally be a producive trip, honest! :+

Paul