Your Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about importing a classic Land Rover from the UK.
About Importing
Can I import a Land Rover from the UK to the USA?
Yes. Vehicles that are 25 years old or older are eligible for import to the US under the 25-year exemption rule. This exempts them from EPA and DOT regulations, making the process significantly more straightforward than importing a newer vehicle.
Why 25 years?
US federal law, the Motor Vehicle Safety Compliance Act, allows vehicles 25 years old or older to be imported without needing to meet current EPA emissions or DOT safety standards. This is the 25-year rule, and it is what makes importing classic vehicles from overseas entirely legal and financially viable.
Which Land Rover models can be imported?
Any Land Rover model that is 25 years old or older. In practice, this currently includes:
- Series I, II and III (all years)
- Defenders up to model year 2001 (and earlier)
- Early Range Rovers (pre-2002)
- Discovery Series 1 and 2
The most popular models for US buyers are the Defender 90, Defender 110 and Series III.
Can I import a post-1997 Defender?
Defenders from 1998 and later cannot currently be imported under the 25-year rule as they have not yet reached the 25-year threshold. Post-1997 Defenders can only be imported if they have been substantially modified to meet US safety and emissions standards, a very costly process. Each year, more model years become eligible.
Is right-hand drive legal in the US?
Yes. Right-hand drive vehicles are legal to own and drive in all 50 US states. Many buyers actually prefer the original RHD configuration as it adds to the authenticity and character of the vehicle.
About the Process
How long does the import process take?
From initial enquiry to delivery, the typical timeline is 10 to 16 weeks. This includes sourcing (2 to 4 weeks), any restoration work (variable), shipping from the UK (4 to 6 weeks), and customs clearance and registration (2 to 3 weeks). We keep you updated at every stage.
Do I need to do anything myself?
Very little. We handle sourcing, purchase, restoration, shipping, customs, title and delivery. You will need to provide some standard personal information for registration purposes, but we guide you through that when the time comes.
Can I visit the UK to choose my vehicle in person?
Absolutely, and some clients do. We are happy to arrange a sourcing trip where we accompany you to view vehicles in the UK. Many clients also trust us to source on their behalf based on a detailed brief, with full photographic documentation provided before any purchase is made.
How do you ship the vehicles?
We ship vehicles in enclosed containers to protect them during transit. Our primary port of entry is Miami, but we can arrange delivery to any US port. Vehicles are professionally loaded and secured for the Atlantic crossing.
About the Vehicles
Are the vehicles in good condition?
Yes. We hand-select every vehicle for originality and condition, and every vehicle is inspected before purchase. We carry out all agreed restoration work before shipping and provide a full condition report. We do not import vehicles we would not be proud to drive ourselves.
Why are UK Land Rovers better than US-market examples?
Classic Land Rovers in the US have often been modified extensively over the years, fitted with non-original parts, or have suffered corrosion due to road salt and extreme temperature ranges. UK vehicles are often better preserved, more original, and have a more documented history. Our UK sourcing network gives us access to genuinely excellent examples.
Can I specify exactly what I want?
Yes. We take detailed briefs and will search until we find the right vehicle. Popular specifications include Defender 90 soft-top in Camel Trophy spec, Series III Station Wagons in original two-tone, and military lightweight Series vehicles. Tell us your dream and we will work to find it.
About Costs
How much does it cost to import a Land Rover?
Total investment varies by model and specification. As a general guide:
- Series II or III — from $95,000 to $150,000 fully imported and restored
- Defender 90 — from $75,000
- Defender 110 — from $75,000
These ranges depend on vehicle age, originality, condition and extent of restoration. Contact us for a specific quote based on your brief.
What is included in the price?
Our pricing includes the vehicle purchase, restoration work as agreed, UK export documentation, international shipping, US customs clearance, title and registration. There are no hidden costs, we provide a full itemised quote before you commit.
Still have questions?
We are always happy to talk. Get in touch and one of our team will come back to you personally, no automated replies, no sales scripts.