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Buying a classic car

Buying a classic car is often the realization of a dream — but especially when purchasing outside the EU, it can be a process full of potential risks. From unreliable sellers to hidden damage or missing documents, you want to know exactly where you stand.

SCL Rotterdam helps make that dream safe, reliable, and fully import-ready. With nearly 20 years of experience in purchasing and importing classic cars from countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, and Dubai, we guide you step by step.

Buying a Classic Car Abroad – What Should You Watch Out For?

Especially when buying from the USA or outside the EU, it's essential to:

  • Verify the technical condition and originality

  • Check if the car meets EU import requirements

  • Ensure proper title and invoice

  • Arrange transport and customs clearance correctly from the start

  • Plan for BPM, VAT, and RDW inspection on time

SCL is here to support you — from purchase to having your classic car on your driveway.

What Can We Do for You?

– Inspection and Verification Before Purchase: We arrange a professional local inspection. Does the condition match the ad? Are the documents in order? We ensure clarity before you buy.

– Import Readiness Check: Not all classic cars are automatically ready for import. We check if your vehicle qualifies for:

  • VAT and import duty exemption (30+ years old)

  • Road tax exemption (40+ years old)

  • No EU type approval needed (built before 1998)

Learn more on our page about VAT and import duties for classic cars.

– Support with Purchase, Payment, and Transport
We contact the seller, ensure the paperwork is correct, and organize transport to the Netherlands — by sea or by road. We take care of everything. Want to know more? Check out our shipping and road transport page.

Popular Classic Cars: Top Picks Among Our Clients

Most of our clients buy their classic cars in the USA or Germany. These are our top brands:

  • Volkswagen (Beetle, T1/T2 Bus)

  • Ford (Mustang, F-100)

  • Porsche (911 classic, 944)

  • Chevrolet (Corvette, Bel Air, C10)

  • Mercedes-Benz (SL, W123)

  • Also popular: Jaguar E-Type, Land Rover Defender, Dodge Charger

Want to know more? Visit our brands page.

From Purchase to Plates – Everything Arranged

At SCL, we don’t offer fragmented services — we provide full guidance. You get one dedicated contact person and we handle the rest:

  • Purchase support in your language

  • Inspection, transport, and customs clearance

  • Full RDW inspection and license plate registration

  • Optional: delivery to your home

Ready for the next step? See how we register your car with Dutch plates: Registering a classic car in the Netherlands

Why Choose SCL?

  • Nearly 20 years of experience in classic car import

  • Specialists in non-European vehicles

  • One-stop-shop: purchase, transport, inspection

  • A team of true car enthusiasts, with an eye for detail

  • Hassle-free process — from purchase to registration

Need help finding and buying your ideal classic? Contact us today with no obligation — we’d love to help you take the first step toward your dream car.

Dion van den Haak
Sales Coordinator
Questions? Please ask Dion
Receive a no-obligation quote