Classic cars

How do you import a classic Porsche to the UK?

A Porsche over 30 years old, in original condition and of a model no longer in production can be imported at 0% duty and 5% import VAT as a collector’s vehicle. In 2026 that covers every 356, 944 and 964, and 993s that are already 30 years old on the day they are imported. What loses the rate is modification: backdated and restomod 911s, replica 356s and cars with changed suspension pay the normal rates.

Published 26 September 2026 · 7 min read

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1. Which classic Porsches qualify in 2026

The collector's rate under heading 9705 needs a car at least 30 years old, of a model no longer made, in its original state. HMRC's own guidance adds that modernised, "hot-rodded" or modified vehicles are excluded, and recommends an Advance Tariff Ruling before import. For the classic Porsches people import most:

Sources: 9werks for the 356, the Porsche Club GB 944 guide, the Porsche Club GB 964 guide and Hagerty UK on the 993. A 993 pays the normal rates until it is 30 years old on the day it is imported, so a 1997 or 1998 car does not qualify yet. Cars built before 1 January 1986 can also go into the historic tax class with nothing to pay, but you have to apply for it (GOV.UK).

2. The 964 and 993: check the year, and check the backdate

On a 964, Porsche Club GB explains that the model year is the tenth character of the VIN: K for 1989, L for 1990, M for 1991, N for 1992 and P for 1993. That is a quick check against an advert.

The bigger question is originality. The 964 is the usual base for "backdated" cars, restyled to look like a 1960s or 1970s 911 with modern mechanicals (PFF), and for full restomods. However good, those cars are modified by design, so they do not fit the collector's definition and pay the normal rates. Price that in before you buy.

3. The 356: matching numbers and replicas

9werks warns that genuine matching-numbers 356s are hard to find, that replacement engines can be restamped, and that 12 volt, disc brake and safety upgrades are common. There are also many replicas, particularly of the Speedster. The Porsche Club of America lists tell-tale signs such as a fibreglass body, four-lug wheels and a Beetle-style handbrake (PCA). A replica is not a 1950s Porsche for HMRC or the DVLA, whatever the paperwork says.

4. The 944: mostly a European import

The 944 was sold in right-hand drive in the UK from 1982, and Porsche Club GB notes the 944SE was a UK-only model. Imports tend to be about finding a better example or a specific version from Europe or the USA. Hagerty UK notes that coilover suspension kits are a common modification (Hagerty UK), and a change of suspension type is exactly what the collector's definition looks at.

5. Paperwork from the USA and Germany

From the USA, the seller's title plus two copies must be presented to US Customs and Border Protection at least 72 hours before export. From Germany, the car needs registration certificates Part I and II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II), and can leave on export plates (ADAC). The DVLA dates the car from the original foreign registration document, or from a dating certificate if that is missing (GOV.UK). A dating certificate can also confirm how the car left the factory, and we obtain it for you.