Aotearoa New Zealand · 2026
Import classic American vehicles into Aotearoa New Zealand
We import classic American vehicles — muscle cars, V8 pickups and customs older than 1996 — directly from the US to Aotearoa New Zealand. End-to-end service: vehicle sourcing, Atlantic/Pacific shipping, port clearance, registration and delivery.
Quick read
We import classic American vehicles — muscle cars, V8 pickups and customs older than 1996 — directly from the US to Aotearoa New Zealand. End-to-end service: vehicle sourcing, Atlantic/Pacific shipping, port clearance, registration and delivery.
Why Aotearoa New Zealand for American iron
Aotearoa New Zealand hosts one of the world's most active classic American car communities — Beach Hop Whangamatā, Americarna, Kumeu Classic. Local regulation is favourable to vehicles older than 30 years and the cultural appetite for American classic cars NZ, LHD pickup import, muscle car for sale continues to grow. We're shipping weekly via Auckland / Wellington from US east-coast ports (Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville) and US west-coast ports (Long Beach) when relevant.
Popular models in Aotearoa New Zealand
In Aotearoa New Zealand we see the strongest demand for second-generation Chevrolet Camaro (1970–1981), Ford Mustang Fox-body and SN95 GT, Square-body Chevrolet C/K pickups (1973–1987), OBS Ford F-Series (1987–1996), Pontiac Trans Am, Plymouth 'Cuda and Dodge Challenger E-bodies. We also source 1955–57 Tri-Five Chevrolets and 1932 Ford hot rod platforms.
Prices & taxes in Aotearoa New Zealand
A typical all-in budget for a 1976 Chevrolet C10 in great shape lands between NZ$30,000 and NZ$48,000 — vehicle, ocean freight, port clearance, local registration and delivery to your door. USA-side: NZ$18,000–NZ$28,000. Ocean freight: NZ$1,800–NZ$2,800. Local duties and taxes: variable but typically 5–25% depending on classic-vehicle status. Compliance and registration: NZ$800–NZ$3,000.
Import process (LVVTA cert. for LHD >20 yrs)
We handle every step: pre-purchase inspection in the US (Carfax + on-the-ground inspector — never blind buys), purchase paperwork, US inland trucking to the export port, RoRo or 20' container shipping, port clearance at Auckland / Wellington, compliance and registration (LVVTA cert. for LHD >20 yrs), and turn-key handover from our workshop with valid plates.
Meets & American car events in Aotearoa New Zealand
Event data for this country is currently under review. See the full 2026 event calendar →
What sets us apart
Fixed price, no hidden costs — final budget locked in before purchase. On-site US inspection by a hands-on mechanic. Ocean freight insurance included. Turn-key delivery: the car rolls out of our workshop registered and road-ready.
Recent project examples
Example 1: 1972 Chevrolet C10 Stepside, Texas → Aotearoa New Zealand, total NZ$38,500, delivered in 11 weeks. Example 2: 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Bandit black/gold, Pennsylvania → Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ$41,000 all-in, 9 weeks. Example 3: 1989 Ford Mustang GT Fox-body, California → Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ$29,400, 10 weeks.
Aotearoa New Zealand — Why Aotearoa New Zealand for American iron
New Zealand has one of the most passionate US-car cultures per capita in the world, with Beach Hop Whangamatā in March (100k visitors) and Americarna in New Plymouth in February as flagship events. We deliver via Auckland or Wellington with Pacific freight from Long Beach (5–7 weeks transit). The LVVTA (Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association) certification is the cornerstone of NZ classic-car imports: any LHD vehicle >20 years can be imported and certified for road use without RHD conversion, provided it passes the LVVTA inspection. We work with LVVTA certifiers in Auckland (East Tamaki) and Wellington who specialise in American V8s. The annual rego (registration) for classic vehicles is reasonable and the WoF (Warrant of Fitness) is straightforward for well-maintained imports. The Kumeu Classic Car & Hot Rod Festival in January and various 'cruise' events around the country mean a steady flow of opportunities for owners to enjoy their cars year-round (NZ has reverse-season summer in Dec–Feb).
Frequently asked questions
How long does an import take?
Typically 9–13 weeks from purchase decision in the US to handover with local plates in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Do I need to be present for any step?
No, we represent you with power of attorney for purchase, shipping and clearance. You only sign final delivery paperwork.
Can I see the car before buying?
We send a 60-photo gallery and a 10-minute walkaround video before any deposit. After deposit, you can visit the workshop at handover.
What about LHD legality in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Aotearoa New Zealand accepts LHD classics under the regulation listed above (LVVTA cert. for LHD >20 yrs). We handle every certification step.
Which ports do you use?
Atlantic ports (Baltimore, Charleston) for east-coast cars; Long Beach for west-coast cars; arrival at Auckland / Wellington.
Do you offer warranty after delivery?
Yes, a 6-month limited mechanical warranty on engine and drivetrain, plus full documentation of the inspection findings.
Can you help with insurance?
We connect you with classic-car insurers used to importing — premiums are typically lower than for daily-drivers.
Do you import LHD-only or both LHD/RHD?
We focus on LHD imports from the US. Conversion to RHD is possible on request via certified partners but rarely necessary for classics in Aotearoa New Zealand.