the UAE · 2026
Import classic American vehicles into the UAE
We import classic American vehicles — muscle cars, V8 pickups and customs older than 1996 — directly from the US to the UAE. 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 the UAE. End-to-end service: vehicle sourcing, Atlantic/Pacific shipping, port clearance, registration and delivery.
Why the UAE for American iron
the UAE hosts one of the world's most active classic American car communities — Dubai Motor Festival, Emirates Classic Car Festival. Local regulation is favourable to vehicles older than 30 years and the cultural appetite for classic American cars Dubai, import muscle car UAE, vintage pickup Dubai continues to grow. We're shipping weekly via Jebel Ali (Dubai) from US east-coast ports (Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville) and US west-coast ports (Long Beach) when relevant.
Popular models in the UAE
In the UAE 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 the UAE
A typical all-in budget for a 1976 Chevrolet C10 in great shape lands between AED30,000 and AED48,000 — vehicle, ocean freight, port clearance, local registration and delivery to your door. USA-side: AED18,000–AED28,000. Ocean freight: AED1,800–AED2,800. Local duties and taxes: variable but typically 5–25% depending on classic-vehicle status. Compliance and registration: AED800–AED3,000.
Import process (Direct import, no luxury tax)
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 Jebel Ali (Dubai), compliance and registration (Direct import, no luxury tax), and turn-key handover from our workshop with valid plates.
Meets & American car events in the UAE
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 → the UAE, total AED38,500, delivered in 11 weeks. Example 2: 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Bandit black/gold, Pennsylvania → the UAE, AED41,000 all-in, 9 weeks. Example 3: 1989 Ford Mustang GT Fox-body, California → the UAE, AED29,400, 10 weeks.
the UAE — Why the UAE for American iron
The UAE is the easiest large-volume import market for American cars in the world: no luxury tax, low import duty (5%), no inspection complications for classics, and a customer base that values low-mileage prime examples. We deliver via Jebel Ali (Dubai's main port) with Pacific freight from Long Beach (5–6 weeks transit) for west-coast cars or via Suez from Atlantic ports (4–5 weeks). The Emirates Classic Car Festival in Dubai (December), Gulf Concours d'Elegance, and the Yas Marina Cars & Coffee in Abu Dhabi are the marquee events. Our typical UAE customer is in Dubai (Emirates Hills, Al Barsha) or Abu Dhabi (Yas Island, Saadiyat) and is looking for a low-mileage, original, fully restored example — often a 1969 Camaro RS/SS, a 1971 'Cuda Hemi tribute, a 1965 Mustang Fastback, or a clean square-body Silverado for the desert. Heat is a real consideration: we systematically check the air-conditioning system and either restore or upgrade it before delivery. Dubai's climate also requires sun-resistant paint protection film, which we apply at delivery on request.
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 the UAE.
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 the UAE?
the UAE accepts LHD classics under the regulation listed above (Direct import, no luxury tax). 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 Jebel Ali (Dubai).
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 the UAE.