For classic car enthusiasts looking to export their treasured vehicles to Germany, the process offers significant advantages—particularly for cars that have reached the coveted 30-year milestone. Germany's favorable import policies for vintage automobiles make it an attractive destination for classic car collectors and investors alike.
When shipping classic cars to Germany, the vehicle's age is the most crucial factor determining both the import process and associated costs:
This preferential tax treatment can result in thousands of euros in savings. For example, on a classic car valued at €30,000:
This represents a savings of over €7,300—a compelling financial advantage for importing vintage vehicles to Germany.
For more information on which vehicles are most popular for import, check out our guide to top cars imported from Germany in 2025, which provides insights into the German classic car market.
To qualify for the reduced taxation, you'll need to provide proper documentation proving your vehicle meets the 30-year threshold:
German customs authorities scrutinize these documents carefully, so ensuring their completeness and accuracy is essential for a smooth import process.
When transporting your valuable classic to Germany, selecting the right shipping method is crucial:
Most classic car enthusiasts choose container shipping for its superior protection. This method offers:
For particularly valuable classics, dedicated container shipping provides the highest level of security and peace of mind. West Coast Shipping specializes in secure container transport for valuable classic vehicles.
While RoRo shipping can be an economical option on certain shipping routes, it's generally not recommended for classic cars because:
As noted in shipping industry comparisons, "Classic car owners know that certain classic cars have special start-up procedures, and some may not turn on at the turn of the key," making container shipping the preferred option for vintage vehicles.
For extremely valuable classics or time-sensitive deliveries, air freight provides the fastest transit times, though at a premium cost. This option is typically reserved for rare vehicles or those needed for specific events with firm deadlines.
Once your classic car arrives in Germany, several steps are necessary before you can enjoy driving it:
All imported vehicles must pass a TÜV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) inspection before registration. For classic cars, this inspection focuses on:
Vehicles over 30 years old that pass inspection can qualify for historic vehicle registration (H-Kennzeichen), which offers:
This designation recognizes the vehicle's cultural and historical significance while providing practical benefits for owners.
Some modifications may be necessary to comply with German regulations, even for classic cars:
Working with specialists familiar with both German requirements and classic car preservation ensures these modifications maintain the vehicle's authenticity while achieving compliance.
When planning your classic car import, understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations:
The total process typically takes between 30–45 days from the USA to Germany, though this can vary based on shipping method, departure location, and current port conditions.
If you're considering which American classics are worth importing to Germany, our guide to top cars to import in 2025 provides valuable insights into vehicles that are particularly desirable in the German market.
At West Coast Shipping, we specialize in classic car transportation to Germany, offering:
Our door-to-door service handles every aspect of your classic car's journey from your location in the United States to its final destination in Germany.
The combination of Germany's favorable classic car import policies and proper shipping arrangements makes bringing your vintage vehicle to Europe both feasible and financially advantageous. The exemption from import duties and reduced VAT rate of 7% for vehicles over 30 years old creates substantial savings that offset shipping costs.
Whether you're relocating to Germany with your classic car collection, selling to the European market, or participating in classic car events across Europe, understanding these import advantages is essential for classic car enthusiasts.
Contact our German import specialists today for a personalized quote and comprehensive guidance through every step of the process.