Importing a Méhari

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Ocean_Orgy
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Importing a Méhari

Post by Ocean_Orgy »

Hi everybody,

Does anyone know how feasible it is to import a Méhari in the UK?

Does the lack of seat belts can be a problem?

Although the seller does not have the "carte grise" (V5), will it be difficult to register it in the UK without it?

Thank you :)
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Stickyfinger »

I would personally not purchase any car in France without the carte-grise...it is what I always read when researching for my purchase. I am sure there are ways around it but as I was driving the car back I steered clear)
It will also complicate things with the DVLA I understand.
Don't forget, reg it with HMRC for a zero VaT (use their HelpLine....its complicated) before sending anything to the DVLA.
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by xantia_v6 »

I believe that it is possible to register such vehicle in the UK, following the procedures for used vehicles at: https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
but you should call the DVLA to check what documentation they require for an imported classic vehicle with no registration papers.

Seat belts will probably be required for MOT, but kits seem to be available: http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Citroen-Mehari-1 ... 0720843009" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by van ordinaire »

Despite the fact that Meharis couldn't be imported new because, they didn't (& probably couldn't) comply with Construction & Use Regs. that's not been a problem for years &, I suspect all British Meharis are personal imports - so it's a well trodden path.

You'll find the Mahari Registrar of 2CVGB an enthusiastic font of knowledge on all matter s relating to the model.

Do agree with Sticky though, the absence of carte grise is the big stumbling block, even if vendor can provide other evidence of ownership (happens with people who find cars in outbuildings of properties they've bought, when deal included "contents")

The only retrospective legislation as to seatbelts is regards those for children. Otherwise you only NEED them if UK law required them at the date of manufacture - of course, it's unlikely that an MoT tester will know that!
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Ocean_Orgy »

Thank you for answers, I'll keep digging :)
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by RichardW »

Front seat belts required for cars built after 1 Jan 1965 - so I would guess that encompasess most Meharis.
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by DickieG »

Without the carte grise you're into a whole world of aggro and the best you hope to get out of it is a "Q" reg as the original registration date cannot be determined.
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by xantia_v6 »

DickieG wrote:Without the carte grise you're into a whole world of aggro and the best you hope to get out of it is a "Q" reg as the original registration date cannot be determined.
Surely an attestation of identity from Citroen would suffice to get age related registration?
It would be worth asking that question of DVLA. My e-type was a US import with no record of the original US registration, but was given age related registration on the basis of a manufacturers certificate.
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Stickyfinger »

Standard Citroen charge is £180 for that :)....so they told me when I phoned them.

Get letters of sale from the vendor, if you are stopped in France with that on a trailer they can hold you till you prove ownership.
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Ocean_Orgy »

Thanks for all the info.

Do you think the lack of the "carte grise" could be a problem at customs?
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Stickyfinger »

If you have a Bill of Sale, then no it should be OK as the car is not "tax due", I would however take off any registration plates etc so it is just a hulk...I take it it will be on a trailer ?
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by CitroenCrazy »

Just to say that I have done this - ie bought a Citroen in France without any papers, imported it into the UK and registered it for the road here. It might have helped that it was a GSA, and therefore corresponded to an existing UK type approval.

The only caveat is that I did it a few years ago when there were still local DVLA offices.

It was very straightforward. The date of manufacture was substantiated by my local Citroen dealer, based on the 4 digit RP number. I can't remember whether they charged me, I don't think they did. I was a regular customer of theirs at the time, as I had a company Xantia that went there for service.

I had it MOT'd using the VIN and I then had to take it for an inspection before a UK registration could be issued, but all they were interested in was checking that VIN matched the vehicle. It was a fairly cursory verification that took only a couple of minutes. There was a fee for that, eighty odd quid or something ? The DVLA certainly had no interest at all in anything like seat belts, that was 100% down to the MOT tester. Equally, there was no question about how I'd acquired it or whether I'd declared it at the point of entry into the UK (which I had not).


Meharis always look hellishly expensive for what they are though, and cheaper in the UK, no ?
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Ocean_Orgy »

Yes on a trailer.

I seem only to find expensive ones here :)
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Stickyfinger »

Then remove any French plates and you will be fine coming off the boat.
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Re: Importing a Méhari

Post by Ocean_Orgy »

Ok thanks :)
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