A Serious Question

[Peter Mallett]

I've been drawn to the 2004 Mustang Mach 1.

However I can't get Ford to tell me if it will be available in the UK.

So my question is. If I have the sponds (and assuming its going to be around for a little while) how do I go about getting one into the UK?

[Bluebottle]

The only thing I know about this is that once it arrives here it will have to go through the SVA test (Single Vehicle Approval) which costs around £60. The biggest problem I can think of with SVA is that all the lights theoreticaly need to be 'E marked', i.e. marked with some kind of Euro standard number. Having said that, the tester should pass any lights (front, back & indicator) which don't bear the mark as long as they show the right beam pattern- trouble is, not a lot of testers know that....

[Truckosaurus]

Peter,

Speak to one of the many importers who advertise in mags such as Classic American, they'll be able to quote a price, and maybe even offer a test drive.

eg. Is this what you are after? http://www.americancarimports.com/st...ail.asp?id=166

[Peter Mallett]

Thanks Guy, That's the "Jonny". Mind you its only £17k in the US so that's one big uplift.

I'll do some shopping around.

[garcon]

Pete, I guess the easiest way will be to use one of the established importers - they'll deal with registration and SVA etc for you, but you'll pay for the privilege!

Another one almost certain to import the Mustang is Bauer Millett, based up here in the grim north...

http://www.bauer-millett.com/

[Truckosaurus]

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
Mind you its only £17k in the US so that's one big uplift.

You'll have to pay 10% import duty on the £17k, then 17.5% VAT on that figure (plus I think whatever shipping you paid), then there's the cost of the SVA work and test (another £1500?) which adds upto around £25k by my calculations and closes the gap to the £28k that ACI are charging somewhat. Although it does seem to be some room for negotiation.

[Peter Mallett]

Yes, I realise I was being simplistic.

[garcon]

A delivery mileage example is at Bauer Millett for £26,995.

I've heard rather mixed reviews of the car though - all show and no go. Wouldn't you rather wait a year for the 2005 'stang?

[Peter Mallett]

Might have to but the problem would still remain.

Is the 2005 going to be better?

And 305 BHP seems enough oomph to me.

[Dick Spanner]

.

[Dick Spanner]

I think the oomph is okay, it's more the handling of the current model, the chassis of which dates back to the '70s. Next year's is an all new car (albeit still with "live" rear axle). I think the 2005 model will in fact be available from September this year but there is likely to be quite a waiting list or at the very least a price premium.

And the new one is soooooo much better looking.

[Peter Mallett]

Ooh.

I think you may be right. And I can wait anyway.

[garcon]

http://www.bauer-millett.com/html/user/stockUSANEW.htm

More pics of the new 'stang, plus the Mach 1. And the new Corvette C6. Which is much nicer...

[Peter Mallett]

A question of taste really. The "Stang is my fave and the 2005 model (as I said I can wait) the dollar needs to improve a bit yet. (Paid in USD).

[Dick Spanner]

The problem with the Corvette (quite nice, though it is) is that it's too anonymous, if you put Mazda badges on it you would fool most people. The 'tang is most definitely a 'tang! Also the Corvettes interior really is rather horrid compared to the Mustang's (even the current Mustang's).

[429CJ]

Mustang and Corvette aren't really competitors. Ohter is 2 + 2 GT and other is a fiberglass bodied sportscar.