Best France Car Auction Sites: 2025 Import Guide To The USA | WCS

For American automotive enthusiasts, France offers a unique marketplace of vehicles rarely seen on US roads—from classic Citroëns and Peugeots to rare Renault Sport models and Alpine sports cars. Whether you're hunting for a vintage French icon eligible under the 25‑year rule, a European‑spec hot hatch, or a classic rally car with competition history, understanding where to find these vehicles and how to navigate the France‑to‑US import process is essential.

This guide explores the best French car auction sites and platforms for American buyers, along with a detailed breakdown of the shipping and import process to bring your French find safely and legally across the Atlantic. For France‑specific routes, rates, and services, visit West Coast Shipping's dedicated France car shipping page.

Information current as of December 8, 2025.

Top French Car Auction and Marketplace Platforms

France’s automotive marketplace combines traditional auction houses with modern digital platforms, each serving different market segments and buyer needs.

LeBonCoin

LeBonCoin is France's largest general classifieds platform and the dominant marketplace for used vehicles, with hundreds of thousands of car listings at any given time.

Why it matters for US importers:

• Massive inventory spanning classics, sports cars, daily drivers, and projects.

• Direct access to private sellers, often at prices below dealer retail.

• Strong representation of classic French brands (Citroën, Peugeot, Renault, Alpine).

• Many listings include history, service records, and recent Contrôle Technique (CT) reports.

Because the site is French‑only, US buyers benefit from translation tools or a bilingual agent when negotiating and verifying details.

La Centrale

La Centrale is a leading French automotive marketplace with more structured listings than general classifieds.

Why it matters:

• Clean interface and professional presentation standards.

• Strong dealer presence alongside vetted private sellers.

• Detailed specifications, equipment lists, and history checks.

• Excellent source for well‑maintained French vehicles and youngtimers.

La Centrale’s emphasis on documentation quality makes it attractive for international buyers who need confidence in condition before paying for ocean freight.

Collecting Cars France

Collecting Cars runs timed online auctions and has built a strong footprint in France for enthusiast and collector vehicles.

Why it matters:

• Curated selection of French classics, sports cars, and collectibles presented to international standards.

• High‑quality photography, descriptions, and English‑language support.

• Many sellers familiar with exporting and international buyers.

• Transparent auction format with clear timelines.

For US buyers, Collecting Cars reduces language and documentation barriers while still offering access to genuinely French cars.

Artcurial Motorcars

Artcurial Motorcars is France’s flagship collector‑car auction house, hosting high‑profile sales in Paris and other venues.

Why it matters:

• Top‑tier French collector cars with significant provenance.

• Detailed catalogs with history, restoration work, and ownership chains.

• Strong presence of Alpine, Bugatti, Delahaye, and period competition cars.

• Dedicated staff used to dealing with overseas buyers and logistics.

If you are pursuing investment‑grade French vehicles, Artcurial offers both quality and documentation that justify the complexity of US import.

Caradisiac Occasion

Caradisiac Occasion aggregates listings across dealers and private sellers in France.

Why it matters:

• Single search interface spanning multiple French sources.

• Extensive filtering by make, model, year, price, and region.

• Useful for tracking availability and pricing for specific models.

• Helpful when chasing a particular spec (for example, a certain Peugeot GTI version).

AutoScout24 France

AutoScout24 France is the French arm of a major European marketplace.

Why it matters:

• Cross‑border listings, including cars that moved between EU countries but are currently in France.

• Professional dealer network with export experience.

• Detailed technical information and photos.

• Good for European‑spec performance models as well as French cars.

Catawiki Classic Cars (France)

Catawiki Classic Cars runs weekly online classic‑car auctions that often include France‑registered vehicles.

Why it matters:

• Fully online auction format accessible from anywhere.

• International buyer interface with English support.

• Transparent bidding and reserve handling.

• Mix of French and European classics at a variety of price points.

How to Purchase a Car from French Platforms Safely

Language and Communication

Most French sellers advertise and communicate in French:

• Use built‑in browser translation for listings but double‑check technical details.

• Prepare standard questions in French about rust, CT status, oil leaks, and history.

• Consider hiring a bilingual agent for negotiation and document review.

• Ask for video walkarounds with commentary—even if in French, visuals matter.

Payment and Currency

Typical payment methods for French vehicle purchases:

• Bank transfer (virement bancaire) in euros is the norm.

• International wires from US banks (build in time and FX costs).

• Escrow for higher‑value transactions when available.

• Deposits for auction participation and to secure a car while arranging export.

Exchange rates between USD and EUR can noticeably change your landed cost; many importers watch the rate and time major payments accordingly.

Inspection and Verification

Before you commit:

• Review the latest Contrôle Technique (CT) report—similar to an inspection report—and check for serious advisories.

• Request detailed photos of known rust spots for that model: sills, chassis rails, suspension mounts, trunk floor, and windscreen surrounds.

• Ask for maintenance invoices and parts receipts (factures), not just handwritten notes.

• Verify VIN on the chassis matches the carte grise (registration) and any service records.

• Consider a paid on‑site inspection from a French mechanic or inspection service, especially for high‑value cars.

Understanding French Vehicle Documentation

Key French documents you’ll encounter:

• Carte grise – the registration certificate proving ownership.

• Certificat de situation administrative – shows there are no liens or legal encumbrances.

• Contrôle Technique report – mandatory inspection for most cars over 4 years old, valid for a set period.

• Certificat de cession – the formal transfer certificate signed by buyer and seller.

• Facture / bill of sale – proof of purchase price, essential for customs valuation.

For US import, you’ll especially need the original carte grise, bill of sale, and any proof of build date when claiming the 25‑year exemption.

The Import Process: Bringing Your French Car to the USA

Step 1: Confirm US Eligibility (25‑Year Rule and EPA/DOT)

Start by confirming your vehicle fits US federal rules:

• 25‑year NHTSA exemption: Vehicles 25 years old or older (measured from actual date of manufacture) are exempt from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; in 2025 this typically means vehicles built in 2000 or earlier, based on build date rather than just model year.

• EPA emissions: Vehicles 21+ years old in original configuration can use simplified treatment on EPA Form 3520‑1, but the form still must be filed.

• Newer vehicles must either be US‑spec, “substantially similar” and converted by a Registered Importer, or imported under a narrow exemption—usually not economical for standard passenger cars.

West Coast Shipping’s 25‑year rule guide and its broader US import cost guide explain these pathways in detail.

Step 2: French Export Formalities

For France→USA exports, you’ll need:

• The original carte grise in the seller’s name.

• Completed certificat de cession and export notation with authorities (permanent export / deregistration).

• A French customs export declaration filed via Douane systems, usually by your shipper or freight forwarder.

• A clear bill of sale with price, VIN, and buyer/seller details.

Exports from France (an EU member) to a non‑EU destination like the US are normally zero‑rated for French VAT when properly documented. In practice, that means the sale is treated as VAT‑free provided export is documented correctly and proof of export is retained; you are dealing only with French rules and no separate EU‑wide export step for a direct France→USA shipment.

Step 3: Choose Shipping Method (Container vs RoRo)

West Coast Shipping positions container shipping as the standard for most vehicles, with RoRo mainly reserved for oversized cargo:

Container shipping (recommended):

• Best option for passenger cars, classics, and collector vehicles.

• Vehicle travels inside a sealed container, secured with chocks, straps, and blocking.

• Offers maximum protection from weather, salt, and port handling.

• Works for running and non‑running vehicles.

• Supports consolidated (shared) containers or dedicated (single‑client) loads.

See the container shipping guide for detailed explanations of how vehicles are loaded, secured, and grouped.

RoRo (niche tool):

• Mainly for oversized vehicles and heavy machinery that do not fit economically into containers.

• Vehicles are driven on and off the ship and stored on decks.

• Exposure to more handling and environment compared with containers.

• Sometimes cost‑competitive but not inherently cheaper or better.

For typical cars and classics coming out of France, container shipping is generally the better choice.

Step 4: US Arrival and Customs

On arrival in the US, clearance generally requires:

• Bill of Lading from the ocean carrier.

• Original carte grise and bill of sale to prove ownership and value.

• EPA Form 3520‑1 for emissions declaration.

• DOT Form HS‑7 for safety compliance / 25‑year exemption.

• CBP Entry Form 7501 filed by your customs broker.

• Copy of the French export declaration as supporting paperwork.

West Coast Shipping’s updated 2025 US import policy guide explains where these documents fit within current CBP, EPA, and DOT processes.

2025 US Duties, Tariffs, and Fees for French Vehicles

US duty and tariff treatment for EU‑origin vehicles changed in 2025 and is no longer just a simple 2.5% rule.

Duty and Tariffs on French‑Built Passenger Cars

For French‑built (EU‑origin) passenger vehicles:

• The base customs duty of 2.5% of customs value still applies to most passenger cars.

• 2025 trade measures introduced additional tariffs on imported vehicles, but a US–EU de‑escalation agreement later in the year has generally brought the combined rate for many EU‑origin passenger cars into the mid‑teens (often around 15% in practice).

• Exact rates still depend on HS code, specific vehicle type, origin, and how current quota and policy frameworks are being applied at the time of entry.

In practical terms, the old “2.5% flat” is no longer accurate for many French vehicles, but the post‑agreement combined rate for EU passenger cars is materially lower than the earlier 27.5% regime. Always confirm current duty and tariff treatment with your customs broker or through West Coast Shipping at the time of import, as policy continues to evolve.

Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)

• MPF is generally 0.3464% of the declared value for formal entries.

• CBP adjusts the minimum and maximum MPF dollar amounts annually, and those thresholds increased for FY 2025.

• Because caps move with inflation and policy, think of MPF as “0.3464% of value, subject to annually updated minimum and maximum amounts” rather than rely on fixed dollar figures.

Other Federal Costs

• Harbor Maintenance Fee: commonly 0.125% of cargo value on ocean imports.

• Customs broker fees: depend on your broker and complexity.

• State sales/use tax: charged when you title/register the vehicle in your home state, typically based on purchase price and state/local rates.

West Coast Shipping’s Europe‑to‑US import cost guide shows how these charges combine with freight to determine total landed cost.

Routes and Timelines: France to USA

Typical departure ports from France:

• Le Havre – main Atlantic container port and primary choice for many vehicle exports.

• Marseille – suitable for Mediterranean shipping routes.

• Bordeaux and others – used for regional solutions when appropriate.

Typical arrival ports in the US:

• East Coast (New York/Newark, Baltimore, Savannah, Jacksonville): about 14–21 days from Le Havre.

• Gulf (Houston, New Orleans): about 16–22 days.

• West Coast (Los Angeles, Oakland): about 25–35 days via the Panama Canal, depending on routing.

Door‑to‑door, most projects run roughly 45–70 days from purchase to delivery when you account for export prep, vessel scheduling, customs clearance, and domestic trucking.

Popular French Vehicle Categories for US Import

Classic French Icons

• Citroën DS, SM, CX, 2CV.

• Peugeot 404, 504, 205 GTI, 306 GTI‑6.

• Renault 4, 5, 16, and early Renault sports models.

• Alpine A110 and later A‑series cars.

Performance and Rally‑Bred Cars

• Renault 5 Turbo, Clio Williams, later Renault Sport models.

• Peugeot 205 GTI and rally derivatives.

• Citroën performance variants and Group B era homologation specials.

• Alpine and Venturi sports cars.

French Luxury and Executive Cars

• Citroën CX, XM, C6.

• Peugeot 605, 607.

• Renault Safrane and Vel Satis.

• Facel Vega and other mid‑century luxury brands.

As the 25‑year clock rolls forward, late‑1990s and early‑2000s French performance models are increasingly eligible and attractive to US buyers.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Misreading the Contrôle Technique

• A valid CT means the car met minimum standards at the time of inspection, not that it is perfect.

• Always read advisory notes and repeated failure items carefully.

• Combine CT reports with independent inspections when possible.

VAT and Export Paperwork Gaps

• Ensure the sale is properly treated as an export so you are not charged French VAT.

• Verify that your broker or shipper files a correct export declaration and obtains customs stamps.

• Retain copies of all export documents to support both the seller’s VAT position and your import filing.

Overreliance on Photos

• Listing photos rarely reveal all rust, paint defects, or mechanical issues.

• Request underside shots, engine‑bay close‑ups, and cold‑start videos.

• Use third‑party inspections for anything beyond low‑risk projects.

Underestimating 2025 Tariffs

• Budget for combined duty and tariffs in the mid‑teens range on French‑origin cars, not just 2.5%.

• Add MPF, Harbor Maintenance Fee, broker charges, and state tax into your landed‑cost math.

• Use WCS tools and guidance to model total cost before bidding aggressively at French auctions.

Why Work With West Coast Shipping on French Imports

West Coast Shipping focuses heavily on Europe‑to‑US projects and has specific expertise with France:

• End‑to‑end logistics: From French seller pickup to US driveway delivery.

• Container‑first strategy: Prioritizing container shipping for most cars, reserving RoRo for oversized equipment.

• Document management: Handling French export declarations, deregistration, and all US CBP/EPA/DOT paperwork.

• Tariff‑aware planning: Modeling how current 2025 duty and tariff structures affect your particular import.

• Classic and enthusiast experience: Deep familiarity with 25‑year‑rule imports and the needs of collectors.

Their broader international car shipping content and Europe‑focused guides align with the approach outlined in this France article.

Get Your France‑to‑USA Shipping Quote With 2025 Tariff Estimates

If you are ready to turn a French auction win into a US‑titled car, the smartest first step is to see how current freight rates and 2025 duties affect your specific scenario. Use the calculator and route options on the France car shipping page to get live pricing, then coordinate with West Coast Shipping’s team to align your buying, shipping, and import strategy.