Where to Buy Classic Cars From in Europe

Buying a classic car from Europe is an exciting adventure for so many reasons. Thanks to the 25-year import rule in the US,  you have the opportunity to buy some of the unique and legendary classic cars available for sale across Europe. To help you get started, we've put together a list of the top 6 websites to use when searching for classic cars to buy in Europe.

Can you buy a car in Europe from the US?

Certainly, you can purchase a car in Europe while residing in the US. The procedure includes buying the vehicle abroad, organizing transportation to the export terminal or airport, shipping it by sea or air, and clearing US import customs. The good news is we handle everything apart from purchasing the car.

Keep in mind that to import cars to the US, your car must either meet the 25-year rule, show or display law, a track-only car, or must be an unmodified car that is returning to the US.

Top 6 Best Websites to Buy Classic Cars in Europe:

1. AutoScout24 - AutoScout24 is one of the largest online car marketplaces in Europe, offering a vast selection of vehicles from across the EU.

2. Classic-Trader - The go to for buying classic cars from across Europe.

3. Mobile.de - Focused on cars for sale in German.

4. Bring a Trailer Europe - Bring a Trailer is known for its auctions of unique and classic cars. Bring a Trailer occasionally lists vehicles located in Europe, which can be purchased and imported to the US.

5. TheParkingEU - This platform is particularly useful for finding unique or hard-to-find models that might not be listed on more mainstream sites.

6. Car & Classic - One of Europe's largest dedicated classic car marketplaces, with listings from private sellers and specialist dealers across the EU. Particularly strong for French, German, and Italian classics, with detailed search filters and a large volume of stock across all price ranges.

How much does it cost to import a car?

The cost to import a car from Europe to the US can vary depending on the location of the car in Europe, the purchase price of the car, shipping costs, import duties, and where WCS will deliver the car in the US.

Current container shipping rates from Europe to New York start at $2,750, with approximately 18-day transit from major continental European ports (Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Norway, and others). From Southampton, UK, the rate is $2,750 with approximately 26-day transit. Shipping to California from Belgium, for example, starts at $3,350 with approximately 43-day transit.

Prices are subject to change. Contact WCS for a current quote.

Import duty depends on the vehicle's age and classification. Vehicles qualifying for the 25-year exemption (HTS 9903.94.04) pay 2.5% base duty. Modern EU-origin vehicles face combined rates of up to 27.5% or higher depending on classification -- confirm the current applicable rate with a licensed customs broker before purchasing. UK-origin vehicles benefit from a preferential 10% total tariff rate within the annual quota under Executive Order 14309 -- see the WCS UK import cost guide for the full UK tariff framework. Get an instant rate to import your car, including import duties, by using the WCS Car Import Calculator.

Why Ship Your European Classic Car with West Coast Shipping

West Coast Shipping has been managing European vehicle exports to the US for nearly 20 years. Classic and high-value vehicles are shipped in enclosed containers as standard -- sealed, protected, and fully documented from European port to US customs clearance.

Every shipment is assigned a dedicated account manager who handles the full process: export documentation at the European departure port, container loading, ocean freight coordination to the US destination, and liaison with the destination agent for customs clearance. Buyers do not need to coordinate both sides of the transaction separately. The WCS team manages the paperwork chain so the vehicle arrives compliant and ready for registration.

West Coast Shipping ships from all major European ports to multiple US destinations. Continental European origins typically reach New York in approximately 18 days from $2,750. West Coast Shipping also offers Cargo Damage Protection for vehicles in transit. This optional protection covers damage during loading, unloading, weather-related incidents, and handling mishaps. If protection is declined, WCS's liability is capped at $500 per the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA).

Use the WCS car import calculator to get a current rate for your specific vehicle and European departure point.

Ready to Import Your European Classic Car to the USA?