Everything you need to know about importing American classics

On average, it takes 2.5 to 3 months from the initial click to the delivery of the vehicle cleared through customs in Portugal. This is broken down as follows: 1-2 weeks for negotiation and paperwork in the USA, 4-6 weeks for sea transport, 1-2 weeks for customs clearance and DAV (Vehicle Authorization Document), and 2-3 weeks for IPO (Vehicle Inspection) and Portuguese registration. Once the vehicle is in Portugal, you can view it in Ouca and close the deal on the same day; Portuguese registration is handled separately.

No. Vehicles over 30 years old can obtain a historic vehicle certificate, which entitles them to exemption from IUC (Single Circulation Tax). There is no exemption from ISV (Vehicle Tax) for being over 30 years old: ISV is calculated based on engine displacement, indicative values, to be confirmed with the Tax Authority. VAT is due upon arrival at customs.

Yes, vehicles already in Portugal can be viewed in Ouca, after customs clearance, by prior appointment (WhatsApp +351 928 373 916). The remaining vehicles are in the USA, ready for import: upon request, we can arrange an on-site inspection (paid service).

Yes. Autozilla specializes in B2B for resellers and professionals in the European market. We accept intra-EU VAT numbers from Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and other EU member states. Register on the reseller page, with automatic validation of your intra-EU VAT number in the European Commission's VIES database, in seconds. You have access to dedicated reseller pricing.

The most sought-after vehicles are the Ford Mustang (Coupé and Convertible 1965-1967), the Chevrolet Camaro 1967-1969, the Dodge Charger 1968-1970, the Chevrolet Corvette (all generations), and classics like the Pontiac GTO and the Plymouth 'Cuda. Also highly sought after are: Jeep Willys, classic Ford Bronco, Cadillac Eldorado, and Lincoln Continental.

Before any purchase, we conduct a professional verification: VIN check via Carfax/AutoCheck, title validation (clean, no salvage), confirmation that the chassis VIN matches the engine and vehicle documents, and verification of liens (bank encumbrances). Upon request, we can arrange an on-site mechanical inspection in the USA before payment, performed by an industry professional (paid service).

For a 1965-1967 Mustang Coupe with a V8 engine (purchase price ~USD 18,000): the subtotal in Portugal, before VAT and ISV, is between €21,000 and €23,500. This includes the US purchase price, mechanical inspection, inland transport to the port, shared 20" container to Leixões, insurance, customs broker, IUC (Vehicle Tax), import inspection and Portuguese registration. VAT (due upon arrival at customs) and ISV (calculated based on engine displacement, indicative values, to be confirmed with the Tax Authority) are added to this subtotal. This calculation is for an import by order; the price of vehicles in our stock is that of the imported and delivered vehicle, without Portuguese registration (quoted separately). See the detailed guide on our blog.

Yes. Our US dealer license (Salvage Motors LLC) gives us access to major American auctions reserved for professionals, where we buy on your behalf with a purchase mandate and guaranteed maximum amount (see the US Auctions page). We also attend auctions open to the public such as Bring a Trailer, Mecum, or Barrett-Jackson, and we buy from specialized dealers and private individuals in all states.

Yes, we offer a personalized import service. Tell us the model, year, exterior color, engine and budget available - we'll contact our network of American dealers and private individuals to find the ideal car. Transparent pricing: purchase cost + import costs + our margin (variable depending on the value of the car).

All vehicles sold by Autozilla come with: complete documentation (customs clearance DAV, US title), documented history (VIN check, available owner history). For private individuals, the legal warranty of conformity applies. For B2B (resellers), warranty conditions are negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

This frequently happens with salvage vehicles: the DMV cancels the registration and only the title remains. As a licensed dealer in the USA, we request the vehicle's certified registration and title history directly from the DMV of the state of origin, both apostilled and valid in Portugal, and send them by express mail to your address. Fixed service (2026): €495 including VAT, plus shipping at actual cost; delivery time 4 to 6 weeks. The final decision always rests with the IMT (Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport).

Yes: used, refurbished, reproduction or NOS parts, through suppliers in the USA and European partners. Tell us the model, year and reference number, if you have it; we will respond within 72 business hours with the price before any purchase. We ship to Portugal and throughout Europe; import VAT is paid by the customer upon arrival when the part comes directly from the USA. The request is free (see Parts Search page).

Yes. On the US Auctions page, search for lots, see the estimated price delivered to the European port of your choice, and send an online purchase order with your maximum amount. We buy the car on your behalf: you pay the actual cost of the car (adjudication, auction fees, and expenses in the US, without margin) and our fixed fee (purchase service and transport to the port). If we buy below your maximum, the savings are split in half, and you never pay more than the maximum amount. The £20 % deposit is paid before bidding and returned if the car is not awarded; taxes and registration are separate.

Yes. There is no age limit: we handle classic cars, recent models, and electric vehicles. For an electric 100 %, the ISV (Vehicle Tax) is zero; the VAT of 23 % is due upon arrival at customs; customs duties are 0 % for cars manufactured in the USA (since July 1, 2026) and 10 % for others. Then comes the individual homologation at the IMT (Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport) and the registration, which we quote separately. Simulate the costs with our partner USAutoMotoImport before deciding.

Yes. Many Japanese and European models from the 80s and 90s exist in greater numbers and in better condition in the US (for example, a Mitsubishi Eclipse or a Supra). Tell us the model, years, box, and budget in the customized search and we will search in all states; we will present photos, documents, and title type before any commitment.

Write to us first: most issues are resolved within a few days. Then you can file a complaint at [website/platform name]. Complaints Book electronic, monitored by the Portuguese State, which obliges us to respond within 15 working days. You can also resort to it free of charge. CNIACC, the Portuguese entity for alternative dispute resolution in consumer matters. As a consumer, you can also resort to the court of your domicile: if you live in another European Union country, you do not have to travel to Portugal. Professional clients are subject to the courts of the Aveiro district.