{"id":541,"date":"2026-05-29T20:25:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T19:25:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autozilla.pt\/sobre-nos\/"},"modified":"2026-09-07T18:41:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T17:41:15","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/autozilla.pt\/en\/sobre-nos\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Who we are<\/p>\n

Direct from California to Portugal<\/h1>\n

Autozilla was born from a simple conviction: the smartest way to import an American classic into Europe doesn't go through Rotterdam, it goes through the source. We operate directly between California and Porto, with an American dealer's license and physical stock in Portugal, already nationalized, ready for delivery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Our story<\/h2>\n

Europe has never had a shortage of classic American cars, but it has always had the same problem: the cars arrived via Dutch, German or Belgian intermediaries<\/strong>. Rotterdam became the obligatory transit point, with multiple profit margins accruing at each stage: American dealer \u2192 Dutch wholesaler \u2192 European retailer \u2192 end customer.<\/p>\n

We saw a different way of doing things. Through a genuine American dealer license, purchased and operated firsthand in the California market, we were able to buy directly at private auctions, from classic car dealers and private owners. No middlemen. No markups.<\/p>\n

We ship the vehicles to Portugal in containers, complete the full registration process in Ou\u00e7a, perform the IPO import inspection, issue Portuguese license plates, and deliver them. The customer receives an American classic that is already registered in Europe, already registered in Portugal, and already bearing legible license plates.<\/p>\n

The team<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

Paulo Da Fonseca<\/h3>\n

Founder - California<\/p>\n

Triple Portuguese, French and American nationality. Based in Santa Barbara, California, with an official used car dealer license in the state of California. It specializes in the selection and acquisition of vehicles directly in the USA, with a particular focus on classic muscle cars (1960-1973), European classics exported to the USA (Mercedes, Porsche, BMW) and collector's opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Jo\u00e3o Pedro Da Fonseca<\/h3>\n

Founder & Operations - Portugal<\/p>\n

Co-founder of Autozilla, based in Ou\u00e7a, manages Portuguese operations: port reception, customs clearance (DAV), import inspection (IPO), Portuguese registration, final preparation and delivery to the customer. He is your contact person in Portugal: WhatsApp or phone. +351 928 373 916<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why Autozilla?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

1. Direct sourcing, without intermediaries<\/h3>\n

Our American dealer license allows us to purchase vehicles at private auctions (Bring a Trailer, Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, automotive collection auctions) and directly from specialist dealers. Without the Dutch wholesaler in the middle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

2. Face-to-face inspection before purchase<\/h3>\n

Each vehicle purchased undergoes an in-person mechanical inspection in the USA before payment is made. We check the VIN, owner history, clean title, mechanical condition and structure. No surprises on arrival.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

3. Physical stock in Portugal<\/h3>\n

The vehicles are in Ou\u00e7a; they have already been registered in Portugal, have passed their IPO inspection, and have been issued Portuguese license plates. Customers can visit, inspect the vehicle in person, and drive it home the same day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

4. Classic specialization +30 years<\/h3>\n

We focus on vehicles over 30 years old to guarantee our customers full ISV exemption in Portugal and reduced IUC for classics. When we import a newer vehicle, we make the tax calculations transparently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

5. B2B for European resellers<\/h3>\n

We serve professionals (dealers, restorers, secondary importers) in Portugal and throughout the EU. With an intra-EU VAT number validated via VIES, we offer dedicated resale prices and priority access to pre-import stock. See our page for resellers<\/a><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

6. Communication in 7 languages<\/h3>\n

We speak Portuguese, English and French as our native languages. Our website responds in 7 languages (PT, EN, FR, ES, IT, DE, NL) with quality translation. Each European customer is attended to in their own language, without any communication noise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Our structure<\/h2>\n

Autozilla operates through a dual structure between the United States and Portugal:<\/p>\n