[vref]

Is it worth it to go to Italy to buy a used 355 spider? I am wondering what would be involved in changing the car to US specs?

I could sell the wife on that Italy vacation, pick up the car and drive it to France for shipping. Great lifetime memories. You know the Autobahn and all.

Maybe even save a few bucks.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Don't know too much about cars importing into the US, but I know there have to be a few changes made. Don't know about costs and exact rules.

 

[Stradale]

Italy may not be the best place to buy a used Ferrari. It has high Tax + VAT. Switzerland has the lowest VAT. But Germany has the most number of Ferraris. It's the 2nd biggest market just ahead of England and of course behind USA.

So start comparing prices from the different magazines from Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The European specs are the same for all of Europe.

 

[EBRINK]

I could sell the wife

No money enough, bad marriage, or strong ferrari fever? :lol:
I could tell you a lot vice versa, [ie an american spec car to europe 328gts]
Long story but happy to share
Private message gets answer and phone number :wink:
My self bought an swedish spec 328 GTS and imported it in Holland
ha:

 

[Andrew]

I would not go this route unless your dying to have a Euro version. Even then you will have to pass DOT inspection. When the car arrives in the U.S. you have to have proof that a company will convert the car. If you don't they either crush the car or they will export the car back to Europe at your expense. I don't remember off the top of my head but there is a company in Texas that converts Ferraris. I'll try to find their number and you can speak to them for more details.

 

[Dj Dirk]

You know the Autobahn and all.

Maybe even save a few bucks.

that would be in germany
don't try that in france, you will end up in jail.
they don't even have to chase you on the freeway when they spotted you speeding, they just alert another car wich will be waiting for you at a péage station (i think it's tolbooth in english???), so no change to get away

 

[vref]

Italy may not be the best place to buy a used Ferrari. It has high Tax + VAT. Switzerland has the lowest VAT. But Germany has the most number of Ferraris. It's the 2nd biggest market just ahead of England and of course behind USA.

So start comparing prices from the different magazines from Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The European specs are the same for all of Europe.

As long as you get the car out of the country they give you your VAT tax back, at least they did with my watch.

 

[vref]

I would not go this route unless your dying to have a Euro version. Even then you will have to pass DOT inspection. When the car arrives in the U.S. you have to have proof that a company will convert the car. If you don't they either crush the car or they will export the car back to Europe at your expense. I don't remember off the top of my head but there is a company in Texas that converts Ferraris. I'll try to find their number and you can speak to them for more details.

I think you might be right. The Euro against the dollar is pretty strong, therefore it doesn't make it a great deal, plus I still got to convert the car and ship it.

 

[EBRINK]

As long as you get the car out of the country they give you your VAT tax back, at least they did with my watch

He vref, I learned to keep my mouth shut until I know what I am talking about. :evil:
First let me explain VAT for you It stands for Value Added Tax.
So vat tax doesn't exists
Second as you export a Ferrari from europe you CAN get the VAT in return, ONLY if you can prove that you have exported it to outside of a country of europe AND the car is subjected to Vat in the destination country ha:
BUT the car has to be listed in a Vat administration from a Vat company
Vref If you want to discuss it, maybe you would like to know that I am a LL.M in tax law [Lawyer] :green:

 

[Andrew]

As long as you get the car out of the country they give you your VAT tax back, at least they did with my watch

First let me explain VAT for you It stands for Value Added Tax.
So vat tax doesn't exists
Second as you export a Ferrari from europe you CAN get the VAT in return, ONLY if you can prove that you have exported it to outside of a country of europe AND the car is subjected to Vat in the destination country ha:

Actually your saying the same thing he did. So he added tax after VAT when the T already stands for "tax." He was saying that he got the tax back on a watch bought there (ie., rolex bought in Switzerland).

 

[Stradale]

VAT refund is applicable only before the end of 1st year of purchase when the car is exported. Once you cross the first year you can't get back your VAT.

You could claim your VAT refund for your watch because you just bought it and you have all the receipts to show proof of purchase.

 

[EBRINK]

VAT refund is applicable only before the end of 1st year of purchase when the car is exported. Once you cross the first year you can't get back your VAT.

You could claim your VAT refund for your watch because you just bought it and you have all the receipts to show proof of purchase.

And another one who heard the bell ringing and doesn't know how it works :stupid:

Glad so many of you keep talking without knowledge
Lots of labour for us tax people :lol: :lol:
At 125 euro [EX VAT] per hour
Keep talking boys we are glad to listen
Just one question, where can I send my bill to correct all of your free advice? :evil:

 

[Stradale]

Well, why don't you enlighten us. :nuts:

 

[EBRINK]

I already did a couple of post ago!

As you export a Ferrari from europe you CAN get the VAT in return, ONLY if you can prove that you have exported it to outside of a country of europe AND the car is subjected to Vat in the destination country BUT the car has to be listed in a Vat administration from a Vat company

And the bill goes to:................................... STRADALE...... :lol: :lol:
You can pay by check, money order or creditcard
But hey, I am busy enough over here and can drive one ferrari at the time
so this time you can pay Andrew for his services
This is the way I earn my Ferrari :wink:
So please keep posting :nuts:

 

[Stradale]

But hey, I am busy enough over here and can drive one ferrari at the time

Hope you make more this year so that you can upgrade your 328GTS (pre-ABS) to something better.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Relax guys, EBRINK is just joking. That's what dutchman do you know.
I'm one too, I can know it.
He is trying to help, but with a little humor.

 

[EBRINK]

Hope you make more this year so that you can upgrade your 328GTS (pre-ABS) to something better.

Something better Its a FERRARI :evil: :evil:
I think it is the best looking car Ferari ever built, thats why I bought it :wink: Not money problems or performance issues
Sure there are OTHER ferraris wich are faster etc, but not better :evil:
All Ferrari cars are one big familiy :x
Is your brother better than your sister? NO!!!!!
Ofcourse not, just different :wink:
See,........... never to old to learn :nuts:

 

[Stradale]

Had a 1989 328GTS long before you did. Had 3 Ferraris at a time in my collection. So please don't try to bullsh!t about Ferraris. Currently have a 360 Modena and the Stradale will arrive in March '04. Others in my garage Porsche GT3, Mecedes E-Class, BMW X5 4.4 and BMW 318i.

Been to the factory twice. Drove at Mugello and Fiorano in Ferraris 360 Modena, 550 Maranello and 575 M. Drove Michael Schumacher on 3 seperate ocassions. Tha's my CV with Ferrari.

What have you done lately ?

So don't look down your pointed nose at others just because you own a Ferrari.

This is a friendly Forum. We all contribute with our opinions. It does not matter if you're an expert in one particular subject, your contribution is as important as the next guy. This forum is not about money and what you own or what you have achieved in your career and your life. This Forum is about people who have the same passion and interest for Ferrari.

Everyone is the same here until someone try to be an ass and a show-off. :nuts:

 

[gthomas]

In order to import it into the U.S., you will have to go through an RI(registered importer). They will handle conversion and EPA/DOT forms, etc.. A 355 would run between 12-25,000 to convert(most likely on the lower side). Since the U.S. is their largest market, with the exception of lights and emissions, they pretty much meet impact/crash standards. The cars are a little lower in price in Europe, so it may be worth it. On the other hand, if you do it, the conversion costs are costs you eat, they won't increase the value of the car, just like a restoration, everyone is grateful to you for doing it, but you won't get your money back. But you will get the enjoyment out of it, which is priceless. If you're looking for the 355, I've found several companies that have quite a few in stock in Florida, at reasonable prices. Be sure to check all your options, and then make a decision, do not be impulsive.

 

[Andrew]

This is a friendly Forum. We all contribute with our opinions. It does not matter if you're an expert in one particular subject, your contribution is as important as the next guy. This forum is not about money and what you own or what you have achieved in your career and your life. This Forum is about people who have the same passion and interest for Ferrari.

Yes this is the attitude of FF, lets keep it that way. :green:

gthomas,

Good answer and thank you for bringing us back on topic. :ugh: