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I asked similar questions on another website and here is the response I got from a fella who imports cars. My question was in relation to importing a 57 Chev. Hope it helps...


".... These days customs have clamped down and will not allow any modified vehicle into the county. This goes as far as non stock size motor for that model of car eg Belair, business coupe etc, its year then model then style specific. The car must have a valid title to be able to leave US soil. As far as mods go, it can be painted but i have heard of cases where a painted car ie metallic when not a factory option have been queeried. Wheels are allowed providing they do not require any brake mods or anything to fit, must be bolt ups. Generally, send a photo of the car you wish to purchase to customs to see if it approves first. Once you get import approval its fairly hard for them to knock it back but can be a hassle once here.
I have heard of cars being knocked back at docks here, then getting allowed in only to not be able to be vicroads registered etc. The idea is to get import aproval (28-40days) before the car leaves. The last 2 cars that came out for us 1 had approval and ours got approval on the way over but it was only an original body on an original chassis (hot rod stuff we import). If the car gets here and is knocked back its either crushed, sent back to where it came from at your cost or you can send to say NZ and ship it back in parts, but may not be able to be registered here is the issue.
As far as shipping goes we use Plane to sea logisitics in Melbourne, which is shipped with J.T corebuyers stuff. They ship out of montclair in Cali. I have been to the shipping yard in Cali personally met the guy who runs they yard etc and it is fine.
Expect to pay $4k to have a car shipped through these guys. Sounds exy but they allow you to fill the car up as much as you like with parts etc at no extra charge, then they ship for you the car space i all yours. Most companys charge for the car then extra for anything else you might have as they would otherwise fill you car and ship for free etc.
Once it lands, you pay gst or duty generally not both i always forget how it works i just pay the bill LOL. One of our cars shipped fine cleared quarantine etc the other had to be washed 3 times at our expense before quarantine would clear it.
Out of all the cars being shipped i have heard a total of only 3% have not been allowed into the country.
hope this helps if you need more info dont hesitate. Also being 57's etc shipping may be more due to the shear size of the vehicle...."