[ClassicMustang]

The intent of Transport Canada (TC) is to allow the construction of a home built vehicle. The starter kits we send to Canada consist of a specific list of items that collectively represent an assortment of components, and not an "automobile" as defined by TC.

We solicit and receive from TC an interpretation of the items we include in a starter kit, and a written opinion on whether they feel it constitutes a vehicle. Eligibility for import comes from TC based on those items included. Prohibited items are numerous.

The balance of the components required to complete a kit car can be purchased in Canada from a variety of resources. In many cases, those commercial resources in Canada purchase their components from a manufacturer or distributor in the US. Canadian auto dealers, auto parts warehouses, bone yards, and other Canadian automotive related retailers are the primary source for both Canadian and US built components. However, it is not categorically illegal to buy an auto part directly from the US and import it into Canada to complete the kit. And except for PST (if applicable in your province) and GST, the parts are duty free.

Here is what Transport Canada has to say:

"Q. 13. What if certain parts of the "prohibited" systems cannot be sourced in Canada, but are absolutely essential to the uniqueness of the kit?

A. Transport Canada believes that if a kit is really designed, and is actually being used, as a starter kit to amateur build a car in Canada, such parts would not be absolutely essential.

However, some kits are very basic. They may only contain a bare body shell with a windshield, some door hinges and latches, and a bare frame. In these very basic kits that are far from the definition of 'vehicle' there may sometimes be room for such items as a particular suspension piece or a fuel cell." (emphasis is mine.)

None of the Shelby CSX starter kits have any suspension components, or steering, brakes, fuel system components, etc. As you read above, Transport Canada uses suspension components and fuel cell as examples of admissible items from the US.

The parts required to finish these cars are readily available in Canada. We encourage our Canadian customers to source them locally, however not all of the required pieces may be readily available north of the border. TC has a provision for that, and no approval from TC is necessary to import individual parts.