Importing cobra kit to Canada

Dave Wilson · #1 (**permalink**) 07-04-2002, 07:48 PM

For all Canadian cobra kit owner.

Could someone please help me out. I an considering purchasing cobra kit either from the US or from England and woud lie to know the best way to import it into Canada in order to avoid as much duty as possible.

Dave Wilson
London, Ontario
Canada

Jack21 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-04-2002, 11:54 PM

Go to the Classic Roadsters with DV & Don Scott forum. There's a post there from Snake. He's from Ontario, has a Classic Roadsters, and got it there. Might could offer you some advice.

Allan Skok · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002, 07:45 AM

Hi Dave

I’m pleased to hear that you’re considering a replica purchase, and that you’ll potentially be joining the Canadian Cobra Community.
We are the Canadian Superformance dealer, and it would be my pleasure to assist you with any questions that you may have. Our strength is the fact that we take care of all transport and duty, and that way we can match the pricing of our US counterparts. The Superformance product speaks for itself, and is an extremely “soft sale.” I would however encourage you to continue with your research, we find that those who do, eventually join our Superformance family. Either way, I’d be glad to help.
1.800.29SNAKE (297-6253) x303

Denis Bouchard · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002, 07:46 AM

Dave,

Check your e-mail.

Denis

Ken Oikawa · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002, 09:53 AM

Hi Dave

Check this Stratford Co...dealer for Shelly Valley/Midstates:
http://www.dreamcobra.com/

There's a FFR dealership located in Ft. Erie...it's run by Wheaton.

jamesson · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002, 09:53 AM

Allan,

I am also planning on purchasing a cobra in the near future.
I came across a problem though.
It seems that you can not import a kit car into Canada that is less than 15 years old.
Have you guys ever come across a problem registering your vehicles?

Here is the email I recieved from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles.

Thank you for your recent inquiry.

The only way that a Kit Vehicle would be admissible for importation into
Canada is if it was assembled more then 15 years ago.

The onus is on the importer to prove that it was assembled more then 15
years ago. If the importer is not able to do so, then the Kit Vehicle is
not admissible for importation into Canada.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Regards,

Amy K Lang
Importer Service Representative
Registrar of Imported Vehicles
1-888-848-8240
www.riv.ca

Inquiring minds need to know how anybody in Canada got around this.
Thank you
Jim

jamesson · #7 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002, 01:22 PM

HighPlainsDrifter · #8 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002, 01:35 PM

Dave,
You may only bring parts into Canada,not a rolling chassis/body, you will get turned back at the border. F5 and superformance,etc have their broker and paperwork set for parts, so they manage to get their stuff in, a private citizen has no chance.It would be worth it to pay one of these people to get the parts into Canada.
Perry.

Snake · #9 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 01:01 AM

That's great that your thinking of buying a Cobra...all fill you in on some stuff. By the way Jack21 thinks that I live in Ontario...But I live in Quebec. Not a big deal. Ok....I've being building my Cobra kit for 3 yrs...a few things left to go..but nothing major. I didn't but the kit all at once....I bought all the parts over the internet for the same kit manufacture....it's a long process...but it was well worth it. I new of a guy that bought a B&B kit....he lived in London, Ontario. I think he had bought the whole kit and tried to get threw customs..and he had problems...I think he had to split up the kit to get it threw. Man sorry I don't remember the whole story....I think I got his number some where. I bought a windsheild from Bob Weaton...he sales Cobra kit in Ontario....FFR and a new kit that is called B.R.M. Cobra...here is his Web site http://www3.sympatico.ca/bob.wheaton...ra/prodsvs.htm
He lives in Ontario..and would probably be one of the best people to talk too for getting a Cobra kit into Canada, I beleve he wil even do the brokering for you for a fee.
Here in Quebec...you have to have Wiper system with Wiper fluid jets that spray on your windsheild, Sun visor, back up lights, All lights must work, hand brake, I think a defrost unit also. Good tires, rear view mirror, heat sheild for side pipes,....I have the list that the SAAQ inspection gave me when I got my inspection...but it's in french..if you need it just e-mail me and all scan it and send it to you. In Ontario...I'm not sure what they will ask for...but I'm sure Bob would know. JUST REMEMBER IF YOU BUY A COBRA KIT...MAKE SURE YOU GET AN MSO (Manufactures Certificate of Origin For A Vehicale) With out it ...you are screwed if you want to get it registered. Trust me on this one!!! Like the other guys have said...do your home work....look at the Manufactuers and ask for references...and call them. It depends on what you want in your Cobra...do you want it as close to the original or a better fit for a tall person...there are many different cCobra kits out there.
I'm not trying to scare you in anyway..I had the frame shiped from North Dakota and I brokered it my self...it was only one item , so it wasn't a big deal...when you have lots of parts...that's where you need a broker. There's alot of good guy's and kits out there. This is the best thing you have done so far...this web site is the best and there is alot of information you can count on..these guy's here have been there and done that...so ask them use there expertise. If you need any other help just e-mail me.
Good Luck!! Snake/Gerry.

coosawjack · #10 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 04:10 AM

I thought "NAFTA" did away with duty in Canada and Mexico??

Jack

bmercer · #11 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 06:12 AM

I think - and I may be off base here - that if the U.S. manufacturer provides a "NAFTA letter" indicating that the parts are auto parts manufactured for use in a NAFTA country then there is no duty.