Importing 15+ Year Old Cobra Into Canada

[Bailz396]

I'm looking to import a 15+ year old Cobra into Canada but would appreciate some input on the below questions:

1. Can anyone advise what exactly constituted "proof" for Canada Customs that a vehicle was 15+ years old? A copy of the original title showing when it was first issued seems the obvious choice however does a copy suffice? Does it need to be the original? Will a "vehicle title history" report available from most state DMV online websites suffice? Has anyone found success using some other form of proof and if so what?

2. Can anyone confirm that either Harry Bergeon or Alexandru Mates are still the proper contacts at Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Regulation Enforcement? Anyone happen to have email addresses for them or do they only respond if you contact them via phone?

Thanks in advance.

[SunDude]

I had been looking at some 15yr+ Cobras too a few years ago, but ended up buying one already in Canada which saved me from the hassles of importing it. But there are some other members here who have successfully imported them; maybe they can chime in with their first-hand experiences.

As for the Transport Canada contacts, HERE'S A LINK to the staff list with phone/emails etc. Looks like Harry is still there, but Alexandre is not.

I should think that any state government-issued document (such as a title or title history) that clearly establishes the car's age should work. But a copy might need to be notarized or something (just guessing here).

But I wonder if your best bet isn't to speak with the Canada Customs office at the border crossing you intend to use, and ask them what documentation they accept as proof. After all it's CBSA who will decide whether or not to admit the vehicle. They enforce the TC rules, and ultimately they have the authority to let the car in or turn it back.

[xlr8tr]

mine was a weird one as it started life in Canada, then was sold to the US before I imported it. I did need the original title document when I crossed the border, but the 15+ year proof was ICBC title search info, submitted to the border FIRST (as sundude has suggested!). They get back to you pretty quick if the paperwork is not in order.

[Bailz396]

Excellent suggestions gentlemen. Thanks for the prompt replies and info.

I like the idea of running it by CBSA. I've dealt with them on a couple previous vehicle imports but they were all under the RIV program and I never heard any feedback from them upon submitting my 72 hour notice and related paperwork as they were straightforward imports. This time round I'll certainly ask for some feedback on my vehicle age proof.

Mark - good to know that the ICBC title search info worked for you. I too will have the original and current title however the old title, from a different state and showing the 15+ year age, is only available in the form of a state DMV title history.

Any other members out there successfully import a 15+ year old Cobra and if so what did you submit for proof?

[tmctguer]

i just sold a 1993 Beck Spyder to a gentleman in Canada. I was able to provide him a copy of the vehicle's MSO, and complete set of titles from 1993 to 2008 (when i purchased the car) plus registration documents for my period of ownership. the buyer had no problems importing it. he used Turbo Auto Transport out of AZ who apparently has experience transporting cars into Canada.

IMHO, the MSO was undoubtedly what established the initial build date of the car, but the continuous series of titles showed the car's complete chain of ownership. I would think that a new owner would NOT want to risk importing a car that could get hung up in customs. The more ownership records, the better!