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I'm moving back to New Zealand from the UK in September and want to bring my 1976 Corvette Stingray with me. The car is in original condition, as far as I can tell, and has been in the UK for twenty years so it's got a few rusty bits. I'm getting the brakes overhauled and a few odd jobs done. It's tidy and roadworthy, and I plan to strip it and rebuild it in the next few years. Any advice would be great thanks!

Mark

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

The vehicle needs to go through a compliance process before it can be driven legally on NZ roads.

Due to its age, it is exempt from the current frontal impact and emission rules however, it does need to pass an in-depth roadworthiness inspection.

This is where your 'few rusty bits' may be a problem. Any hint of structural repairs or damage to the vehicle may render it un-roadworthy and you will need to have any necessary repairs carried out to a known or agreed standard and signed off by a certified vehicle inspector.

They may be very reluctant to sign off any repairs they have had no initial input into or no evidence of the repair methods used.

It may be a big risk bringing the car into NZ if restoration work is excessive or partially completed.

The other option is to bring the vehicle into NZ and store it while the restoration work is completed and then go through the compliance process.

You will still need to discuss the work required with a repair certifier before the work is started and keep them updated as the work progresses.

I assume the vehicle is R/H drive. If not there are a few declarations you need to make at time of importation.