Moving to Germany, any ideas on project?

[Obsoletist]

As this is my first post, I feel I should give some background information on myself. I'm 26 from Nashville Tn, but lived in Louisville Ky most of my life. I was never raised around cars, but developed a crazed obsession at around 20. I purchased my neighbors Lexus SC300 5speed and shortly after I had a 1JZ-GTE swapped in along with many supporting mods. I did none of the work and while the car is fun to drive I feel entirely unfulfilled by it. During my ownership of the car I have lost interest in most of the import scene and have become nearly obsessive over vintage cars that have been build more with the track in mind, than with the "hard parking" ways of the tuner kids

I am in the process of selling it now to facilitate buying a new car in Germany when I arrive, and seeing as how I'll be in the continent of 1,000 race tracks, it seems like an opportune time for a build. The only issue is that most of the vintage american cars we take for granted here, are either non-existent or insanely expensive across the pond. So my question to you, my infinitely more experienced friends, is where to begin? Are there any Europe exclusive platforms that you have always wanted to build? I'm not speaking only of European manufacturers, I know Ford and Chevy both sell a lot of exclusives in Europe.

I appreciate any advice and look forward to hearing from you

[PortraitPro]

If you are going to wait until you get over there to start a build, and want it to be a vintage classic, then you aren't going to have much to choose from by way of American makes. They are really expensive over there. Take for example my '70 Mustang Vert, I sold it to a dealer for $15k, who sold it to a guy in the UK for $18k plus shipping charges, that guy then sold it to a dealer in the UK for $23k US. That dealer then threw a new paint job on it and did some other minor stuff and they were asking $60k US for it.

So I would stay away from those cars over there unless you purchase one in the US and ship it over there. Even then getting parts for American classics is hard in Europe and shipping changes on them from the US is crazy.

If you are looking for a fun track car in Europe, then you should stick to something that they have an abundance of, and being in Germany, I would look for a a 80's Porche 911, or my personal favorite is the BMW M3 E30 from the 80's. There are tons of performance mods and they make good track cars and street daily drivers.

[Obsoletist]

Yeah I was planning on staying within the European manufacturers. After the wedding, when I'm nice legal, and permanent, I would like to import a classic for myself though. In the mean time I've been looking at some of the older British models and even a few old Mercedes and BMWs. The E30 is a solid choice because they're like locusts over there, but at the same time that takes away a bit of the appeal to me.

[PortraitPro]

The E30 is a good solid car, but I can understand about wanting something that is not quite as common. You could always go for the BMW 850, a lot less of those running around. Of course I'm a Bimmer fan anyway so I'm a little biased.

[capri v8 driver]

Yeah I was planning on staying within the European manufacturers. After the wedding, when I'm nice legal, and permanent, I would like to import a classic for myself though. In the mean time I've been looking at some of the older British models and even a few old Mercedes and BMWs. The E30 is a solid choice because they're like locusts over there, but at the same time that takes away a bit of the appeal to me.

I would look at the European oldies like the ford escort, sierra cosworth, capri or Granada. reasonable in price and you can do a lot of modifying to them like bigger engines and beter suspension, brakes and you name it for well, reasonable money if you look around for the parts but its only fair to warn you, modifying cars here is still 2 till 3 times more expensive than in the states.

If you want a US car, I would buy and ship one from the US, with all the parts you need to build the car, to Europe in a freight container as moving goods to keep the cost down (tax manly).

[Cop Magnet]

If you ship a car to Europe, there may be outrageous import taxes. However, as an expat planning to return with the car, I think you get a waiver. If you then sell it there, they slap you with the tax after. At least, this is what happened to my Dad 45 years ago. YMMV.

[Twentyover]

According to Wikipedia, a Carnet de Passages is not required for most of Europe

Second the European Fords. Smaller and lighter than American iron, most have room for 302's. Or you can get equally cool Cosworth 2.9L BOA's or BOB engines.

[Obsoletist]

I have been looking at the European Fords and Opels. Capri V8 Driver, would you mind posting some pictures of your car? I'd love to see it

[capri v8 driver]

According to Wikipedia, a Carnet de Passages is not required for most of Europe

Second the European Fords. Smaller and lighter than American iron, most have room for 302's. Or you can get equally cool Cosworth 2.9L BOA's or BOB engines.

That's why I love the capri with a v8 so much. its with 2400 pounds very light, a few mods to the suspension, brakes and bigger wheels and it makes the capri a very good handling car.


I have been looking at the European Fords and Opels. Capri V8 Driver, would you mind posting some pictures of your car? I'd love to see it

This black capri v8 had a 2.9 24v cosworth engine, but I later replaced it for a 5.0 HO with a t5, a few mods and it was a dream to drive. I still regret it that I had to sell it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s873.photobucket.com/user/capri_v8_driver/media/sale/capri%20v8/P1010014_zps460137fe.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s873.photobucket.com/user/capri_v8_driver/media/sale/capri%20v8/DSC01913_zpsac1ace3e.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s873.photobucket.com/user/capri_v8_driver/media/sale/capri%20v8/landgraaf_08_109_zpse7453028.jpg.html)

This is my blue capri v8, I build this car in 1993 for some drag racing action with a hot 306 and nitro and it was never chanced, till now. It has a 427 dart engine and will get 2 turbos, a 4x4 system, bigger brakes and independent suspension. Its still work in progress and it will take a wile before its finished.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s873.photobucket.com/user/capri_v8_driver/media/sale/capri%20v8/DSC09289.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s873.photobucket.com/user/capri_v8_driver/media/sale/capri%20v8/DSC09413.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s873.photobucket.com/user/capri_v8_driver/media/sale/capri%20v8/DSC09312.jpg.html)