How To Ship The Sports Car You Bought In France To the UK?

Posted on July 7th, 2025

After purchasing a sports car in France, the big question is how to bring it home to the UK without turning the whole thing into a drawn-out mess.

It’s not just about transport anymore. Since Brexit, there are more rules to deal with, and moving a car across borders means paying attention to the details that actually matter.

What seems simple at first can quickly get complicated if you’re not careful. This isn’t just about getting your new car from one country to another.

Every document, every rule, every step plays a role in making sure the move goes smoothly. Miss one, and your car could end up waiting longer than you planned—or costing more than it should.

If you're serious about protecting your new purchase, it's worth knowing what’s ahead. We’ll break it all down so the whole thing feels less like guesswork and more like a well-planned drive.

What The Import Process From Europe To The UK Looks Like

Importing a sports car from France to the UK might sound like a paperwork puzzle wrapped in red tape—but it doesn’t have to be.

Yes, Brexit changed things a bit, but with a clear plan and the right documents, the process can move along far more smoothly than most expect. The trick is knowing what needs to happen and when, without second-guessing every detail.

First things first: paperwork. Without the right documents, your new ride won’t get far. The French vehicle registration certificate (Carte Grise) is non-negotiable—it proves ownership. It needs to be original, not a photocopy you dug out of your inbox.

You’ll also need a sales invoice or receipt. Ideally, have it translated into English to avoid any hold-ups. The Certificate of Conformity is another must-have.

This document confirms the car meets EU technical standards and is road legal. If it didn’t come with the car, the manufacturer can usually supply it.

Now, once you've got your folder of paperwork sorted, it's time to tackle taxes and customs. This is where the process often feels more complicated than it is. But here’s a quick breakdown of how it all fits together:

• Submit a Notice of Vehicle Arrival to HMRC within 14 days of the car arriving in the UK.

• Pay VAT—typically 20%—if the car is new or less than six months old.

• Check if import duties apply, depending on the car’s origin and classification.

• Use the correct Customs Procedure Code (CPC) when declaring your car.

• Gather evidence of purchase, transport costs, and compliance documents for your submission.

With customs cleared and the fees handled, it's time to get your new pride and joy across the Channel.

Most car owners opt for enclosed transport when moving high-value vehicles—less exposure, more peace of mind. Once the car touches UK soil, there’s just one more lap to complete.

You’ll need to register the vehicle with the DVLA, which means filling out a V55/5 form, paying the £55 registration fee, sorting road tax, and, if required, getting an MOT certificate.

Insurance is also a must before the tyres touch tarmac. Once all that is sorted, you can welcome home your new sports car.

If any of this sounds like too much to handle alone, there are specialists who deal with European car imports every day. They know the ropes, the forms, and the shortcuts—and can save you time, stress, and more than a few grey hairs.

Choosing the Right Transport Method For The Value of Your Car

Getting your sports car from France to the UK is more than just picking the quickest route—it’s about matching the transport method to the value of your car and your peace of mind.

Not every car needs a velvet cushion, but if you’ve just bought a high-performance beauty, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re signing up for when choosing how to bring it home.

Each method comes with its own balance of cost, convenience, and protection. Some are straightforward; others are tailored for those who'd rather not risk a single scratch.

Here’s a breakdown of the main options and what to watch out for with each:

• Standard Ferry Crossing
  Pros: Cheapest route; simple if you’re driving yourself
  Cons: No protection from weather or road debris; bound by ferry schedules

• Open Trailer Transport
  Pros: Easier on the wallet than enclosed; widely available
  Cons: Exposed to the elements and possible stone chips; not ideal for valuable cars

• Enclosed Trailer Transport
  Pros: Highest level of protection; ideal for luxury or classic cars
  Cons: Higher cost; availability may be limited depending on route and timing

• Full-Service Shipping Provider
  Pros: End-to-end handling; little effort required from you
  Cons: Can get pricey quickly; you’ll need to vet the provider’s credentials carefully

If your car is a rare model or a recent investment, enclosed transport or full-service options tend to offer the best long-term value.

Not only do they protect your car physically, but they also save you time and hassle—especially when crossing borders with extra post-Brexit paperwork involved.

On the other hand, if you're moving something more modest or already road-tested, ferry or open transport may get the job done at a fraction of the cost.

The key is to factor in not just the cost of transport but the potential risks to your car’s condition—and how much that might cost to fix. A chipped panel or rain-soaked interior can quickly outweigh what you saved on cheaper delivery.

For those unsure where to start, it’s wise to get a few quotes and speak to companies that deal regularly with European car shipments. They’ll know the ins and outs, the best ports, and how to choose the best type of transport for your car’s value—and your comfort level.

How To Make Sure You Don't Get Your Stolen

Getting your sports car from France to the UK shouldn’t feel like handing over the keys to a stranger and hoping for the best. When a vehicle holds both financial and emotional value, taking shortcuts on security is a risk you simply can’t afford.

That’s why choosing the right transport provider—and knowing what to look out for—is just as important as the logistics itself.

Start by checking credentials. A legitimate transport company should be fully licensed and insured. Don’t just take their word for it—ask for proof, and verify those documents through official channels.

The insurance policy should match or exceed your car’s value and cover all transit stages, from pickup in France to delivery on British soil. If the provider fumbles with vague answers or dodges specifics, that’s your cue to move on.

Sadly, not every company on the market is playing fair. Some cut corners; others go further—and if you're not paying attention, you might fall into one of these common traps:

• Phantom Carriers
  Fake companies with slick websites and zero actual vehicles. They take your deposit, vanish, and leave you chasing shadows.

• Overpromised, Underdelivered
  Flashy quotes with rock-bottom prices that balloon later with surprise “fees”. What starts cheap can end up costing far more.

• Paperless Promises
  No written contract, just a handshake and a vague timeline. Without terms in writing, good luck holding them accountable.

Once you’ve found a company that ticks the right boxes, shift focus to prepping your car. Clean it inside and out to make any damage easy to spot. Take detailed photos from multiple angles.

Remove anything personal and secure or remove loose accessories. Leave a quarter tank of fuel—just enough to move it if needed, without adding weight. And don’t forget to disable the alarm unless you enjoy 3 a.m. phone calls.

Solid companies will also have proper tracking systems in place, letting you monitor your car’s location while it’s en route. Ask about their transport fleet and how they secure vehicles during transit.

Details like these truly matter—and anyone worth hiring won’t mind the questions.

Trusting someone else with your sports car is a big ask. But with careful planning, the right paperwork, and a healthy dose of caution, your vehicle can arrive safe, sound, and exactly as you left it—minus the stress.

Ship Your Car To England with Trusted, Insured, and Discreet Transport Solutions from Oxford Vehicle Breakdown Recovery

Bringing a high-value sports car from France to the UK isn’t just about distance—it’s about trust, planning, and choosing the right team to handle the shipping.

From understanding customs paperwork to selecting the best transport method, every decision plays a part in protecting your investment.

Whether your priority is speed, safety, or simplicity, there’s a solution to match—but choosing the right one matters.

At Oxford Vehicle Breakdown Recovery, we specialise in secure, insured, and discreet car transport between France and the UK.

We understand the unique needs of performance and luxury vehicles, offering reliable services that remove the guesswork from international car shipping.

From enclosed transport for ultimate protection to support with documentation and customs clearance, we make sure everything is handled with care and precision.

Secure your luxury vehicle’s passage from France to England with trusted, insured, and discreet transport—find out about our international car shipping options today.

Need help or have questions?

Reach out to us at [email protected] or give us a call on +44 7703 212457.

Let us handle the hard part—so you can focus on the thrill of driving your new car, not the hassle of getting it home.