Lucky Europe. A free trade zone since the beginning. No taxes or fees involved any more for buying cars within Europe for everybody. Buying from outside EU into Germany: 10% Custom + 19% VAT. Thatīs it. AP unknown, easy processing upon arrival, half an hour paper work, pay, everything done. For cars older than 30 years -in excellent condition- you can choose The Netherlands as entry point into the EU, only 7% Custom duties and your collectorīs item is legally imported into Europe. The last fiscal loophole still existing for classic cars into Europe.
Yeah, Lancia, these were the days. I loved my 2 Liter Beta Coupé when I was a student in Germany. Very sophisticated engines before they merged with Fiat. Only cost of Lancia spare parts was a heavy burden at that time, I doubt this has changed.
I saw a Mercedes W114 long wheel base 2nd series recently, in acceptable shape, only the doors underneath were eaten by rust from inside. The longer rear doors are not available any more, used ones impossible to find, so is the chrome frame for the rear windows. New front doors are no problem. Also 15 original Fuchs rims are nearly impossible to get. All other W114/115 models have 14 rims. So I did not buy it.
Best regards,
Heinz
