Hi there
My name is Donald I live in the UK and I have recently purchased an ex Mod - 110 tithnous radio truck. I bought it with 2 friends as project, we are old scout friends and jobs, womenfolk and life in general meant we weren’t spending as much time together, so what better way than buy a big bit of MECANO to play with.
We went for a 110 which had been listed as a non-runner because we wanted to work on it and because the bodywork was in such good condition, the hope was also that a non-runner might afford a little profit to reinvest and do another one or even move up to a Wolf in future.
So we have done a bit of work to her and all is looking good, sorted the common solenoid feedback which prevented her shutting down, bled the slave cylinder and the landy is off to get its MOT this week which we are all excited about, especially as the weather is meant a bit white soon and we can get her up into the hills and get some nice photos and videos, I fancy putting a gopro under it and see all the bits in action. The paperwork of her military service has been put in so should be really nice to see what she has done.
The nub of the post is we are looking at the possibility of selling to the US market and want to know if you think we should? And what we might need to think of if we do? We are aware that Military land rovers seem to get touted in the US at prices we think are totally ridicules and down right unfair, our hope is to sell our 110 tithnous at a sensible price, one that both parties can be happy with. With the hope in mind that we can do it again and slowly move up to rarer versions while all having a good time in each other’s company.
So
Are we mad? Should we do it? Where might we start?

 

I don't think you guys are mad at all I'm looking at doing a similar thing ? Can I send you an email

 

Sure thing, would be great to chat with someone doing the same. Not sure I have privaledges to private message on this forum.

 

So, you want to sell an Ex-mod Defender across the pond.
You may want to contact US customs and find out what they have in place. Because it would suck for both parties to have it sitting in a customs warehouse because someone didn't do the appropriate homework.

 

Good idea. I think from my point of view the whole costoms thing is the scariest part, nothing is going to ***** up a new business relationship / deal than both parties getting turned over by some wrong paperwork etc.

 

US customs and vehicle import is easy as long as you follow the rules unfortunately understanding how the rules are being interpreted is the challenge these days.

The key is that the truck has to be in original condition. Meaning, the engine type it was born with, no rear disc brake conversions, replaced doors etc.

The goal is to send it over as original as possible.

Uncle Doug on Defendersource is regularly importing stock trucks, so might want to reach out to him.

 

Ah Robert thank you so much for your reply, as always knowledge is everything, we really appreciate iate your input. All the best. Donald, Tex and Smithy.

 

no problem Donald.
I just brought in my 109 using "Uncle Doug". One further piece of advice. Generally, a US buyer will want to wait until the truck is here and "legal" before buying to ensure that the car doesn't end up getting tied up in legalities.
The sad news is that an original condition, but unsafe/rusted truck will pass through customs whereas a smartly updated and safe one will often run into problems.

I'm heading over to the UK in the Spring to

 

Hope you have a good time over here whether it be business or pleasure. Our tthnous just passed its MOT, so time to get her a full UK number plate and finish off the last few jobs.

I understand what you say about the truck being already exported, I think we prob can't risk sending her blind not having any contacts, friends or relatives in the US, but could realistically offer it at a price that would make it worth while for the importer.

 

While I love Defenders, I just need you guys to know that being prior British Army, I am fully aware of how dreadful we treat our Landies. I mean, we really beat them up quite badly. So much stuff got neglected when I was serving. I'm sure that nobody on here would sell a "dud" and I would never imply such a thing, but if you are buying one then please have the chance to thoroughly inspect and check over the vehicle prior.