A Ford Mustang GT for under 30.000€. A Dodge Challenger R/T zum halben Preis. A Chevrolet Corvette C8 that costs 20.000€ less than at a German dealer. The US car market offers prices that make European buyers' eyes water. But between dream and driveway lie customs, shipping, TÜV regulations, and a mountain of paperwork. This guide cuts through the noise. Hard facts. Real numbers. No fairy tales.
Breaking: EU-US Trade Deal Could Eliminate 10% Customs Duty
In July 2025, the EU and USA announced a framework agreement: 0% customs duty on US vehicles imported to the EU. If ratified, this could save up to €5,700 per vehicle. Status as of February 2026: Framework agreed – EU ratification pending.
The Real Costs: What You Actually Pay
The biggest mistake most importers make: they calculate only the purchase price. The reality is brutal. Customs, import VAT, shipping, TÜV conversion, and registration add 30-40% on top of the vehicle price. Here is the complete breakdown:
Customs & Taxes
- Customs duty: 10% of vehicle value + transport
- Import VAT: 19% on value + transport + customs
- Classic cars (30+ years): 0% customs, only 7% VAT
- Possible 2026: 0% customs (EU-US deal)
Shipping & Logistics
- RoRo: from €900 (cheapest option)
- Container: from €1,500 (more protection)
- Transit time: 4-7 weeks (LA → Bremerhaven)
- Customs clearance: 3-6 business days
Example Calculation: Ford Mustang GT Import
Let's calculate a real example. You find a 2024 Ford Mustang GT in the USA for $35,000 (approx. €30,000). Here's what it actually costs to get it on German roads:
If the EU-US 0% customs deal takes effect: Total drops to approx. €39,970 – saving €3,120.
The Oldtimer Advantage: Tax Benefits for 30+ Year Vehicles
This is where it gets interesting for classic car enthusiasts. Vehicles older than 30 years receive preferential treatment at German customs. That means in 2026, every car built in 1996 or earlier qualifies. We're talking early Corvette C5s, fourth-gen Camaros, Fox Body Mustangs, and late muscle car era trucks.
Oldtimer Import Benefits
- 0% customs duty (completely exempt)
- Only 7% VAT (instead of 19%)
- Easier TÜV requirements
- H-plates available (tax benefits)
Important Requirements
- Vehicle must be in original condition
- Decision at customs officer's discretion
- Modifications can void classic status
- Documentation of originality required
Step by Step: The Import Process
Every successful import follows the same proven process. Skip a step, and you'll pay for it – literally. Here's the correct sequence:
Find & inspect the vehicle
Never buy blind. Use a pre-purchase inspector on-site in the USA. Cost: €150-300. Saves you thousands in nasty surprises. Check the title for Salvage, Rebuilt, or Clean status. Only import Clean Titles.
Organize shipping
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) from €900 – affordable but less protection. Container from €1,500 – safer, especially for valuable vehicles. Main routes: Los Angeles or New York to Bremerhaven or Hamburg. Transit time: 4-7 weeks.
Customs clearance in Germany
Duration: 3-6 business days at Bremerhaven/Hamburg customs office. Required documents: Bill of Sale, Title/Registration Certificate, Bill of Lading, Customs value declaration. Tip: Hire a customs broker – saves time and nerves (cost: €200-400).
TÜV conversion & inspection
Mandatory conversions: Headlights (US to EU standard), speedometer (mph to km/h), tail lights, possibly exhaust system. Cost: €1,000-3,000 depending on vehicle. At Gatran Garage, we know every detail – we've gotten hundreds of US cars through TÜV.
Full inspection per §21 StVZO & registration
With all conversions done, it's time for the full inspection. Cost: €150-300. Then head to the registration office. Don't forget your custom plates. Done – welcome to German roads.
Document Checklist: What You Need
Most Popular US Cars for Import 2026
Based on current import trends and demand in Germany, these are the most imported US vehicles in 2026:
Ford Mustang GT
The eternal classic. Whether 5.0 V8 or Shelby GT500 – the Mustang dominates import statistics.
Dodge Challenger R/T
Retro design with modern HEMI V8. The last true muscle car of its kind.
Chevrolet Corvette C8
Mid-engine revolution. In the USA from $65k – in Germany over €100k at dealers.
Ford F-150 / RAM 1500
Full-size trucks are booming in Germany. Family-friendly with V8 sound.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
2024 was the last production year. Prices are already rising – import now.
Jeep Wrangler
Iconic off-road vehicle. Significantly cheaper in the USA than in Europe.
5 Mistakes That Cost You Thousands
Buying a Salvage Title
Sounds cheap, costs a fortune. Salvage Titles mean: total loss in the USA. TÜV inspection becomes a nightmare, insurers cause problems, and resale value tanks.
Not using a Pre-Purchase Inspector
Save €150, pay €5,000 extra. Without on-site inspection, you're buying blind. Rust under the paint, accident damage, hidden defects – we've seen it all.
DIY TÜV conversion
EU standards for lighting, emissions, and safety are complex. Mistakes cost you multiple inspection fees and weeks of delays. Let professionals handle it.
Thinking dollar price = euro price
The sticker price in the USA is NOT your final price. Always calculate +30-40% for customs, taxes, shipping, and conversion.
Working without a customs broker
Yes, you can do it yourself. No, you shouldn't. A customs broker costs €200-400 and saves you days at customs and potential errors in clearance.
Why Gatran Garage Is Your Partner for US Car Imports
At Gatran Garage in Wimsheim near Stuttgart, we don't just restore US Cars – we live them. Our team has handled everything from legendary Dodge Chargers to Corvette C2 Stingrays. When your freshly imported Mustang needs TÜV conversion, we know exactly which headlights, reflectors, and exhaust modifications are required – because we've done it hundreds of times.
TÜV Expertise
We know EU regulations inside out and handle all conversions
Fast Processing
From arrival to registration in the shortest time possible
Fair Pricing
Transparent costs, no hidden fees – guaranteed