How to sell classic cars overseas: US guide

If you’re looking to sell your classic car, you might have thought about selling overseas. US muscle cars and other classic cars are increasingly desirable overseas, and with a little effort in advance, the paperwork and shipping doesn’t have to be a pain. It’s definitely worth making sure that your classic car is available to buyers abroad.

This article will take you through the details of foreign classic car sales, including how to price and list your car and get ready to ship it.

We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.

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Table of contents
Can you sell a classic car overseas? Popular American classic car models What to do before you list the car Where is the best place to sell a classic car? How to sell a classic car overseas: sale and shipping What are the tax implications of selling a classic car?

Can you sell a classic car overseas?

Many domestic sellers find selling classic cars overseas to be profitable and worthwhile. US classic cars are in demand around the world, especially in Germany, the UK, Australia, China, Japan, and the Philippines. If you’re looking for a buyer for your classic car, you just might find one abroad.

While shipping costs and customs regulations might be slightly more onerous than a domestic transaction, selling cars internationally is still an option worth keeping open. Because classic US cars are a rare commodity in other countries, the price you receive might make it all worthwhile.

Popular American classic car models

If you have one of these US classic cars, you’ll be providing foreign markets with some of their favorite classic car imports. But lots of American classic and antique vehicles, including muscle cars and pickup trucks, are in demand overseas.

Car¹	Description
Ford Mustang	This classic, especially the first generation, never fails to be mentioned as a beloved symbol of American muscle cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s and a sought-after collector’s item for buyers abroad
Chevrolet Camaro	With movie-star looks, the Camaro shows off style and sparks nostalgia that gets recognition around the world
Chevrolet Corvette	Sporty and sexy, the Corvette is wanted in Europe especially
Dodge Charger	A legend of the muscle car era, the Charger’s popularity is growing in the Middle East, and it’s a popular choice for investment

What to do before you list the car

Do these first steps before selling your car internationally:

Prepare the car

Clean your car as well as you can — ideally professionally — and take out all of your personal belongings. This is essential to shipping the car, but it’s also important to do before you begin the sales process. People want to shop for a car that they can picture as their own.

Get your car inspected

A thorough appraisal is essential to determine your car’s true condition and head off any misunderstandings and complications. Find someone you trust to give the car a thorough look to determine what work it might need and the condition of various parts and systems.

If repairs or updates are needed and you want to improve the car’s sales potential, it might be worth making those investments up front.

Gather your car’s documentation

An oral history of a car isn’t worth much to a potential buyer. You’ll want to collect a thorough paper trail of your car’s regular maintenance and recent repairs to prove that it’s been cared for.

These documents may include: Carfax that proves ownership and crash history, receipts and descriptions of repairs, and the ownership documents, like the title, insurance, and registration, that show that the car is yours.

Determine your target list price

Some significant market research should go into setting your first asking price. Check listings that you can find online for comparable cars available in comparable locations, as well as websites like Kelly Blue Book.

Draft your vehicle’s listing, including photos

Your vehicle listing should be professional and direct, so the car’s features can sell themselves. Photos are also extremely important. Make sure that the pictures are well-lit, abundant, and show the car from as many angles as possible.

Do your customs research for countries abroad

Are there easier places to ship your car than others? What prices can you expect for shipping? What would it cost to ship to the Middle East, for instance, from your home? What are customs protocols like for selling a car in Japan vs. Germany?

Once you have these questions answered, you’ll be able to determine a price point for different countries that reflects the cost of shipping.

Where is the best place to sell a classic car?

There are plenty of websites that foreign buyers visit in large numbers that will get eyes on the listing for your classic car. Here are some to check out:

• Hemmings: This large marketplace has significant international traffic; it’s also a great option for more valuable classic cars

• eBay Motors: You can target country-specific eBay pages if you have a particular international market in mind, like Germany or the UK

• ClassicCars.com: For classics in particular, this website is a place that many buyers are bound to visit

How to sell a classic car overseas: sale and shipping

Here are the basic steps for selling classic cars overseas:

Step 1. Post your listing and field inquiries

When you find a serious buyer who wants to make a good-faith offer, stay in touch promptly and professionally.

Step 2. Accept your best offer from a credible buyer

Make sure that you take identification from your buyer and secure a signed bill of sale when the price is agreed upon.

Step 3. Hire a shipping company or carrier

There are a variety of methods and services for sending your car overseas, all with different price points and timelines. Find one that matches your budget, timing, and risk tolerance. Logistics brokers and forwarding experts will offer you quotes. Shop around to find a service you can trust and afford.

Step 4. Ship your car with acceptable documentation

Your necessary documents will include:

• a bill of sale
• the vehicle’s title
• written permission for export from the holder of the lien if the car is not fully paid off

You’ll also need to provide US Customs & Border Protection 72 hours of notice by filling out an application online.²

Step 5. Pay the necessary customs, duties, and fees

These will vary by your car’s destination and the services that you chose to help with the shipping process.

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What are the tax implications of selling a classic car?

Your classic car is a personal asset in the eyes of the IRS. When you sell the car at a profit, the proceeds are subject to a capital gains tax for collectibles, at a maximum of 28%.³

The tax applies to your “net” capital gains, which means that you should take the final sale price on the car and subtract the original amount that you paid for it, relevant taxes you paid, and expenses that you put into the car to increase its value, before assessing whether or not you profited from the sale.

In the event of an international sale, customs, duties, and shipping costs will all factor into these expenses.

Consult a tax professional for questions on the tax implications of selling cars internationally. The nuances will vary by the country that you’re selling to as well.

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Your US classic car may find its perfect buyer internationally. Selling classic cars overseas is a worthwhile activity for most classic car owners looking to expand their web of potential buyers. With a little research ahead of time, you’ll have no trouble opening up to a global customer base.

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Sources

1. West Coast Shipping - Most Popular American Classic Muscle Cars Overseas
2. CBP - Exporting a motor vehicle
3. IRS - Capital gains and losses

Sources checked 12/16/2025