Import my dear Vespa from Italy

[marcogior]

Good morning everyone,
I'm so happy that I found a forum to talk about Vespas in the UK.
I'm Italian, 32, owner of 2 wonderful Vespas (both from 1978) recently moved to London and and I would love to import my PX125 in London. 
I'm trying to understand which steps I need to follow and I thought to get in touch with a Vespa club and see if there are specific limitations or opportunities (such as insurance discount for vintage vehicles) I need to know.
For example I found out that if the vehicle is older than 10 years I don't need to ask for the vehicle approval but it's not clear if I should make other checks to prove that the vehicle can be driven safely.
I definitely don't want to bring the vehicle here and then realize that I can't drive it.
Could somebody help me telling me what I should do? (registration, approval, plates..). 
thank you so much,
Marco

[bignico2411]

Welcome aboard, Marco!

This link should tell you all you need to know:

Import a Vehicle to UK

[marcogior]

thanks but it does not say much about vintage vehicles..
Are there limitation about pollution?
Do I need to make any regular checks on the vehicle? If these checks are strict I risk not to pass them.. for example in 1978 the break system is not the one of nowadays..
In that link I found that vehicles with more than 10 years don't need the "approval". But I'm not sure if there is more to know.

[marcogior]

For example, do I need a MOT? Would a Vintage vespa pass a MOT??

[djloone]

A 78 vespa would need and pass a mot..get em over and get enjoying em

LOON-E

[bignico2411]

Marco, as Loon-e says, you will need an MOT. And, if you haven't got one, a dating certificate for you scooter. I don't know if anyone on here has done something similar and can help you but, if not, you should probably check on the Vespa Club of Great Britain site www.vespaclubofbritain.co.uk/

[sime66]

Welcome Marco,
I have no experience of this, but the question comes up sometimes; just recently here - look at what Henri has written in this thread and see if it applies to you:

vespa.proboards.com/thread/5594/import-px125e-rainbow

Failing that use the search function for 'DVLA' 'Import' etc., and see what you can find.
There's normally a couple of people about to help on this subject, but they're not here at present.
Hope that helps, good luck with it.

[marcogior]

Guys you are really kind. Thanks.

Getting a dating certificate doesn't seem to be very quick since it requires the inspection of a Vehicle Owner club (such as Vespa Club of Britain).
Is this certificate required in order to get some discount on the Insurance or it's required anyway? Because if it's only for the insurance I will not need it since I'll use my Italian insurance (I double check with them and they told me that I can do that).
In addition why the original vehicle registration certificate is not enough to prove that the Vespa was manufactured in 1978?

Regarding the MOT test: are the checks strict or is it only a formality? The Vespa works pretty well but it's a 1978 vehicle so I'm not sure if the pollution checks or braking checks would be ok. I don't see many Vespa around that's why I want to be sure that once I bring my Vespa here (£300 shipment!) I'll be able to arrange everything smoothly..

thanks again guys
Marco

[djloone]

There wont be a emmission test for a 78 scoot in its mot..if the exhaust is standard then it should pass..if its in decent nick..tyres/brakes/lights n horn working etc you shouldnt have any problems mate

LOON-E

[henri]

if its legal in italy you can ride over here for upto a year on italian plates as a temporary import ,you have to report it to her majestys revenue&customs via there website .an i'd carry a paper copy of your italian insurance translated into english in case the police cameras wont have access to italian insurance databases . after a year you will need to go back to HMR&C an fill in a nova form ,pass a english mot ,a 78 will do that easily so long as its not a 50cc as theve no brakelight .obtain a dating cert,they rarely inspect an then fill in form V55 for dvla to obtain a english registration number .
1 query tho, its standard that english insurance comes with 6 weeks holiday/foreign insurance ,are you sure your italian insurer realised you'd be here longer an not on holiday .H

[Devo McDuff]

Jun 20, 2016 12:52:07 GMT marcogior said:

.
For example I found out that if the vehicle is older than 10 years I don't need to ask for the vehicle approval

Anyone know if this is definitely the case, or still the case?

Motorcycles/Scooters aren't explicitly listed here as being exempt from vehicle approval www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/exemptions-rom-vehicle-approval but maybe they fall under the 'light goods vehicle' category? There's no other category they would fit in. If not then the only other option is the MSVA www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/motorcycle-single-vehicle-approval but as it is older than 10 years old it isn't eligible. It seems likely it is exempt, but it is far from clear!