The Acronym S.V.A. stands for Single Vehicle Approval, I.V.A. for Individual Vehicle Approval. Both are part of the UK's Low Volume Type Approval scheme. S.V.A. was introduced in September 1998, this scheme has been used to approve the DESIGN of any vehicle imported into the UK by someone other than a manufacturer or his official agent. It will not be possible to register a vehicle until it has received a Ministers Approval Certificate, resulting from a successful SVA inspection. I.V.A. replaced S.V.A. for 'M1' class passenger vehicles (passenger cars) in April 2009 and replaces S.V.A. for light commercial vehicles ('N1' class) two years later.

All imported 'M1' and 'N1' class vehicles up to 10 years of age, including those originating in another European State which do not have a manufacturer's European CoC (Certificate of Conformity). If the vehicle is RIGHT HAND DRIVE , then it will be required to undergo a full IVA examination, which requires a model report to be prepared prior to IVA inspection, by a Transport Ministry approved test house.

If a model report does not exist for your car, it may cost you several thousand pounds to generate (currently, no model reports exist for vehicles originating in the USA or Canada which have been converted to right hand drive.) Vehicles over 10 years old will need to be modified in accordance with Construction and Use requirements and Lighting Regulations, followed by an MoT test before registration.

Below is a summary of the principle technical categories found in the SVA & IVA inspection manuals. We have established exemptions from most of these, for vehicles which can be PROVEN to comply with equivalent Federal (or Canadian) Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS or CMVSS) in each of the exempted categories.

►	Anti-theft devices,
►	Defrosting and demisting systems,
►	Windscreen wiper & washer systems,
►	Seats and their fixings,
►	Seatbelts and their anchorges,
►	Interior protrusions (occupant protection),
►	Radio supression (radiated electromagnetic interference),
►	Glazing (type and approvals marks),
►	Lighting, including headlamps (beam paterns) and signalling devices (colour, intensity, three dimensional angles of visibility and position, retro reflectors rear guard fog lamps etc.),
►	Mirrors (field of view)
►	Wheels and tyres (including speed & load rating suitability),
►	Doors and latches,
►	Exterior projections (pedestrian & other third party protection),
►	Protective steering (impact absorption),
►	Design & Construction (e.g. cable, fuel & hydraulic line routing and securing, fuel evaporative control systems, suspension system movement and load bearing ability etc.),
►	Braking systems (includes assessment of depleted assistance [engine off] system performance),
►	Noise emissions,
►	Exhaust emissions,
►	Speedometer (range, symbols and calibration),
►	Design weights (includes commercial vehicle "plating" requirements)

Whilst no-one can offer a cast-iron 100% guarrantee of success, as of this writing, we have a 100% FIRST TIME PRESENTATION PASS RECORD on thousands of vehicles presented since the inception of both SVA and IVA. Our record is second to none and our expertise in North American vehicle homologation in the UK is unsurpassed.

If we are sourcing the vehicle for you, we make it part of our contractual obligation to ensure the vehicle complies with the regulations in force at the time of purchase (which is the point in time we are able to apply for an IVA or SVA examination.)

Once SVA (or IVA) approval has been granted, a M.A.C. (or I.A.C.) is issued by the test station - an essential document necessary for registration. It is evidence that your vehicle has been examined and found suitable for use in the UK and (with certain exceptions) subject to the requirements of Construction and Use regulations, which govern all vehicles in service on British roads.

SVA and IVA are part of the British National Type Approval scheme.

The approval certificate contains the vehicle's VIN (chassis number), along with the make and model. Other details indicate the classification by which the vehicle is approved. It also identifies the inspector and station where the examination was carried out and the date of inspection. Importantly, it also displays the vehicle's unique Type-Approval reference number.

No. All vehicles in use on UK roads must be maintained in accordance with Construction & Use and Road Vehicle Lighting regulations (RVLR), i.e. will require at least a compliant lighting system change.

However, due to a loop-hole in the UK Type Approval Regulaions for commercial vehicles, SVA is currently not allowed to consider lighting and signaling during the approvals procedure

Because we don't "convert" the vehicle's lights into anything else (a wheel or door handle perhaps?) Nor does our work "convert" the vehicle's looks into something other than original either! Our modifications adapt the lights to perform the necessary different or alternative functions required by UK regulations, without altering the vehicle's appearance.

So, when you see the sheer weight of technology, quality and attention to detail we bring to bear on each and every vehicle, you'll appreciate that our solution is so advanced compared with - and radically different from - anything available elsewhere. And its incredible value for money too!

Now, you can "play" with our light system modifications here. Simply choose the make and model from the menu bar and you can interactively explore the finished result on your chosen vehicle.

We are NOT auto electricians. As you can see from our "HISTORY" page, we have decades of experience designing and engineering electronic systems for industry, including harsh environments such as nuclear fuels handling.

As dedicated American vehicle enthusiasts we believe that these iconic style statements aren't driven so much as donned like an expensive outfit - an Armani suit on wheels, if you will! Therefore, we have two important questions in mind when we look at what's involved in making the necessary changes;

• What would the stylist who penned the original lines have done to meet UK requirements, without spoiling the vehicle's styling?
• How would the manufacturer have incorporated the additional changes into the vehicle's infrastucture?

Consequently, the changes are integrated to OEM standards or better with appropriate sympathy for the vehicle's aesthetics.

You will NOT see a scotch lock or open crimp in any of our work. Our materials come from the cutting edge of automotive technology, including ultra-light weight cables with chemical resistant insulation, sized just right for the task. All connections are soldered then insulated with high-grade chemical resistant heat shrink sleeving which - where required - is lined with hot melt adhesive to seal the join. Our cable wrap is either a proprietory type similar to that used by Ford or (again, where required), specialised 3M branded adhesive tapes and automotive loom wraps that cost more than 10 times the price of average black "electricians" tape!

Where exposed to abrasive conditions, all additional cabling is encased in convoluted split loom tubing - just as the manufacturers would use.

What does this mean for you? Often, our work actually improves the assembled quality of affected OEM systems. Additionally, our modifications will enhance the functionality and appearance of your American Dream. AND you have the assurance that our work is engineered to look good and last long!

3 years Return To Base. Each modified vehicle receives a permanent laminated label stating the following;

• The make, model and VIN of the vehicle,
• The guarantee start date,
• A unique guarantee number (the start date in 6 digit format, reversed),
• The electronic components and systems used to carry out the modifications,
• The names of the project engineers who worked on your vehicle,
• Contact details, including our address and telephone number.

You will also receive a written guarantee spelling out the terms in clear, unambiguous language. The guarantee is transferable to subsequent owners, providing the instructions on the paper guarantee are followed fully. This means you are adding value to your vehicle and gaining peace of mind with your investment in our services.

There are some limitations you should note;

• The guarantee is Return To Base. We don't do "house" calls - all work is carried out exclusively on our premises, where we have the correct tools and the right working environment for handling electrostatic-sensitive equipment.
• The guarantee will be voided if other electrical or electronic modifications and/or additions are made to the vehicle without our written consent.
  Why?
  Because our experience has shown the after-market services for fitting such items to be extremely unreliable. Too often our modificatins have been blamed for problems which turn out to be the result of later work carried out else where, resulting in additional expense for the customer and an unnecessary waste of our time!

Yes, of course. As long as your choices do not conflict with either the need to obtain an SVA/IVA pass or contravene Construction & Use and Road Vehicle Lighting regulations.

Obviously, we will give you guidance as to what would look best based on our experience with similar vehicles.

Some examples of choice;

• Apart from our hugely popular exterior mirror mounted repeaters, we have a wide variety of different side repeaters - all high quality OEM clip fix style, NOT the commonly used stick on type which can damage paintwork, fade in bright sunlight, and prevent easy access for bulb changes.
• Our rear guard fog lamps are either integrated into existing lamp clusters or we use our in-house engineered ultra slim "hyperbars", which are hermetically sealed and can be placed where they won't be seen until they're activated.
• We make extensive use of new and emerging Precission Optical Performance and Lumi-LED™ technologies, fabricating custom lights where ordinary incandescent lamps will not suffice or cannot be used - adding an option where none existed!

Yes. Our Light System Modification service is available as part of our full turn-key package.

However, if your vehicle requires an SVA or IVA examination, you will not be able to buy that service in isolation. Because of the complexities surrounding SVA & IVA and the way it is interpreted at different test stations, we will not prepare vehicles for homologation whithout presenting them for SVA or IVA.

Everything! Once your vehicle is delivered to our premises we take care of the following, (we just ask that you make sure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition, capable of passing an MOT test, prior to arriving at our facility - unless you have asked us in advance to make certain repairs);

• SVA/IVA application,
• Light System Modificationa and other required preparation,
• SVA/IVA presentation,
• MoT preparation and presentation (where required),
• Preparation of paperwork for registration,
• Submission of documents for registration,
• Supply and fitting of American sized number plates,
  (using the new LEGAL format agreed with DVLA.)

Options you can add to the above include;

• Detailed pre-purchase inspection service,
• Shipping and customs clearance services,
• Fitting of Thatcham category II immobilisers and/or advanced vehicle tracking systems,
• Fitting of superior quality reverse parking aids and cameras,
• Performance upgrades and tuning,
• High quality bodywork and re-finishing,
• Repairs for MoT/SVA/IVA tests to rectify known problems.

Yes. If the vehicle is not new, you must contract us to do a basic service or provide evidence that the vehicle has been serviced according to the manufacturer's stipulated mileage and time requirements.

The following is a minimum requirement prior to issuing a warranty;

• Replace oil and oil, air & fuel filters,
• Check brake friction material wear levels,
• Check and if neccessary replace brake fluid,
• Check & replace (if required) coolant and hoses.

NOTE: Pre-existing faults will not be covered by a new warranty.

As soon as you have contracted our services, we will be there to guide you through every step of the way. Of course, the earlier you can let us know, the better - preferably before the vehicle has left the United States. That way the vehicle should be with us no more than 2 to 2-1/2 weeks. Here are some of the things you can do;

First, we will send you a list of questions which will require you to examine the vehicle in order to answer them correctly. The answers to those questions will enable us to submit an application for an SVA or IVA examination (these answers HAVE to be taken from YOUR vehicle and NOT a showroom sales brochure or similar sources.) The application can take up to two weeks to be approved by V.O.S.A. before being issued to the test station of our choice, which is normally booked up two to four weeks in advance, depending on demand. So this means anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks from submitting an application before the vehicle can be tested.

You should make every effort to ensure the vehicle is properly serviced and roadworthy to at least UK MOT standards before it arrives with us. American states inspection regimes vary enormously in respect of frequency, vehicle age & type and what's checked - most opting for only an annual or bi-annual emissions test. Typically, the area of most concern is going to be brakes - particularly the parking brake which hardly ever gets used on automatics. You will need to check tyres for tread depth, correct size and speed & load ratings. Also, check things like wiper and washer systems, the heating and ventilating system, seatbelt condition etc.

If you are using us to ship your car, our US agents will contact you with detailed instructions on what to do. We take care of everything on arrival in the UK. Things you should consider include making sure you follow our agent's instructions carefully - especially what you are asked to do with the original Title document - and ensure there is NO MORE than 1/4 of a tank of fuel left, at the time of collection in the US or at delivery to the port. Failure to observe these points WILL result in shipping delays!

We will also send you a complete list of the documents we will require to facilitate registration. Please note that we can only accept ORIGINALS of the documents we ask for - the DVLA will not accept copies. It will be your responsibility to arrange for issue of an insurance cover note to us, prior to registration, which shows your name and address for registration and the vehicle's VIN number IN FULL.

There is an American vehicle for everyone! Just tell us what's important to you, indicate your budget and we can advise you. Why not browse through our showrooms and see if there is anything there which appeals to you - or can give you ideas to help you decide...

Things to consider;

• Will the vehicle be an only car for everyday use or,
• Will it be for occassional use (holidays and fine weekends?)
• How many seats do you need?
  (Have you got a family who will want to enjoy the experience too?)
• Are you more interested in classics or late models?
• Would you like a convertible or a "T"-top?
• Will you need to haul an occassional load (How about a truck or station wagon?)
• Will you want to keep the car long term or change it regularly?
• Is limited parking space a concern?
• Are you able to, or do you want to do - your own maintenance?
• Is fuel economy a consideration?
• Do you need relatively low running costs?

Still not sure? Then ring for a chat on +44 (0)1869 601 028

We don't just find ANY vehicle to match the lowest budget.

Rather, the BEST that's available for a FAIR & REALISTIC PRICE. So, this is actually a question about REAL VALUE ...

The chances are, that if you are looking to import a car from the USA, you have been unable to find anything satisfactory in the UK. This is why we have an office in the USA! Through it, you have access to the wide range of vehicles that American buyers are able to choose from every day - BUT with ADDED VALUE!

Consider this -

• What average American car or truck buyer is getting a bespoke service, with a USA NATIONWIDE choice and the back up we bring to bear, in order to assure the best possible purchase that most closely matches their specification?
• Have you checked out our INSPECTION SERVICE or available WARRANTIES?

And ask yourself these important questions -

• Am I a qualified vehicle inspector?
• Am I a specialist in the car model I want?
• Or an experienced exporter/importer?
• Do I know the safest pair of hands to entrust the vehicle handling to?
• Or how to process marine insurance correctly?
• Am I experienced at negotiating with US & UK customs?
• Am I able to make the changes to complex vehicle electrical & electronic systems to meet UK regulations?
• Can I find the right warranty?

Now, what's that VALUE worth to you? Do you want the best realistic match to the car of your dreams? Or are you prepared to settle for a close approximation - a compromise at best? While you ponder that, you will need to consider the following;

• The shipping and trucking costs will be in the £1,250 to £2,500 range depending on vehicle size Location on continental North America and prevailing exchange rate.
• UK Customs and Excise will levy compound rates of duty and VAT at approximately 30% for passenger vehicles and 40% on commercials (trucks etc.) on Cost (purchase price) Insurance and Shipping (there are reduced rates for older vehicles depending on their historic value or rarity.)
• We are not interested in importing anything but the best cars we can find for a sensible budget. There are enough "sheds" coming into the UK without adding to their number - and we live or die by our reputation!

If this means that you get the vehicle YOU REALLY WANT at a price similar to that you would pay for one available in the UK (which was not really the specification you wanted anyway) - which would you say is the BETTER VALUE - Need we say more?

There are some 12 to 15 million vehicles sold in the US market annually. That's a huge selection to choose from! Obviously, the older the vehicle the less choice you will have with regard to particular specification. However, for vehicles up to five or ten years old (make & model dependant,) there will be an ample supply of vehicles which will come very close to matching your exact requirements.

Additionally, our presence in the US market coupled with our unique relationship with various franchised dealerships enables us to choose from the finest pre-owned inventory well ahead of the general public. Also, our strong association with well established, respected specialists allows us uparalleled access to the very best specification of classic motors. Just take a look at our US virtual showroom to see a snapshot of what's available right now!

In almost all cases we are confident that your problem will be choosing from a number of suitable candidates rather than trying to find the right one!

Yes. But their entitlement to reductions or exemptions is entirely at the discretion of HM Customs and Excise.

In order to take advantage of this facility we submit a request to HM C & E along with a detailed summary - prepard by a recognised authority - detailing the cars historic or rarity value. For example, the car may have been a significant competitor in some important motorsport ewvent, maybe a one off coachbodied vehicle or there may be less than a small percentage of the total production number surviving.

As a general rule (for most production vehicles) autos manufactured before 1950 will qualify for reduced rates automatically. Those in the 25 to 40 year old category would certainly need an application made and would need to meet the rarity and value criteria. Younger than this, it is highly unlikely an exemption would be granted.

Because we put you in charge at every step along the way.

When you contract to by a car using our services we will put before you detailed information of an agreed number of vehicles which closely meet your specification.

After you select a shortlist of two or three candidates in order of preference - starting with the first - we will arrange for a detailed inspection to be carried out which will also provide a wealth of photographs. These show the general condition of the interior and exterior plus close ups of any small problem areas including minor cosmetic flaws and mechanical issues.

So you are in the "driving seat" (pun intended) approving every step along the way - able to choose the vehicle YOU want - before parting with a penny of the purchase price!

Select 'Vehicle Purchase' from the navigtion bar at the top of this page then click on 'P3' to see details of what's inspected.

We have set in place simple yet effective systems to minimise risk.

First.	We will not deal with any person, business or institution which does not have a bank account to which we can transfer funds directly using the traceable, secure international money-mover system supported by major currency exchange and financial institutions at home and in the USA.
Second.	We have our own US dollar account - in the states - for transactions where cash is the only way to conclude the deal. This type of purchase is carried out on a face-to-face basis by our US office where the vehicle is taken into our possession at the same time as funds are exchanged.
Third.	Our stage payment system ensures the minimum exposure to risk at any one time.
Fourth.	Total loss marine insurance is automatically used to cover the FULL costs incurred at the time of shipping.
Fifth.	We have a reputation to protect which has taken years to build!