Import a Chevrolet Impala SS 1964 from the USA to Europe — what it really costs

Importing a Chevrolet Impala SS 1964 (example value $45,000) from the USA into Europe costs from about €2,641 in taxes by the right route. The figures below cover customs duty, import VAT and the national registration tax (transport and fees excluded). A vehicle over 30 years old can qualify for the collection regime, which legally reduces the registration tax. Run your own case in the free calculator.

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Total landed cost by country (cheapest first)

CountryTotal costAnnual tax
Italy Cheapest2,641 €28 €/yr
Poland2,744 €—
Luxembourg2,764 €25 €/yr
Belgium2,831 €110 €/yr
Germany2,914 €192 €/yr
Sweden2,964 €—
France2,999 €—
Netherlands3,664 €—
Portugal7,698 €—
Spain10,869 €120 €/yr

About the Chevrolet Impala SS 1964

The 1964 Impala SS is a full-size Chevrolet popular with collectors and in lowrider culture. Engines ranged from the 283 V8 to the 409.

What to check on a Chevrolet Impala SS before buying

Many 1964 Impala SS cars have been modified for lowrider use (hydraulic suspension, frame changes): check the frame carefully. For 1964, a genuine SS is confirmed by the trim tag and interior details rather than the VIN. Rust hides in the floor, the trunk and the lower rear quarters.

Which engine? It changes the bill

The Chevrolet Impala SS 1964 left the factory with several engines. Registration taxes are mostly calculated on engine size, so the same car can cost very different amounts to register. Same purchase value (45,000 $), best route in each case:

EnginePortugal (best route)Cheapest country
283 V8 (4.6 L)6,889 €2,641 € (Italy)
327 V8 (5.4 L)7,698 €2,641 € (Italy)
409 V8 (6.7 L)9,205 €2,641 € (Italy)

Does the purchase price change the taxes?

Same car, same engine, three purchase prices. Taxes based on the value (import VAT, and in some countries the registration tax) follow the price; taxes based on engine size and age do not.

Purchase pricePortugal (best route)Cheapest country
23,000 $6,483 €1,529 € (Poland)
45,000 $7,698 €2,641 € (Italy)
90,000 $10,182 €4,711 € (Italy)

What if collector status is refused?

The figures above assume the car is accepted as a collector vehicle: more than 30 years old and in original condition. If customs refuse that status, the Chevrolet Impala SS is taxed like an ordinary used car:

Portugal (best route)Cheapest country
With collector status7,698 €2,641 € (Italy)
Without collector status12,416 €7,462 € (Poland)

Tax and paperwork pitfalls

Vehicle

Year: 1964Engine: 5.4 L (5359 cc)Body: Passenger carFuel: Petrol

Frequently asked questions

Is a Chevrolet Impala SS 1964 a classic for import purposes?

A vehicle over 30 years old usually qualifies for the EU collection regime (0% customs duty, reduced VAT, exemption from many registration taxes) — when the status is granted. This 1964 model is over 30 years old → eligible for the collection regime.

Which European country is cheapest to import to?

It depends on the vehicle: engine size, CO₂, value and age all change the ranking, as does the route the car takes into the EU. The full comparison for this example is in the table above — run your own case in the free simulator.

Does this include shipping?

No — the figures cover taxes and the national registration tax only. Ocean freight (USA→Europe), handling and customs-broker fees are added separately in the calculator.

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Estimates based on 2026 rates — to be confirmed with the competent authorities. Not tax advice.