Example: a Plymouth Barracuda 1970 bought for US$110,000 in the USA. Registered in Portugal, it comes to about €127,178 all-in — car €97,757, shipping €3,822 and €25,599 in taxes and fees, via another EU country — by direct import: €242,901. A vehicle over 30 years old can qualify for the collection regime, which legally reduces the taxes. Run your own case in the free calculator.
Run the full free simulation for this car →Assumptions, identical to the calculator: price US$110,000 at 0.8887 USD→EUR (ECB, 16/10/2026) = €97,757 · RoRo freight from New York · collection-vehicle status accepted · built in the USA · in each country, the cheapest route (direct import or via another EU country).
| Country | Taxes and fees | Total cost | Annual tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italydirect import | €5,456 | €106,235 | €28/yr |
| Belgiumdirect import | €6,208 | €106,987 | €110/yr |
| Francedirect import | €6,336 | €107,115 | — |
| Polandvia another EU country | €6,121 | €107,700 | — |
| Luxembourgvia another EU country | €6,141 | €107,720 | €25/yr |
| Germanyvia another EU country | €6,291 | €107,870 | €192/yr |
| Swedenvia another EU country | €6,341 | €107,920 | — |
| Netherlandsvia another EU country | €7,041 | €108,620 | — |
| Spainvia another EU country | €22,549 | €124,128 | €120/yr |
| Portugalvia another EU country | €25,599 | €127,178 | — |
1970 is the first year of the E-body Barracuda, shared with the Dodge Challenger. The 'Cuda' versions with the 440 or the 426 Hemi are among the most valuable muscle cars on the market.
Hemi and 440 'Cuda cars are among the most counterfeited muscle cars: check the VIN, the fender tag and the engine stamping against each other. Rust tends to appear in the rear quarters, the trunk and the floor. A genuine 'Cuda can be worth several times a base Barracuda.
The Plymouth Barracuda 1970 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 (US$110,000), by both routes:
| Engine | Taxes in Portugal direct import | Taxes in Portugal via another EU country |
|---|---|---|
| 318 V8 (5.2 L) | €104,039 | €19,347 |
| 383 V8 (6.3 L) | €124,294 | €22,700 |
| 440 V8 (7.2 L) | €142,122 | €25,599 |
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 price | Taxes in Portugal direct import | Taxes in Portugal via another EU country |
|---|---|---|
| US$55,000 | €130,880 | €22,666 |
| US$110,000 | €142,122 | €25,599 |
| US$220,000 | €164,606 | €31,157 |
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 Plymouth Barracuda is taxed like an ordinary used car:
| Taxes in Portugal direct import | Taxes in Portugal via another EU country | |
|---|---|---|
| With collector status | €142,122 | €25,599 |
| Without collector status | €142,122 | €36,509 |
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 1970 model is over 30 years old → eligible for the collection regime.
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.
Yes, in the “Total cost” column: the car converted at the stated rate, RoRo ocean freight from New York (port charges and insurance included), transport inside the EU when the route goes through another country, and taxes and fees. The “Taxes and fees” column shows only customs duty, VAT, registration tax and mandatory approval and inspection fees. The calculator itemises every line.
Estimates based on 2026 rates — to be confirmed with the competent authorities. Not tax advice.