1962 Imperial Crown

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported from the Middle East under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond. Car older than 30 years are subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual.

The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £8,000, then £400 is added, making the total amount payable £8,400. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% duty + VAT plus 20% import VAT.

A company buying the car will have to pay VAT on the hammer price, as well as duty + VAT. If you plan to export the car to your location, then you will only pay tax in that country, and can ignore these fees.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £350 for removing the car from bond and generating a NOVA from HMRC, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and is required to register the vehicle with the DVLA.

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not tried to start or drive the car, so it will require recommissioning and is sold ‘as seen’. We cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be pleased to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this 1962 LHD auto Imperial Crown car comes with very little history and no service records.

The chassis number is: 9223221612.

We know that the odometer currently reads 53,323 miles.

We know that it was living in Los Angeles between 1969 and 1978 (and possibly for some time before and after those dates).

We believe, thanks to a sticker in a window, that the car was probably owned by a resident of Indiana at some point.

We know that it was sold and shipped to Dubai in 2001.

And we know that it entered the vendor’s static display car collection some time after that.

In general, and from a few yards away, this enormous car presents pretty well.

The cream paintwork is fairly good in the main and the bodywork is largely devoid of any significant dinks, dents and creases.

Get a little closer, though, and some issues become apparent.

There are a few patches of bubbling at the base of all four doors and in the sills below them.

The n/s/f wing has some chips, scratches and scuffs on it, as do both o/s doors.

There are some scuffs and scratches on the edge of the bodywork forward of the bonnet.

The chrome work is mostly decent, save for a n/s section of the front bumper where the chrome has given way to a layer of surface rust.

There is a loose section of chrome trim on the o/s/r wing.

The exterior rubber trim is cracked and perished in places.

The leather/vinyl upholstery is in very reasonable condition and the seats are supportive and comfortable, front and back.

The headlining is good, and the carpets and mats – though in need of a thorough clean – look reasonable.

The door cards are mainly good although the section of recessed trim on top of each armrest has come loose and now looks a little ragged and shabby.

The interior rubber trim is loose and dangling down throughout.

The steering wheel, dashboard, instruments and all interior fixtures and fittings look fine.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start or drive the vehicle.

The cavernous boot appears to be OK. It is currently home to a spare wheel and various bits and pieces.

Everything we can see underneath appears to have a reasonable amount of structural integrity.

That said, there is some rust dust and flaking in evidence and, clearly, you’ll want to see it for yourself before reaching your own conclusion.

The engine and engine bay seem to be in good condition with everything in its right and proper place.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

Any paperwork shown in the gallery in no way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

We haven’t tried to start or drive the car so our understanding of it is somewhat limited.

That said, provided the car’s engine and mechanicals are in proper working order and amenable to recommissioning, we think this could prove to be a desirable and rewarding example.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £8,000 - £12,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £250 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.