Classic British cars hold a special allure for enthusiasts worldwide, hoping to own a piece of British automotive history, and New Zealand with its stunning landscapes and open roads, is no exception. However, shipping a classic car from the UK to New Zealand requires expertise, planning and care, and this is where a trusted classic car shipping company like Autoshippers, are an essential part of the story.
When Hamish decided he wanted to ship his fully restored 1967 Sunbeam Alpine from the UK to New Zealand, he asked us at Autoshippers to step up and take on the task. In this blog post we’ll explore how we successfully delivered this beautiful vehicle, proving that we are the best in the business.
A Classic Reborn: The Story of a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine
The story of Hamish’s 1967 Sunbeam Alpine in a testament to the enduring appeal of classic British cars and the dedication of enthusiasts who work so hard to preserve them in tip-top condition. This particular vehicle’s journey spans continents, as well as decades, which we feel adds to its unique character and makes its safe transport to its new home in New Zealand all the more crucial.
From the UK to the USA
Originally manufactured in the UK, this Sunbeam Alpine left the Ryton and Dunsmore works on October 10, 1967, as one of 120 cars. It was shipped in white to the United States, where it was sold in California in February 1968, sporting a vibrant Carnival Red colour. This early chapter in the car’s history highlights its initial journey across the Atlantic, a shorter voyage to the one it would later undertake.
Hamish’s Acquisition
Fast forward several years, and the Sunbeam Alpine found its way into the hands of Hamish, the classic car enthusiast who would eventually bring it to New Zealand. Hamish purchased the car in April 2022, driven by a desire for a classic British car that stood apart from the more common MG. His interest in the Sunbeam marque was further fuelled by its association with iconic imagery.
The car then went into storage, awaiting its turn for restoration, demonstrating the patience and commitment often required when dealing with classic vehicles.
The Importance of Expert Classic Car Shipping
Classic cars are more than just vehicles; they are often valuable investments, cherished possessions, and pieces of automotive history. Shipping them requires a level of care and expertise that goes beyond the transportation of modern vehicles. Several factors contribute to this need for specialized handling:
- Fragility and Condition: Classic cars may have delicate components, original parts that are difficult or impossible to replace, and bodywork that is susceptible to damage. Unlike modern cars designed for mass transport, classics often require extra protection from the elements, vibrations, and potential impacts during shipping.
- Value and Irreplaceability: The financial and sentimental value of classic cars is often significant. Owners need assurance that their prized vehicles are in safe hands and that every precaution is taken to prevent damage or loss.
- Unique Specifications: Classic cars can have unique dimensions, be lower to the ground, or have features that make them difficult to load and secure using standard shipping methods. Expert shipping companies understand these variations and use specialized equipment and techniques to handle them, and can guide shippers to the best shipping option for their individual vehicle.
- Customs and Regulations: Importing and exporting classic cars can involve complex customs regulations and documentation requirements. Specialist shippers are well-versed in these processes, ensuring compliance and a smooth passage through international borders.
In essence, classic car shipping demands a tailored approach that prioritizes the vehicle’s safety, security, and preservation throughout its journey.
Autoshippers: Your Trusted Partner for Car Shipping to New Zealand
Shipping a classic car like this 1967 Sunbeam Alpine requires careful handling, coordination and attention to detail and Autoshippers ensures that every stage of the journey is handled smoothly and securely.
Car Shipping: UK to New Zealand
Autoshippers provides professional, weekly car shipping services to New Zealand, helping customers understand the cost to ship a car to New Zealand from the UK, whether using RoRo or container options. We have a dedicated team of professionals who are experienced in all aspects of shipping vehicles overseas.
As well as our dedicated full container service, which means that you can load your vehicle or vehicles into their own shipping container for safe and secure transport, we can offer a shared container service using the RRAK system.
Shipping with R-RAK
R-RAK is a unique car shipping system which allows for the safe loading of up to four standard saloon cars into standard shipping containers. This not only provides secure shipping but also enables us to utilize the world’s premier container shipping lines for multiple vehicle shipments.
The R-RAK system is a removable car racking system that allows a wide variety of vehicles to be efficiently loaded into a shipping container. This advanced system offers numerous benefits, including the ability to transport combinations of different sized vehicles, suitability for all container sizes and ease and speed of loading.
R-RAK versus RoRo
When shipping a vehicle internationally, two common methods are Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) and container shipping. The R-RAK system is a specialized approach to container shipping, and each method has its own advantages and considerations.
- Ro-Ro Shipping
- Involves driving vehicles onto a specialized ship and securing them for transit.
- Often a cost-effective option.
- Well-suited for roadworthy vehicles.
- Faster handling at origin and destination ports.
- R-RAK Container Shipping
- Utilizes a racking system to load vehicles into standard shipping containers.
- Provides enhanced security and protection for vehicles.
- Suitable for a wider range of vehicles, including those that are not roadworthy.
- Allows for the shipment of additional items within the container.
The choice between Ro-Ro and R-RAK container shipping depends on the specific needs of the vehicle owner. For classic cars, R-RAK offers a secure and protected shipping environment, minimizing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine to New Zealand via RRAK Shared Container
To give Hamish all options, we quoted him for Ro/Ro, R-RAK shared container and dedicated container services, and he decided on the R-RAK option. He completed the simple booking form, and decided that he was going to arrange delivery to our secure loading facility rather than using our specialist nationwide vehicle collection service.
Documents for Shipping a Classic Car to New Zealand
When it comes to classic car shipping, having the correct documentation is just as important as selecting the right transport method. At Autoshippers, we guide our customers through every step of the paperwork process to ensure that their vehicle reaches New Zealand without delay or complication.
Wondering what documents are needed to ship a car to New Zealand? Here’s a checklist we provide to every customer.
✅ V5 Vehicle Registration Document
This proves ownership and verifies the age of your classic car. It’s especially important for vehicles like the Sunbeam Alpine, as New Zealand regulations assess eligibility based on age and original specification.
✅ Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
If the V5 isn’t in your name, a bill of sale is required to confirm the legal transfer of ownership. This document will also be used to assess import duties.
✅ Export Declaration (UK)
Autoshippers handle the UK Customs export declaration on your behalf, ensuring all documentation is submitted correctly through HMRC systems.
✅ New Zealand Biosecurity and Customs Forms
New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws to prevent the introduction of foreign pests or contaminants. Our experienced agents assist with all necessary declarations to meet MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) and NZ Customs requirements.
By choosing Autoshippers, you gain access to a team with over 25 years of experience in classic car shipping, helping to avoid delays, fines, or costly mistakes. From documentation to final delivery, we make the process of car shipping to New Zealand smooth, safe, and stress-free.
From Loading to Unloading: How Autoshippers Uses RRAK to ship Classic Cars to New Zealand
When shipping a valuable classic like the 1967 Sunbeam Alpine, safe handling and protection during every stage of transport is essential and the RRAK multi-car racking system is a purpose-built solution designed specifically for car shipping in secure containers.
The RRAK system allows multiple vehicles of varying sizes to be safely loaded into a single shipping container without ever touching one another. Unlike traditional roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) methods, where vehicles are driven on and off ships, RRAK ensures your classic car remains stationary, secure, and untouched throughout the entire journey.
Here’s how the process works:
Loading in the UK
At our UK loading depot, trained professionals carefully position your vehicle onto the RRAK framework inside a standard ISO container.
- The car is lifted into place, supported and strapped using soft-tie restraints.
- No chains, forklifts or jacks are used—minimising stress on suspension or frame.
- Once secured, your vehicle doesn’t move again until it reaches New Zealand.
Shared Container Efficiency
With RRAK, up to four standard-sized cars can be loaded into one container. This can make the service more cost-effective, while still offering the added security of enclosed container shipping. It’s the ideal method for car shipping to New Zealand when you want to balance affordability with maximum protection.
Ocean Transit and Arrival in NZ
The sealed container is shipped on a weekly sailing schedule via premium shipping lines. Hamish’s 1967 Sunbeam Alpine was loaded onto the M/V One Infinity, which is a specialist container vessel capable of carrying over 24,000 twenty-foot shipping containers and is one of the largest container ships currently in operation.
Having sailed from Southampton port in the UK on the 23rd December, the transit to Auckland took 57 days.
On arrival in New Zealand:
- The container is unloaded at a secure bonded facility.
- The RRAK system is dismantled, and your car is gently lowered for inspection.
- No unnecessary handling, no exposure to the elements, no surprises.
By using RRAK, Autoshippers delivers a safe, clean, and reliable method of shipping classic cars internationally. Whether it’s a Sunbeam Alpine, Jaguar E-Type, or classic Land Rover, our goal is simple: ensure your vehicle arrives in the exact condition it left the UK.
What to Expect When Your Classic Car Arrives in New Zealand
Once your vehicle has completed its journey across the globe, the final stage of car shipping to New Zealand begins: clearance, inspection, and collection. At Autoshippers, we don’t just ship your car—we make sure it arrives safely, is processed efficiently, and is ready for New Zealand roads.
Here’s what to expect when your classic car shipping process enters the home stretch:
Arrival and Unloading at Port
Your container is unloaded at a secure, bonded facility near the arrival port (typically Auckland, Wellington, or Lyttelton). Our local logistics partners—who are highly experienced in handling classic cars—carefully dismantle the RRAK racking system and lower your vehicle from its container position without any driving, towing, or unnecessary contact.
Customs and MPI Biosecurity Clearance
New Zealand’s customs and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have strict rules regarding vehicle imports, especially classic and used cars. However, Autoshippers and our NZ agents handle the full process for you, including:
- Submission of all required documents
- Coordination of MPI biosecurity inspection, checking for soil, plant material, or insects
- Payment of any applicable customs duty or GST, if due
Thanks to our experience and preparation, delays are rare—and most vehicles clear within a few days.
Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Registration
Once your classic car, like Hamish’s 1967 Sunbeam Alpine, arrives in New Zealand, a crucial step is ensuring it meets local road standards and is legally registered for use. This involves an ‘Entry Certification’ process which includes thorough checks and inspections. A key part of this is passing a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) test, similar to the UK’s MOT, which confirms the vehicle is in roadworthy condition.
While all vehicles must undergo this rigorous process to be certified, registered, and licensed, it’s highly recommended to use an ‘Entry Certifier’ to navigate the complexities, confirm documentation requirements, and understand arrival procedures. Generally, passenger cars need to be right-hand drive, meet frontal impact and fuel consumption standards, and adhere to various other regulations depending on the manufacture date.
Exemptions for Immigrants Concession
For certain classic vehicles (over 20 years old, ‘Special Interest’ vehicles) or for returning New Zealand citizens and first-time immigrants with permanent residency, an ‘Immigrants Concession’ may provide exemptions from some of the stricter import regulations.
To qualify, you must be a returning NZ citizen or permanent resident, have lived outside NZ for at least 21 months before arrival, apply within 18 months of arrival, have owned and registered the vehicle for personal use for at least 12 months overseas, and not have previously used this concession.
Even with this, general safety requirements for frontal impact and emissions may still apply, and the vehicle cannot be sold or used for hire for 24 months from registration. An entry certifier must identify your vehicle as an immigrant’s vehicle during the certification process for these concessions to apply. For full details, refer to the NZTA’s official resources.
After the WoF is issued, you can proceed with vehicle registration, receive your NZ number plates, and legally drive your car on public roads.
Final Delivery or Collection
Depending on your preference, your vehicle can be:
- Collected directly from the depot
- Delivered to your home via enclosed transporter
Either way, with Autoshippers’ classic car shipping service, you’ll be behind the wheel of your vintage vehicle in no time—just like Hamish was with his beautifully restored 1967 Alpine.
Autoshippers – The Classic Car Shipping Experts
At Autoshippers, we understand that classic car shipping is about more than just moving a vehicle—it’s about transporting a piece of history with care, precision, and respect. Whether you’re shipping a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine to New Zealand, a vintage Land Rover to the USA, or a restored Ford Escort XR3i across the Atlantic, we’re proud to be the trusted choice for enthusiasts around the world.
With over 25 years of experience in international car shipping, we specialise in helping owners of classic, rare, and collector vehicles navigate the complexities of car shipping overseas. Our team offers expert advice on documentation, customs regulations, marine insurance, and the safest transport methods available.
Through our exclusive use of the RRAK multi-car, shared container system, we ensure every vehicle we ship is:
- Safely secured and protected from handling damage
- Shipped in a clean, enclosed environment
- Handled by professionals every step of the way—from UK loading to final delivery
When Hamish trusted us with his fully restored Sunbeam Alpine, he knew he was choosing a shipping partner that shares his passion for classic cars—and that’s exactly how we treat every vehicle we handle.
Whether you’re planning your first international shipment or you’re a seasoned collector, Autoshippers makes classic car shipping simple, secure, and stress-free. We’ll handle the details, so you can focus on the road ahead.
Ready to get a quote for classic car shipping to New Zealand, or anywhere else worldwide? With over 25 years of experience in international car shipping from the UK, we make the process smooth, safe and stress-free.
Get a free quote today at www.autoshippers.co.uk, or call our expert team on +44 117 982 8123 or 0800 389 0784 for tailored advice and personal service.
