Every so often, at Autoshippers, we have the pleasure of being a part of the journey of a piece of motorsport history, so were more than happy when Adam, a lifelong rally enthusiast and seasoned Evo owner contacted us.
He had been searching for 18 months for the right car, and eventually his search led him to a pristine example of a 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition – a true rally icon. But owning a dream car is only half the battle, especially when you are based in the USA and the car is in the UK.
That’s where we come in.
The Journey Begins – Sourcing and Buying a Collector’s Dream
A Search 18 Months in the Making
This isn’t Adam’s first rodeo, and he already owned five other Evos, so finding your sixth when you have a very specific model in mind takes more than just browsing the classifieds. He was looking for a Tommi Makinen Edition (TME) Evo in white, factory stock and with a clean providence – not too much to ask!
These models are highly sought after and finding one that hadn’t been heavily modified or raced proved to be a tall order, especially with year 2000 manufactured vehicles now becoming eligible for importing to the USA (more on this later). Adam’s search took him to Japanese car auctions, enthusiast forums and import directories, but nothing ticked the boxes.
Eventually, with much persistence and an expert eye, a low-mileage, factory-original TME, finished in classic white with bold WRC-inspired livery, was discovered.
A Factory-Fresh Tommi Makinen Evo VI
Few vehicles carry the same level of prestige in the performance import world as the Tommi Makinen Edition Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI. Built to honour Mitsubishi’s WRC dominance and the success of Finnish rally legend Tommi Mäkinen, this model isn’t just a collector’s dream it’s a road-ready rally car engineered for precision and power. Adam’s example, meticulously preserved and completely original, stands out as one of the rare few that have remained untouched over time.
The TME isn’t simply a cosmetic upgrade. Underneath, it features a titanium turbocharger for quicker boost, a sharper steering rack, lowered suspension, and a more rigid chassis—all geared toward razor-sharp handling and response. The signature rally-inspired body kit and livery complete the package, echoing Mitsubishi’s golden era in motorsport. The performance is as purposeful as the look and this Evo was built for action.
For Adam, a seasoned Evo owner, this particular TME represents a milestone. It’s not just the sixth Evo in his personal fleet, it’s his first factory-stock example. In an age where many of these cars are heavily modified, finding one that remains exactly as it left the factory floor is increasingly rare. This Evo, now nestled in his Ferndale garage in the USA, is the jewel in a collection built on performance, heritage, and personal triumph.
Why the Tommi Mackinen Edition Is So Iconic
The Tommi Makinen Edition is more than just a special trim—it’s a tribute to Mitsubishi’s motorsport legacy. Produced to commemorate four consecutive WRC titles with Mäkinen behind the wheel, the TME takes the Evo VI formula and refines it for enthusiasts who value both performance and heritage. From the titanium turbo to the red-stitched Recaros, every detail was designed with purpose.
Out of the 2,500 TMEs produced, only 1,543 were finished in white, making this colourway especially collectible. Adam’s car doesn’t just meet the criteria—it exceeds them. It remains entirely unmodified, a true time capsule from the golden age of rally-inspired road cars. For purists and collectors alike, these original-condition TMEs are incredibly hard to find.
Its combination of exclusivity, pedigree, and engineering makes the TME one of the most respected JDM icons of its era. Whether at a car show, on a twisty backroad, or parked beside other Evos in Adam’s garage, this example commands attention and admiration and rightfully earns its place among the legends of Japanese performance.
Shipping a Car from the UK to the USA by RoRo
When it comes to shipping rare but roadworthy vehicles across the Atlantic Ocean, choosing the correct shipping method is just as important as choosing the car itself. In Adam’s case, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping was the ideal solution as it not only offers efficiency but also can be the most cost-effective shipping option.
What is Ro-Ro Car Shipping?
RoRo, short for Roll-on/Roll-off, is a method where vehicles are driven onto a specialist vessel at the port of departure and driven off at the destination—no containers, no cranes, no unnecessary handling.
These ships operate much like floating car parks, with multiple enclosed decks designed specifically for wheeled cargo. Vehicles are secured with soft-tie straps and chocks to keep them stationary throughout the journey.
RoRo offers several distinct benefits:
- Cost Efficiency – Typically more affordable than container shipping, especially for single vehicles.
- Faster Turnaround – RoRo vessels often run on fixed schedules with faster processing at ports.
Because Adam’s Evo was fully operational and roadworthy, it met the basic eligibility criteria for RoRo transport—making it a smart and safe choice.
Why RoRo Was the Right Fit for Shipping this Evo VI
Container shipping is often popular for high-end classics, modified builds or rare and historical vehicles, but for vehicles that are mechanically sound and are being shipped on their own (not part of a multi-car shipment) RoRo is often the best fit.
What tipped the scales further in favour of RoRo for Adam’s Evo VI was timing. RoRo shipping offered a faster route out of the UK without the use of standard, containerised vessels at a time of uncertainty in global trade.
On this occasion, Adam arranged to have his prized vehicle delivered to Southampton port by the seller, saving himself the additional collection costs, although for the majority of our overseas customers Autoshippers’ nationwide specialist vehicle collection service is a great addition to the shipping process.
Understanding the 25-Year Rule for US Car Imports
One of the key factors that made Adam’s import possible was the 25-Year Rule, a regulation that allows vehicles aged 25 years or older to be imported into the United States without needing to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
This rule opens the door for enthusiasts to legally import classic JDM models like the Evo VI TME. If you’re planning to ship a car from the UK to the USA and want to know if your vehicle qualifies, check out our full guide: Everything You Need to Know About the 25-Year Rule.
Step-by-Step – How Autoshippers Shipped an Evo VI from Clitheroe to Ferndale, WA
Behind every successful international car shipment is a well-coordinated chain of events, and Adam’s Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition was no exception. From the vehicle handover in the UK to final delivery in Washington State, Autoshippers helped to ensure that each stage of the RoRo car shipping process ran smoothly and securely, and on schedule.
Just because we make the process seem easy, it doesn’t mean that it is!
Booking the Shipment with Autoshippers
After confirming the sale and completing all necessary UK-side ownership paperwork, Adam reached out to Autoshippers to arrange international transport. Our online quote system made the initial stage quick and easy and our sales team quickly provided pricing based on vehicle details, destination, and preferred method of shipping.
Once the booking was made, Adam was sent a detailed list of the required documentation, including:
- V5 UK registration document (this acts as proof that the vehicle qualifies for import under the 25-Year Rule)
- Bill of Sale (as the V5 was still in the seller’s name)
- Copy of ID (passport)
With documents submitted and the shipment scheduled, the Evo was ready for its next stage—delivery to port.
Vehicle Drop-Off at Southampton Port
As we mentioned before, instead of using a third-party transport company, Adam opted for the seller to deliver the Evo to the RoRo terminal at Southampton Port.
At the port, Autoshippers’ team performed a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR), carefully documenting the Evo’s condition, taking photos, and checking for any pre-existing marks or wear. This report is essential for damage protection coverage and serves as an official record of the car’s state before loading.
The Evo was then registered for vessel loading and queued for boarding, ready for its transatlantic journey.
Loading and Securing the EVO VI for RoRo Transit
RoRo shipping vessels are specifically designed to handle vehicles like the Evo with care. After being driven aboard by port professionals, the Evo was parked in a secure below-deck position, protected from the elements and unauthorised access.
To ensure no movement during transit, the car was:
- Chocked at all four wheels with custom-fitted wooden blocks
- Strapped using soft-tie ratchets attached to floor-mounted D-rings
- Checked for alignment and clearance from other vehicles
These precautions are part of Autoshippers’ standard RoRo handling process, giving peace of mind to customers entrusting us with rare and high-value vehicles.
Shipping to Brunswick, USA
The Evo departed Southampton on the specialist RoRo vessel Nereus Highway, which is almost 200m long and capable of carrying around 7,000 vehicles, bound for the US port of Brunswick in Georgia. Brunswick is a major US entry port for vehicle imports from across the globe and is known for its reliable RoRo connections throughout the USA, speedy vehicle processing and proximity to onward shipping routes for inland destinations.
The total time on the water was 21 days from port to port, and Adam was given all details needed to track the vessel as well as being updated during transit. Once the vessel docked in Brunswick, the EVO was driven off by specialist vehicle stevedores, cleared through US Customs and prepared for the final leg of its journey to Washington state.
Final Delivery to Ferndale, Washington
After the successful Customs Clearance, managed by Adam’s own appointed Customs agents who co-ordinated with the shipping line, the vehicle was ready for its coast-to-coast trip. The Evo securely loaded for transport on a specialist car shipping trailer and began its overland journey to Ferndale, WA, which is Adam’s homebase in the Pacific Northwest.
Every step, from VCR at port to RoRo unloading, was designed to ensure this one-of-a-kind vehicle arrived in the same pristine condition it left the UK and when it finally rolled into Adam’s garage, the sense of satisfaction was immediate.
A Dream Delivered with Autoshippers
”The Tommi Has Arrived” – A Customer’s Perspective
After months of searching, coordinating, and anticipating, Adam’s white Tommi Makinen Edition Evo VI arrived safely in Washington, untouched, unmodified, and ready for the next chapter. His words, simple yet full of appreciation “The Tommi has arrived. Thank you for your efforts” speak volumes about the care, professionalism, and timing involved in the shipment.
For car enthusiasts, it’s not just about moving a vehicle; it’s about delivering dreams, and this one landed exactly as hoped.
Why Choose Autoshippers for Your Car Shipping USA Needs?
With over 25 years’ experience in international car shipping, and thousands of very happy customers, Autoshippers is one of the most trusted names in vehicle shipping. With services that include RoRo shipping, containerised shipping, airfreight and even motorbike shipping using bespoke crates, whether you are moving a classic like the Evo, something rarer, or your family saloon, our team combines our passion for great customer service with a genuine interest in vehicles.
This is why many enthusiasts return to us time and again when they want to ship a vehicle overseas.
Thinking of Shipping a Car from the UK? Here’s what to do Next
If you are considering shipping your own vehicle to the USA or elsewhere across the globe, or have your eyes on something special, start with a quick online quotation through our website. Our experts are on hand to walk you through the process, from compliance with local regulations such as the 25-Year rule, to port delivery, Customs Paperwork and protection cover. Contact us via the website via our contact form, by calling +44 117 982 8123 / 0800 389 0784 or via email to sales@autoshippers.co.uk
Whether it’s your first shipment, or your fifth, you’ll receive the same expert care that made Adam’s experience a success.
