Vehicles imported under the pre-1989 scheme, improved explanatory material

The Department is releasing updated and expanded explanatory material for the pre-1989 scheme. The material is in the form of an information brochure. The Department is also releasing short frequently asked questions. These set out practical guides to importing vehicles.

This information is provided so that applicants can determine whether their vehicles qualify. The information is also provided to allow applicants who qualify to quickly and easily apply to the Department and obtain a vehicle import approval.

The pre-1989 scheme

The pre-1989 scheme allows the concessional importation of motor vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989. The vehicles are imported outside of normal certification arrangements.

The scheme is designed to cater for the personal importation of older enthusiast, classic or historic vehicles - for example, vehicles destined for restoration and hobby use, whether by an individual owner or within a car club. Popular models imported under the scheme include the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac Eldorado - primarily from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s vintages.

When submitting applications for approvals under the pre-1989 be sure that the following is supplied:

• a completed application form;
• the $50 application fee;
• a copy of the purchase document for the vehicle;
• if the vehicles date of manufacture is unclear — additional supporting documentation to establish the date of manufacture;
• if you have not applied within the previous 12 months — a copy of your picture ID;
• a recent photo of the vehicle (in its current condition); and
• Answers to the following questions:
• Please advise if the vehicle has had any modifications and if so please list the modifications.
• Please advise the Body style of the vehicle (e.g., 2-door convertible)
• Please advise is the body of your vehicle customised
• Please advise what engine is in your vehicle (e.g., 289 cu in 4.7L Ford Windsor V8)
• Please advise what transmission is in the vehicle (e.g., 4-speed manual)
• if the vehicle has been the subject of a vehicle conversion — supporting documentation to establish the details of the conversion and the date the conversion was completed.

The explanatory material follows a briefing session

The release of the explanatory material follows a briefing session held by the Department. The Australian Street Rod Federation (a peak body) and leading vehicle importers attended. The briefing session concentrated on vehicles that have been recently converted. This includes custom built vehicles that have been assembled from different parts to create new types of vehicles - such as drag racing cars, street rods, hot rods and replica vehicles.

If a vehicle has been so substantially modified as to constitute a newly manufactured vehicle - and the date of re-manufacture is 1 January 1989 or later - then the vehicle does not qualify for concessional importation under the pre-1989 scheme.

The explanatory material

• Information brochure on the pre-1989 scheme [PDF: 511 KB] [DOC: 707 KB]
• Frequently asked questions on the pre-1989 scheme [PDF: 103 KB] [DOC: 56 KB]
• Frequently asked questions introducing the concessional importation schemes [PDF: 129 KB] [DOC: 62 KB]

Documents arising from the pre-1989 scheme briefing session

• Summary of the briefing session [PDF: 167 KB] [DOC: 85 KB]
• Presentation made by the Department [PPT: 4889 KB]

During the session, the Department provided examples of vehicles. These examples focussed on approved versus converted vehicles.

• Approved versus converted vehicles examples [PDF: 3219 KB] [DOC: 3800 KB]