Hi

I'm a classic car enthusiast and found an old classic (1976) for sale in the Nice area which i want to drive back to the UK & import. Car has a current CT.

I plan to fly to Nice in the next few days and it would be very helpful if some kind person could answer the below question!

QUESTIONS                                           

Car registration procedure + cost + time involved?

Where do I go to register / road tax the car?

What car documents do I need?

Car insurance company that speak English (name+ email) to get 2 weeks EU insurance cover? 

Nice, reasonable Gite / B+B in Nice? (my budget is around 70 euro) Home stay would be fun. I'll be out all day!

I'll be flying Easy Jet from Bristol - Nice, so where do i catch it + the bus no.

Any other tips most welcomed & appreciated!

Hope to hear from someone. Thanks

julian67@mail.com

The general rules to register a classic (one over 30yrs old) are slightly different than a normal car. Have a look at this page as a way to get started: http://riviera.angloinfo.com/information/transport/vehicle-ownership/buying-a-used-car

Registration would take place at the Nice Prefecture (there's no road tax in France): http://www.alpes-maritimes.pref.gouv.fr

English speaking insurers here (AXA Agence Limonier are easy to reach in Nice): http://riviera.angloinfo.com/af/22/french-riviera-insurance-car-home-life-travel.html

But I'm just wondering, because you're not resident in France and esssentially, you're buying for export, it may all be completely different (I have no idea), but I can't imagine that it would work the same way it does if you're resident. I suggest you contact The English Car Mechanics, they're local specialists in the import and sale of classic cars. If anyone knows how it all works, they do. 

http://www.theenglishcarmechanics.com

Bus: depends where you're trying to go...

Sorry, I don't know why these links aren't active.

To register it in your name you would need proof of your address, a utility bill or similar. so that will not be possible for you. You can get a temporary registration I remember, these have red number plates and are valid for 6 months so the procedure is probably a lot easier. I did that once for a new vehicle (so the dealer arranged it for me). I realise you want to make it as easy as possible to register it in the UK, and having it your name would help this, but there is nothing to stop you driving around for a week or so without registering it and going into UK with all papers ready to register it in your name upon arrival. Most Axa insurance offices have an english speaking person. but not sure about getting 2 weeks insurance, as you are not allowed to stop insurance at will in France, it would be easier to get your UK insurance to cover you for the drive back. Please note that normally the CT is valid for 2 years but has to be less than six months old when the vehicle is sold, anything longer requires special paperwork - so most sellers will get a new CT when the car goes up for sale.