Now You Can Import 50 Year Old Classic Cars In Ind...

The Government of India has relaxed its policy on importing vintage vehicles, making it easier for car enthusiasts to bring classic cars into the country.

Previously, only vehicles manufactured before 1950 were eligible for import. Now, any vehicle that is 50 years or older can be imported without the need for an import license.

This change means that cars built up to 1975 can be brought into India starting in 2025, with eligibility expanding each year. For example, cars from 1976 will become eligible in 2026, and so on. This gradual expansion allows a steady increase in the number of classic cars available for import.

Importantly, no special import license is required. However, there is a strict rule: these vehicles must not be resold in India. The government has introduced this restriction to ensure that the cars remain within the collector community and are not traded commercially.

How Does It Affect India’s Classic Car Scene?

India’s classic car scene has grown significantly over the years. However, high import duties and strict regulations made it challenging for enthusiasts to bring in rare vehicles.

To better understand this, we can categorize cars into three groups: Vintage, Classic, and Modern Classics.

• Vintage cars refer to those from the early days of automobiles up until the 1950s.
• Classic cars cover vehicles manufactured after the 1950s, but before the late 1980s.
• Modern Classics are those from the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.

India already has a strong collection of vintage cars, especially since the Foreign import ban was enforced in 1953. However, this ban lasted for almost half a century, preventing many foreign vehicles from entering the country.

As a result, India has a significant gap in classic cars, especially those manufactured between 1950 and 1980. This was the period when iconic cars like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Corvette, and the infamous Porsche 911 Carrera (widowmaker) were released—but these cars are very rare in India.

With the new import rules, we can now expect to see more of these iconic cars on Indian roads, or at least in collectors’ showcases.

Thanks to the updated regulations, classic cars from Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, etc., and American muscle cars such as the Ford Mustang—which were previously difficult to acquire—are now more accessible than ever.

This change will also positively impact India’s automotive and restoration industries. As more vintage cars enter the market, the demand for skilled restorers, mechanics, and upholsterers will rise, creating new business opportunities. Additionally, the increased influx of classic cars is likely to lead to more vintage car events, rallies, and collector meetups across the country.

What Are the Costs and Restrictions?

While the import process has become simpler, importing a classic car is still expensive. The total import duties, customs duty, GST, and registration fees add up to about 250% of the car’s traded value. Importantly, vehicles must comply with roadworthiness and emissions standards, though older vehicles may be granted some exemptions due to their historical value.

Here’s a Simple Breakdown of What You’d Pay for a Decently Restored Ford Mustang: