Buying a classic car in Italy: what to check before you sign

In short

Before buying, check for rust in hidden places (sills, chassis rails, floor, wheel arches), that the chassis number matches the papers, the car's status on the Italian register and the mechanics. Estimate restoration costs before negotiating. For Switzerland you need deregistration for export in Italy, then customs clearance and inspection in Switzerland.

Bodywork and rust

Fresh paint can hide a lot. Look where rust works out of sight: sills, chassis rails, floor, boot floor, wheel arches and suspension mounts. A weak magnet helps find filler: where it won't stick, there's filler underneath. Also check that the doors shut properly and the panel gaps are even; if not, the body may have been badly repaired.

Numbers and paperwork

The chassis number on the body must match the Italian registration document (libretto).
Have the car's status checked on the Italian register (PRA): if it has been deregistered (radiata), extra steps are needed.
Ask whether it has the Italian historic vehicle certificate (CRS) or ASI homologation: a good sign of originality.
Invoices, photos of past work and service books tell the story and add value.

Mechanics and interior

Listen to the engine from cold, watch for smoke from the exhaust and look for leaks underneath. Try the gearbox and brakes. Don't underestimate the interior: redoing upholstery, panels and the soft top in the right materials is a big job that has to be budgeted for.

The real price

The right price isn't the one in the advert, but the advert plus the restoration it needs. The restoration often costs more than the car: better to know beforehand. A dearer but sound car can end up cheaper than a rusty bargain.

Through our consulting and appraisals we can assess it with you, from photos and videos or in person, and estimate the work needed before you sign.

If the car is going to Switzerland

In Italy the car must be deregistered for export, usually through a vehicle paperwork agency. In Switzerland come customs clearance (Swiss VAT and other applicable charges) and the inspection at the cantonal road traffic office. If it needs restoring, it often makes sense to do it first: it stays in our workshop and then we bring it to Switzerland. Check the exact rules with a customs agent.

Frequently asked questions

Can you assess a car before I buy it?

Yes, as part of our consulting: from photos and videos or in person, with an estimate of the work needed.

Is it better to buy a restored car or one to restore?

It depends on how well it was restored. A well-restored car is almost always worth it; a badly restored one costs twice, because it all has to be redone.

Can you restore it and then bring it to Switzerland?

Yes: we restore it in our workshop in Piedmont and arrange delivery to Switzerland case by case.