JAPAN CAR SOURCING
Import Collector Cars from Japan
Rare Mercedes-AMG, Alpina and youngtimer collector cars sourced from Japan and delivered to the USA.
Collector Cars We Source From Japan
We focus on special, rare and collectible vehicles — particularly cars from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s.
Mercedes-Benz & AMG
We are especially interested in rare Mercedes-Benz and AMG models, including:
- Mercedes-Benz SL60 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz 500SL / SL500 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz 600SL / SL600
- Mercedes-Benz S600
- Mercedes-Benz S600 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz CL600
- Mercedes-Benz E500 / 500E
- Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Other rare AMG and Mercedes-Benz special-order vehicles
BMW Alpina
Japan can also be an excellent market for rare Alpina automobiles.
We can search for models including:
- Alpina B6
- Alpina B7
- Alpina B9
- Alpina B10
- Alpina B11
- Alpina B12
- Alpina B3
- Alpina B5
- Alpina Roadster
- Rare and limited-production Alpina models
Other Collector & Youngtimer Cars
Our search is not limited to Mercedes-Benz and Alpina.
We can also help locate select:
BMW • Porsche • Ferrari • Maybach • Audi • AMG • European performance cars • Luxury cars • Japanese-market collector vehicles
Why Buy a Collector Car From Japan?
Japan has developed one of the world’s most interesting markets for collectible European automobiles.
Many desirable Mercedes-Benz, AMG, BMW and Alpina models were exported to Japan when new. Decades later, some of these vehicles remain remarkably original and can have specifications rarely seen in the United States.
For collectors searching for a particular color combination, engine, specification or limited-production model, expanding the search to Japan can dramatically increase the number of potential cars available.
Larger Selection of Rare Cars
Certain AMG, Alpina and European-market models are extremely difficult to locate in the United States. Searching Japan gives collectors access to another major automotive market.
Interesting Specifications
Japanese-market cars can appear with unusual colors, equipment and configurations that may rarely surface in America.
Detailed Auction Information
Many vehicles offered through established Japanese auctions receive condition reports and auction grades that can provide useful information when evaluating a potential purchase.
Collector-Car Culture
Japan has a long-standing enthusiast culture surrounding Mercedes-Benz, AMG, BMW, Porsche and other European luxury and performance marques.
How Our Japan Car Sourcing Process Works
1. Tell Us What You’re Looking For
Send us the make, model, year range, mileage, color and specifications you prefer.
Looking for something extremely specific — such as an SL60 AMG, S600 AMG or Alpina B12?
That’s exactly the type of search we’re interested in.
2. We Search Japan
We search available Japanese auctions, dealers and collector-car sources for vehicles matching your criteria.
3. Review the Car
When we identify a promising vehicle, available photographs, specifications, auction information and condition details can be reviewed before making a decision.
4. Purchase & Export
Once a suitable vehicle is selected and purchased, the export and international transportation process can be arranged.
5. Import to the United States
Import eligibility and documentation are reviewed based on the specific vehicle.
6. Delivery
Once the vehicle completes the required import process, transportation to its final destination in the United States can be arranged.
Importing 25-Year-Old Cars From Japan
One of the reasons Japan has become particularly interesting to American collectors is the availability of vehicles that have reached 25 years of age.
Under U.S. federal rules, certain vehicles that are at least 25 years old may be imported without having to conform to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that applied when they were originally manufactured.
Import requirements can depend on the vehicle’s exact manufacture date, configuration and other factors, so eligibility should always be verified before purchasing a car overseas.
For collectors, this opens the door to increasingly desirable automobiles from the 1990s and early 2000s.
Every year, another generation of interesting AMG, Alpina and European-market vehicles reaches potential U.S. import eligibility.
Looking for a Rare AMG or Alpina?
Some collector cars simply don’t appear for sale in America very often.
You may spend months searching for the right:
SL60 AMG
S600 AMG
500SL AMG 6.0
Alpina B10
Alpina B11
Alpina B12
Rare European-Spec Mercedes-Benz
Instead of limiting the search to the United States, we can expand it to Japan.
Tell us exactly what you’re looking for.
Why Vintage Car Buyers?
Vintage Car Buyers specializes in the cars that are becoming the next generation of serious collectibles.
Our focus includes Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Alpina and exceptional European automobiles from the 1980s through the 2000s.
We understand that finding the right collector car isn’t simply about locating the lowest-priced example.
It’s about finding the right model, specification, condition, history and originality.
Whether you’re searching for a rare AMG you’ve wanted for years or an unusual Alpina that almost never appears in the United States, we’re ready to help expand your search.
Already Own a Rare Mercedes, AMG or Alpina?
We’re buyers too.
Vintage Car Buyers purchases collectible Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Alpina, BMW, Porsche and other special automobiles throughout the United States.
If you have a rare or unusual vehicle you’re considering selling, tell us about it.
We are particularly interested in:
Low-mileage cars • Original examples • Rare specifications • AMG models • Alpina models • V12 Mercedes-Benz • Youngtimer collector cars • Limited-production vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import a car from Japan to the USA?
Yes, many vehicles can be imported from Japan, but the requirements depend on the vehicle’s age, configuration and applicable U.S. regulations. Import eligibility should be confirmed for the specific vehicle before purchase.
Does a car have to be 25 years old to import it?
Not necessarily, but the federal 25-year rule is particularly important for collector-car buyers because qualifying vehicles may be exempt from certain Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards requirements. Other federal and state requirements may still apply.
Can you find Mercedes-AMG cars in Japan?
Yes. Japan has a significant enthusiast market for Mercedes-Benz and AMG automobiles, including cars from the 1990s and 2000s.
Can you source Alpina cars from Japan?
Yes. Japan has historically been an important market for Alpina, making it an interesting place to search for rare B3, B6, B7, B10, B11, B12 and other Alpina models.
Can you find a specific car for me?
Yes. Tell us the exact model, approximate year, mileage range, colors and specifications you’re looking for. The more information you provide, the more targeted the search can be.
Can you arrange shipping from Japan?
International transportation and U.S. delivery can be coordinated as part of the sourcing process, depending on the vehicle and destination.
Searching for Something Rare?
Your Next Collector Car May Be Waiting in Japan.
From Mercedes-AMG and Alpina to rare European youngtimers, we’ll help you search beyond the U.S. market for the car you’ve been trying to find.
Vintage Car Buyers Collector • Exotic • Youngtimer Automobiles Serving collectors nationwide.