How it Works
Mint Car is a boutique service provider that specializes in locating, purchasing, fixing, modifying and / or shipping oddball classic cars from Europe to the United States. Founded by classic car aficionado Erik D. Griffith after he retired early form a 27-year career in commercial banking and moved to Southeast Europe, it is the only company of its kind in this part of the world. Our team speaks native or fluent English, has extensive knowledge of the European classic car market, and an in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations relating to classic vehicles in the United States. And we care about cars as much as you, if not more.
Finding a car
We know how costly, difficult, and confusing finding the classic car of your dreams in a foreign market can be. Europe is particularly complex when it comes to procuring that car because of the many different rules and regulations in each country. Think of Mint Car as your agent on the ground in Europe. Our network of auto industry professionals, mechanics, and car collectors can scour the continent to find just the right car and we’re here to kick the tires before you go ahead and buy it. Aside from English, our in-house team also speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Greek, Macedonian, and Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian, so it’s fairly easy for us to navigate any issues that arise.
Mechanical, Body Work & Modifications
The vintage vehicle you decide to purchase will most likely not be in mint condition. This is where our team really gets to shine. Our network of mechanics in Europe, specializing in different makes and models, are not only far more experienced in working on European classic vehicles than the vast majority of mechanics in the U.S., they’re also probably a whole lot cheaper.
These are the same folks who work on the classic vehicles we own and we work closely with them to make sure everything is performed to client specifications. Throughout the process, we report back to you every step of the way, sending you photos and video walkthroughs of the process. And the real beauty of it? We don’t charge a dime on top of what the mechanics charge. We’re just here when you can’t be.
When it comes to modifications, we have in-depth knowledge of which modifications are allowed on a vehicle so that the vehicle still complies with export rules in each European country and import rules in the United States. We can recommend and oversee mods performed in market in Europe and which mods you can add once the vehicle is stateside.
Shipping & Customs
We work with customs brokers and shipping companies in Europe that are fully equipped and / or specialize in preparing customs documents and shipping cars to the United States. In other words, throughout our process, you don’t have to set foot in European municipal buildings, police stations, public notary offices, customs offices, and everything else involved in importing a classic car from Europe. Assist us in filling out a few forms and go pick up your classic car when it gets to a port stateside, then take the documents to the DMV to register it, and drive it home.
