Shipping a Ford Capri to Australia: The Complete Guide

The Ford Capri has long enjoyed a devoted following in Australia, where its blend of American muscle-car styling and European driving dynamics struck a chord with enthusiasts from the moment it arrived in the early 1970s. Many Australian collectors specifically search UK classifieds and auctions for well-preserved Capris, since the car was never officially sold new in right-hand-drive Australian-market form in the same volumes as the UK. This has created a steady demand for UK-sourced examples, particularly the desirable RS and 2.8i Injection variants.

Buyers are often drawn to cars that have spent their lives in the UK's active classic car scene, where parts support, specialist knowledge, and enthusiast clubs are abundant. A Capri bought from a UK seller typically comes with a fuller service history and more originality than one that has already been imported and modified elsewhere. This makes the UK an attractive source market, but it also means the shipping leg is a critical part of the ownership journey, since any damage or delay can affect both the car's value and the buyer's excitement about their purchase.

For a car like the Ford Capri, container shipping is almost always the recommended method over RORO. The long transit time to Australia — typically five to eight weeks depending on the port pair and transhipment schedule — means the vehicle benefits enormously from being sealed away from salt air, weather, and handling by multiple dockside teams. A dedicated 20-foot container is ideal for a single Capri, giving full peace of mind, while a shared groupage container can reduce costs significantly if you are not in a rush.

Within a container, the car should be secured using wheel chocks and ratchet straps at all four corners, with the handbrake left off and the car in gear or park to avoid stressing the transmission during the voyage. Photographs should be taken from every angle before the doors are sealed, and it is worth asking your shipping agent for a copy of the container seal number so you have a verifiable chain of custody from the UK port to arrival in Australia.

Costs vary depending on the UK departure port, the Australian port of entry, and whether you choose a shared or dedicated container. As a guide for 2026, shipping a Ford Capri from Southampton to Melbourne or Sydney in a shared container typically costs between £1,600 and £2,200, while a dedicated 20-foot container tends to fall between £2,800 and £3,800. These figures generally include origin haulage, port handling, and ocean freight, but exclude Australian import duty, GST, and quarantine inspection fees.

On arrival, Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture will require the vehicle to undergo a biosecurity inspection, since Australia has extremely strict rules on soil, seeds, and insects that may be present in the underbody, wheel arches, or engine bay. A steam clean prior to shipping — ideally documented with photos or a certificate from the cleaning provider — can help speed up this process and reduce the chance of the vehicle being sent for an expensive quarantine treatment on arrival.

Australia's vehicle import rules are administered through the Road Vehicle Standards Act, and older vehicles like a classic Ford Capri typically qualify for import as a Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) exemption if they meet the age or enthusiast criteria, or under the Concessional RAV entry for vehicles of historical interest. Vehicles over 25 years old are generally treated more leniently than modern imports, and Capris — which span production from 1969 to 1986 — comfortably fall into this category.

Once the vehicle has cleared customs and biosecurity, it must be presented for state-based registration, which usually includes a roadworthy inspection and confirmation that the vehicle matches its import approval. It is worth engaging an Australian compliance broker before the car leaves the UK, as they can confirm exactly which category your particular Capri variant falls under and flag any modifications that might need to be reversed or documented for approval.

Before handover to your shipping agent, run the fuel tank down to a quarter full or less, disconnect the battery if the car will be stored for any length of time before loading, and remove all loose items from the cabin and boot. Classic cars like the Capri often carry spare parts, tools, or memorabilia that owners want to bring along, but these should be securely fixed in the boot rather than left loose, and declared to your shipping agent so they can be included on the correct documentation.

It is also worth having an independent inspection report and a fresh set of photographs taken on the day of collection, time-stamped and dated. This protects you if any dispute over condition arises after a multi-week ocean voyage, and most reputable shippers, including The Ship Cars, will carry out and share their own condition report as standard practice.

Shipping a classic car halfway around the world is not something to leave to chance. An experienced partner will handle UK export documentation such as the Notification of Vehicle Arrival (NOVA) exemption paperwork where applicable, coordinate with your chosen Australian customs broker, and provide tracking updates throughout the voyage. They will also be able to advise on the best sailing schedules to avoid unnecessary transhipment delays via Asian hub ports.

At The Ship Cars, we regularly coordinate classic car shipments to Australia and can advise on the right container option, insurance level, and paperwork for a Capri or similar classic. Get in touch for a tailored quote before you commit to a purchase, so you know the total landed cost in advance.