Dennis also admits that it’s cheaper to send a car for restoration to the UK than carry out the work in the US.
Dennis Collins and his YouTube channel’sDennis Collins and his YouTube channel’s latest classic car rescue involves a trip to Houston to retrieve a 1963 Chevrolet Impala – it’s an episode filled with the usual exploits as Collins gives his latest acquisition the once over before shaking on the deal.
And typical of a car that’s sat in a garage for 20 years, extra effort is necessary to free it from its prison.
While few car enthusiasts will ignore the rescue of a piece of automotive history like a ’63 Impala, the video also provides an interesting look at another side of the classic car business, specifically, Collins brings viewers along as he ships a Porsche 356 to the UK for restoration.
It’s a chance to gain some insight into what classics the rest of the world is buying from the US.
Sending A Porsche 356 For Restoration
Collins’ journey to Houston first involves a stop at a shipping company with a Porsche 356 – it’s a car he retrieved in an earlier episode but requires a complete restoration.
Given the peculiarities of economics, it’s cheaper to have the work done in the UK than in the US. These oddities also reflect that it costs less (about $1,000) to send a car from Houston to the UK than cross-country within the US.
Global Demand Rising For Classic Cars
While Collins is dropping off the Porsche, he encounters a warehouse full of notable classic – these are cars purchased in the US that will soon find their way to other countries.
Collins quickly gleans that the most sought-after vehicles are trucks and Volkswagen ‘Microbusses’ (particularly late-model examples).
Javier, from the shipping company, confirms Collins’ observations and adds that Bel Airs, Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, and Lincolns are also popular among overseas collectors.
We also learn that a majority go to the UK, Sweden, and Germany.
Rescuing A Classic 1963 Chevy Impala Sport
The video wraps up with Collins buying a disused 1963 Impala Sport Coupe with a 283 cubic-inch V8.
While the car has seen better days, it’s nothing some repairs or a restoration can’t take care of – and thanks to belonging only to one family and having a Texas-only history, this Chevy offers a welcomed bit of pedigree.
Further adding to the Impala’s value is a collection of authentic documentation, including the original title and owner’s manual.
Dennis Collins Rescues a Historic 1963 Chevrolet Impala Sport in an Impressive Car Recovery