Re: [FWDLK] Swedish Fins

["Marko Lonngren" <marko.lonngren@xxxxxxxx>]

> >I have seen always good sweet dreams, that Americans will step up to
> >Sweden and buy all of these rare beauties back to good old USA.
> >
>  I don't think it matters what country these cars are in, as long as t
> are preserved. Unfortunately, it seems alot of U.S state governments w
> rather see these old cars turned into a Honda. So far there isn't much
> the books here in Canada (although some no-mind political figures have
> to suggest legislation to eliminate old cars). Whats happening in othe
> countries? Is big brother towing old cars away where you live?

So far there are not any old vehicle scrappage programs in Finland. If
there had been such a program, it would be overreached. New cars have
about 50% taxes in their price, so everybody can not afford them.

But here are many other problems. If I now buy a project-car from USA,
first I have to pay normal 10% duties. That's nothing, but when I use
about 500 hours to restore the car, I have to pay $27 x 500 x 30% taxes
for my own work I put the car myself!! That means $4.050 !! And that is
not the end, I have to pay another 30% taxes and from the final price
also 22%. That means, that nobody can not buy old project cars from
another countries and government never get the money they supposed.

The old cars, which have been in the country since new, I can exchange
50% parts for it. If that 50% exceeded, I have to pay almost as much taxes
as of equal value new car has. The old cars, which have imported later
as used cars, I can exchange only 25% parts for it. For example, if I
exchange engine and transmission for the car, it would take that 25% of
parts. I can not later change even bumper or exhaust system or repair the
brakes, otherwise I have to pay enormous amount of taxes...

And gasoline costs about $3.60 per US gallon. Everything was fine some
years ago, when I purchased my 1961 DeSoto. But there is still strong
old-car-hobby in Finland and lot of old US cars. Local car and H-D guys
are very tough.

                        Mark
                        FINland