What I cannnot understand is why cannot classic cars be imported into the country at a fixed rate of customs duty, say 3 lacs per car (none of this CC and engine power crap) and parts freely imported to keep them in running condition? Old cars can now only be imported under the TR scheme, but inspite of that classic cars should be put under a seperate bracket and not included with other 'old' and 'used' cars.
As a classic car lover and owner of a 1961 T-Bird, 1962 Lincoln Continental and 1963 Oldsmobile 98 (curently undergoing a ground up restoration) I can vouch that importing parts for these cars was a tedious, traumatic and a painful experience, but as I have these cars, I spared no expense in seeing that they got every genuine part available in the USA from their respective parts suppliers, as and when it was required. Alot of fellow classic car lovers also gripe about the unfriendly and hostile import policy of old cars/parts, and until recently, if you imported an old car, you were treated like a criminal who committed a crime against the state.
Last year a classic car show was held at the Forum and on 14th August another small show was set up on Zamzama street and many classics turned up. If such shows were to be held on a regular basis, this would become a new form of entertainment for the public and boost Pakistan's image abroad. Look at India.
With a more liberal and restriction free import policy exclusively for classic cars, we could be seeing more of these cars at future shows and those cars which are currently off the road due to lack of spare parts would also be able to partake and have a chance to live again.
Classic cars should be treated independantly and not shoved under the same bracket as used cars. Out local 'cookie cutter' manufacting industries would not be at threat with the import of cars 30 years and older, as at the end of the day, we would still be using them as our daily drivers with our classics kept strictly for weekend cruising and shows.