Cars and the U.S.A.F.

Sir,
I thought you might be interested in the list of cars purchased through the United States Air Force Post Exchange at Manston R.A.F. Station, Kent.

American servicemen stationed in the United Kingdom are treated as visitors for customs purposes and therefore do not have to pay purchase tax or import duty on cars of any nationality. The main restriction is that one cannot resell the cars in the United Kingdom except to other American servicemen, and then only if the owner is leaving the country or buying a more expensive British car.

I do not believe any American cars were ordered for delivery over here, although a good many servicemen bring their cars over with them. These too, must be taken out of the United Kingdom at the end of one’s tour of duty, or sold only to another serviceman.

The Porsche in the 1954 figures, I am happy to say, is my own acquisition, a 1,500-c.c. Super Coupé.

I am, Yours, etc.,
Stephen F. Wilder (1st Lt., U.S.A.F.).