About Spanish Car Agent

Hi, I’m Simon Manis and I run Spanish Car Agent, a small business focussed on offering a bespoke, personal service.

I’ve always had a real passion for cars, particularly sports cars.

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to spend lots of time in the west coast of America where my now late father lived. I saw some beautiful European cars that you rarely would see in the UK or in Europe. As a commercial hobby I became involved with bringing a some of these cars back to the UK.

In 1995, I made a trip with a friend to Tokyo, where we both bought Mazda MX5 (Eunos) sport cars for own use. The savings were fantastic and I saw an opportunity to capitalize on the geographical pricing differences on these cars between Japan and the UK.

In 1997 came the creation of my sister company - Car Import Solutions, where clients were offered a bespoke ‘hand holding’ service to get the car of their dreams whilst saving money at the same time.

A year later, prior to the introduction of the Euro in Europe, I became involved in the championing of the ‘Rip off Britain’ campaign which amongst other things, highlighted the huge pricing differentials between new car prices in the UK and in mainland Europe. As ‘an industry expert’ I was used in a handful of radio and press interviews. I became the ‘no fee’ broker, my clients were able to pay main dealers in Europe directly and then either collect their cars directly from the dealer or I would arrange delivery. I handled the necessary registration paperwork in all instances and my remuneration always came from the supplying dealer, so it was a very transparent service. Every effort was then made by manufacturers and the UK official importers to close the gap in pricing between Euro and UK pricing.

In 2005, my family and I moved to Spain for 12 months and I made the transition into supplying LHD cars. The pound was strong, as was the UK economy and there was a property boom across Europe. Everyone wanted a second home in the sun. Spain was and continues to be favoured by Brits. With contacts across Europe I was able to offer very competitive, new and used cars for these clients. Left hand drive (LHD) cars were shipped from northern to southern Europe. Subject to clients’ needs, these vehicles were put on UK or Spanish plates.

Today, in our post Brexit and cost of living crisis world, Spain is encouraging people to move there with various visas. Converseley with a weakening pound, a number of retirees are moving back to the UK as there UK sterling pensions aren't supporting them as they did.

Now, more than ever clients want a professional, transparent bespoke service and at the same time great value for money - this is what I am aim to deliver as your Spanish Car Agent.