For some reason, I don't think duties apply to toys. I've read elsewhere that toys marked $800 and higher don't get charged for duties even with couriers.
You may be right - this is my first significant import, so I'll have to see.
In researching further, "toys" may be the wrong HS code. From flexport.com:
"Toys, or children’s products, are defined as products designed for use by children aged 12 or younger. When importing children’s products, it is important to be aware of the wide-ranging and strict safety standards these products are held to. In general, all children’s products imported into the United States must be certified as meeting these standards in a Children’s Product Certificate. This certification must accompany products entering the US."
The 1966 batmobile is currently supposed to ship to me in the September/October time frame. I assume that whatever classification Joost uses on that will apply to the 1989 batwing, which may also ship before the end of the year.
I guess we'll see. Worst case, it costs a little more, but at this point, what's an outhouse on the Taj Mahal?