Possible to re-register a classic as new?

[moe]

Here's the problem. I currently work in India and the law here states that imported cars cannot be more than 3 years old.

Is there any way to re-register a classic car as new? ie the registration shows date of manufacture as 2012.

If a car is put onto a 'Q' plate, is it registered with a new registration date?

Is there any (legal) way of modifying the car to get a new reg?

Thanks in advance,

Moe

[mgeee]

I don't know but, the date of registration is not the date of manufacture if that helps.

[droopsnoot]

I think the only way you'd manage it would be to find enough certified new parts to be able to genuinely show it is a new car - presumably the "points" used to decide Q-plate status might work for you.

The problem you'd have then is regulations (here at least). As the emissions test is based on the date of first registration (or first use, which I think is the same thing), you'd have to get it through an MOT test with current emission settings, you'd also need everything else that a modern car requires on MOT.

I read somewhere that the reason South Hereford Audi registered their brand-new virtually last-of-the-line 20v quattro in 1997 on a R plate was because if they'd left it any later, it would never have passed a test due to not meeting some of these newer regulations.

Of course, it depends on whether you have to have it roadworthy in this country before you ship it to India. If not, maybe there are more options. Isn't India the home of the still-produced old British car anyway, or has that largely stopped now?

[john2443]

In the UK you can put an older plate on a newer car but not the other way round, otherwise we'd all re-plate our cars before selling them so that they were worth more, but the V5 would still show the real age anyway.

If you built a classic from new parts then I think it would get a new reg and V5 showing 2012 but would need IVA - "The IVA inspection checks that your vehicle is designed and constructed to meet modern safety and environmental standards for use on UK roads."

Sounds like a load of hassle, wouldn't it be easier to buy a Hindustan Ambassador over there?

[moe]

Thanks for the replies.

Don't think it has to be roadworthy to import it to India. Many imports here (especially sports bikes) are imported as 'spare parts' and are certainly not road worthy when they leave the docks. Unfortunately, customs and excise are cracking down on illegal grey imports so that's not a route I want to follow.

They've stopped making most of the old Brit cars. Most cars on the road are Suzuki's or Hyundai's now.

IVA - "Older cars with major changes". Hmmmn, sounds like a pain in the ass.

Hindustan Ambassador - No thanks. I'm thinking more MkII Jag.

[mark387mw]

moe said:

I'm thinking more MkII Jag.

You need one of these then http://www.beacham-jaguar.co.nz/MARQUES/BEACHAM+MK...