Classic Special

[dvd8n]

Just recently I've gotten a yen for a classic Austin 7 special.

In case you don't know these were based on Austin 7 chassis and mechanics, usually a 1930s Austin 7 Ruby. They were generally converted in the late 1950s and 1960s, either as replica of a performance model like an "Ulster Replica" or similar, or in their own style with "Speedex" bodies for instance.

So, my question is, how should I expect these things to be registered? Presumably not still as an Austin 7 Ruby? I wouldn't like to get stuck with a garden ornament.

Thanks, David

[Ambleton]

Check number 1:
Does the chassis/VIN number match between car and V5C?

If no I'd probably be walking away.

After that....

It depends what the V5 says, there will be variation when the cars were swapped over to the digital system depending who entered them in the 80s etc.

Some wont have a model designated other than "seven". In which case I wouldn't worry.

If that's not the case, and there is a detailed model there, I'd hope for something vaguely along the lines of "seven sports", "seven special", "seven Ulster", "seven roadster" or similar. If it's been re-registered properly

Worst case scenario is it says "Seven Ruby". At which point you have two options:

1. Do nothing. It doesn't need an MOT, DVLA/police/insurers don't know or care. It's old. Does it REALLY matter? Probably not. Depends how risk averse you are.

2. As the chassis, engine, suspension, etc are all untouched then they can be registered as a "radically altered vehicle" if required. It's a points based system and you'd likely have a full house.

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/radically-...

I bought a motorcycle a few years back and it didn't have a model assigned to it.
Make: Moto guzzi
Model: Moto Guzzi
Everything else and all numbers were right. When I broke it up for parts the frame and V5C was quite popular on EBay because it was suitably vague for folk to "get creative".

[dvd8n]

Ambleton said:

Check number 1:


2. As the chassis, engine, suspension, etc are all untouched then they can be registered as a "radically altered vehicle" if required. It's a points based system and you'd likely have a full house.

Brilliant reply. Thanks very much! I couldn't ask for better.

One clarification would be useful if you don't mind. When the rules talk of original engine (for instance), do they mean the actual original engine number, or do they just mean original engine spec? The chance of a ninety year old bitza having matching numbers is slim.

Cheers, David

[Ambleton]

That's probably a question for the A7 register/OC.

I'd also suggest that's a hurdle for later down the line. It's an issue that might not crop up.

Changing engines happens all the time and is easy to rectify on the V5C, I've done it before. Just send it off with photos, including the engine number, an engine dating certificate and it comes back in a few weeks with the ammended number. It's possible the engine number isn't even recorded on V5C.

[dvd8n]

Thanks. I was more thinking about the points system for registration rather than the accuracy of the V5, though.

D

[Ambleton]

dvd8n said:

Thanks. I was more thinking about the points system for registration rather than the accuracy of the V5, though.

D

I know.

My inference was that if the V5C IS for a Seven Ruby and the chassis/VIN matches between the car and the V5C then youd do one thing at a time.

1. Change the V5C to update the engine number but leave as a Ruby in the first instance.

2. Then (if you're inclined) go through the "radically altered" approach and then there's no question over the engine used as it's already acknowledged that that's the engine from THAT car.

[dvd8n]

Thanks very much for your answers. You've been very helpful.

I can go and look at cars now with a full understanding of what I'll be taking on.

Thanks again, David.