Bought a kit-car - still registered as donor?

[Altrezia]

Hello chaps - my first post as a kit-car owner.

I recently bought a BRA Cobra, which is still registered as a 1975 Ford Granada..

Now, I guess to get it MOTed and road legal I'll have to re-register it. I've looked on the net, and found this:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSell...

I presume the 'Kit Conversions' section applies, and therefore I need an SVA (or an ESVA/MSVA? whatever they are)

Anyone got any advice as to what the SVA test comprises of, and what I need to do to keep the reg, as it's a private plate that applies to the kit! (doh!)

I'm just downloading the PDFs in the SVA Info thread now..

Thanks in advance for any advice,
Alex.

[Altrezia]

Indeed.

The kit was only produced in 1984-1986, by BRA, so that might come in handy?

[Altrezia]

What would make it harder for this car to pass an SVA than a regular kit-car?

[Altrezia]

I have no previous MOTs or Tax discs - unfortunatley.

The v5 is in the post (had to get a new one as prev owner had lost it) - Only reason that I found it was still a granada was I checked on the DVLA website the vehicle check thing.

Looks like I'll be getting a Q plate then. What does the do to the value of the vehicle?

I've been reading the SVA notes, and I'm not that worried.. yet.

[Altrezia]

V8 GRF said:

When was the Cobra built and registered?

If the car has a V5 issed it will have a period number issued to it and that will still be vaild. If you try to re-register without asking advice from someone who REALLY knows then you WILL definitely have to get an SVA and as everyone has been saying you may have some problems with that due to its age.

I'd ignore all of the opinions on here anyway and go in person to your local DVLA office and explain the situation. I'd trust their opinion more than any MOT tester or anyone on here (including me)

It was built in the mid 80's. The kit was only available from 84-86. The car was used for several years, until the mid 90's, when I think the last MOT was.

I think thats probably the best thing to do. I will let you guys know what they say.

[Altrezia]

Interesting about the MOT - but surely its a bit different having the wrong chassis number compared to having the wrong chassis? heh.

I mean, the car DOES have a V5, and I have the chassis plates from the donor sat on the desk next to me - but if I do manage to get an MOT, and get pulled by the police, wont they do something nasty and try and take the car to be crushed or something mad like that?

[Altrezia]

I just spoke to a previous owner. Apparently he used the cobra on the road, and for his wedding - so the car has certainly been on the road in the past.

I will do more digging, and speak to the DVLA.

Cheers folks - you lot are great.

[Altrezia]

Ha ha, well put, I think.

Thanks again guys.

[Altrezia]

Yep, price wasn't 'dirt cheap', but I'm still happy with the purchase, even if I do end up with a Q.

Good idea re: photos.

[Altrezia]

Thanks Ian, may give you a call closer to the time.

[Altrezia]

Very very long wait.. but look what the lovely people at the DVLA sent me today..



WAHOO!! Now I just need a rolling road session, and an MOT!

Thank god!


For anyone searching and wanting the info, the process of getting an incorrectly registered kit properly registered was as follows:

• Contact the DVLA, but letter or going to a DVLA office, explaining that the car was built before SVA regs.
• They'll send an inspector out, who will need to see proof that the car was built before SVA regs and/or used on the road before 1997 (sva regs change date). Could be receipts, MOTs, tax, etc.
• Wait about 2 months for the DVLA Swansea to make their minds up on the given evidence given to them by the inspector.

Job done. Scary, as they can potentially make the car worthless, as these old kits are never going to get through SVA.

Thanks for all the help and advice guys. You lot are great.