Buying a car - No V5 and unable to see Vin

[GJUK]

Hello,
I've found a cheap classic car for sale made in the 1980's - which is only really good for a spares car.
The bonnet cable is snapped so I can not release it to find the VIN and the seller advised the private registration has since been transferred to another car circa 12 years ago - current reg unknown. There is no V5C, the seller is a trader, known on the interwebs and seems honest selling from his home address.

I can't HPI the car as I have no details. DVLA confirm the registration plate (present on the car) has been transferred to another vehicle, but they can not tell me the reg over the phone - I need to apply for a V62 form.

I always like to check if there is finance on the vehicle but its only worth scrap and being of the age it is; is this a non issue?

Thanks,

[TooMany2cvs]

I certainly wouldn't be worrying about finance on it.

What is it? There's probably a very easy way to release the bonnet.

[GJUK]

Hello.
It is an old Mercedes - I'm sure the bonnet can be released with a lot of hard work and swearing from under the car.

Good to hear I should not worry about car finance - it would be bought properly, receipt, photos of seller, from home address etc. So I suppose worst case situation I can prove it was bought correctly and all above board.

Thanks,

[storminnorman]

Some 80's cars (i.e. Fords in my experience) have a VIN in the front footwell near the sill, might be worth a look

[GJUK]

Thank you