Car has been abroad - how do I found out where and how long?

[FlipFlopGriff]

Just bought a 1959 Moggy and although registered 31.12.59 the V5 states May 1987. Its been overseas so be good to find out where it has been, for how long and if the registration is the original 1959 reg. I understand you can't get previous owner history from the DVLA anymore which would have helped but I'd like to find out more about its history.
FFG