Anyone own an MG Midget 1500??

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Hi All, I Need some help..... (I get told this a lot ;-) )


I am currently restoring a 1978 MG Midget 1500 rubber bumper model. Its an Isle of Man car, currently registered over there but has been in a lock-up garage in the UK for about 10 years now.

No problem to get it registered, I know the process, just need to get an MOT against the VIN number and then send in the paperwork....... Ah, no VIN plate on the car.....

Now I know it's previous owner very well, so spoke to him about this. About 20 years ago, the car was rear-ended by someone with no insurance, so they privately sorted things out - they paid up for a replacement heritage shell, which the original car was rebuilt into. So basically the car was re-shelled about 20 years ago, and the original owner forgot to take the VIN plates off the original shell. By the time he realised, the original shell was long gone. Since it was the Isle of Man where no MOTs have been required, this did not worry him as never likely to be picked up, and never likely to leave the IoM. fast forward one divorce and 20 years...

I suspect it will be an issue for me trying to register it without a VIN plate :-D .... I have the IoM MVR6 (basically the V5), engine number matches etc.

So I know (well, I can look up) the rules on importing a classic, and I am also aware of the rules on a rebuilt classic (which since this was an identical heritage bodyshell) and has the original engine, axle, steering, suspension etc should be eligible for an age-related plate.

What I don't know is what happens in my situation??

Unfortunately there is no receipt or paperwork for the heritage shell (Definitely has had a heritage shell though - the shell is immaculate with no welding and no rust!)

I am thinking my best bet is to get some VIN plates made up, with the correct numbers on them. What would be really handy is if any owners could advise on where the plates should be located (are there more than one?) and what design is on them? Some photos (with the VIN number blanked out of course) would be really helpful. I am confusing myself looking on line with lots of different designs and locations (door frame, dash top, inner chassis rail etc).

Appreciate any help from fellow midget owners.....

[Skyedriver]

I had a 1500 some years ago, but no help with the chassis plate etc.
There used to be some shady companies that would supply a blank or even stamp a new one out for those people who "lost" their original one when the front/wing etc was replaced due to rust but I would expect that the law has clamped down on that now for obvious reasons.
I'm sure there are ways and means around this but recalling the sorry tale a few weeks ago about "kit" cars (Triumph or MG can't recall) that were built up in South Africa and DVLA wouldn't accept them as a factory built car so wouldn't give an age related plate or something. Best do a search.

[alfaspecial]

Does the IOM registration document not show the VIN? The UK V5C does (or did?)
Location:
http://www.mg-cars.net/mg-midget-sprite-technical-...



Typical 'scams' https://www.hpi.co.uk/content/used-car-scams/commo...


I have seen blank VIN numbers for sale at Beaulieu autojumble
Not a recommendation, just a google search:
http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/MG.htm ref CP339 http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/Images/CP339.jpg

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Thanks for the replies. I know the car is not a scam, the previous owner is a family member and the car has been in the family for most of its life (30+ years) and I remember the accident that led to it being reshelled. I have the IOM V5, which does show the VIN number, engine number etc, and these tally with the heritage certificate that I have (and engine no matches the one in the car). I am waiting for the details of the heritage shell that was supplied (family member is digging through old paperwork to find it).

I simply need to know the right format of plates for the car and the correct locations. There is no ringing or anything dodgy going on here. If i was doing something iffy with a stolen motor then I would have the existing plates to use as a reference!
I am spending a lot of money restoring this car - it will be close to concourse when complete, what I don't want is any issues with the DVLA when it comes to registering.

Technically it is still registered on the Isle of Man, so If I wanted to I could just insure it and use it (once reassembled) but I want to properly register it in the UK as this is where it now lives.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

alfaspecial said:

Does the IOM registration document not show the VIN? The UK V5C does (or did?)
Location:
http://www.mg-cars.net/mg-midget-sprite-technical-...


Typical 'scams' https://www.hpi.co.uk/content/used-car-scams/commo...


I have seen blank VIN numbers for sale at Beaulieu autojumble
Not a recommendation, just a google search:
http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/MG.htm ref CP339 http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/Images/CP339.jpg

Thanks. That helps with the location but not the plate type. Really need some close up photos (with VIN blanked out)

[alfaspecial]

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

alfaspecial said:

Does the IOM registration document not show the VIN? The UK V5C does (or did?)
Location:
http://www.mg-cars.net/mg-midget-sprite-technical-...


Typical 'scams' https://www.hpi.co.uk/content/used-car-scams/commo...


I have seen blank VIN numbers for sale at Beaulieu autojumble
Not a recommendation, just a google search:
http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/MG.htm ref CP339 http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/Images/CP339.jpg

Thanks. That helps with the location but not the plate type. Really need some close up photos (with VIN blanked out)

Sorry if my reply was misleading I'm was not trying to imply a scam - I was trying to advise you what NOT to do!
If you look at the third and fourth links you can see a chassis plate close up

Clicking the last link brings this up
CP339 Chassis Plate - Austin Morris Group, MGB, Midget, Mini, Austin Healey Sprite, 1972-79 £ 7.50
http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/CR_Price_List.pdf

£7.50 worth a punt (just stamp the VIN number from the V5 on)
Don't claim any special knowledge but it seems a cheap & easy solution.

Edited by alfaspecial on Tuesday 23 October 12:43

[john2443]

I'll have a book at home that will show the correct design for the 1500, I'll check later.

ebay has a load of chassis plates for sale, lots of people will replace them when restoring cars so it's not a problem, they were only screwed or pop riveted on anyway so an MOT person isn't going to question whether it's original or not.

[Boholox]

Is the car still Manx taxed as well as registered? If the tax lapses for 2 years it has to go through the IOM ‘Road Worthiness’ test (import MoT) and obviously needs to be present on the Island (with a valid VIN) You may have to do this to export it properly so it can get a UK registration.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Hmmm, did not know that. Has not been taxed on the IOM for about 10 years. Well, never mind. I should be able to fill in the V5 and send it in to let them know it has been exported.

So.... Really need those plate pics to get the right format of plate :-)

[alfaspecial]

TriumphStag3.0V8 said:

...................................So.... Really need those plate pics to get the right format of plate :-)

I posted these links earlier
http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/Images/CP339.jpg

http://www.classicrepro.co.uk/CR_Price_List.pdf


Do they not answer your question?

[john2443]

I've dusted off the Spridget catalogues - sold the car years ago - and it seems that early cars (to 67) had the rectangular one, after 67 had the rounded end one.

The pic comes from PBW in Birmingham, don't know if they still exist.

Unless you're entering concours I don't think anyone will notice if you use the rectangular one!

[julianm]

I hope you don`t mind TriumphStag3.0V8 but while this thread is running if anyone owns CWT550T I`d love to hear from them.
Thanks, Julian