DVLA changes

[loserone]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvla-backs-classic-car-industry-and-driving-enthusiasts-with-updated-registration-policies

[MorrisItalSLX]

Did the DVLA receive a large and generous cheque from Bad Obsession Motorsport?

[Bear]

They had a long consultation on this - a lot of it stemming from things like that Mini that was rendered useless because of a new hole made in the floor, for example.

I'm not anti-EV conversions, for example. If I had the money I would absolutely have the Audi made into a hybrid, but when I say "if I had the money" I mean I'd want 3D-milled components for a new longitudinal gearbox with axial motor/torque converter design that could replace the Audi 3 speed easily and improve efficiency, a modified quattro rear diff for a rear motor, a modern, bespoke battery and controller system to fit in the underfloor area of the boot, and suspension tuned to match the new weight. And a full body restoration so it looked fit for what would be a £50-80K process of restoration and modernisation without losing the character of the car to drive (five cylinder engine, lazy, smooth power) - just the ability to run in zero-emissions mode for short distances in town and short trips.

This is also the crucial factor for driving post 2035 when new car sales are EV only and there's no sign of infrastructure catching up.

This will make 'refurbished classics' easier to produce and sell on finance/PCP without it being a six-figure Ford Escort.

[LightBulbFun]

22 minutes ago, loserone said:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvla-backs-classic-car-industry-and-driving-enthusiasts-with-updated-registration-policies

not sure I like the sound of this bit TBH!

Quote

vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes

I hope theres some further clarification on how much modification is allowed or not, I certainly agree a bit of leeway here n there is a good thing, but as alluded to by @MorrisItalSLX

14 minutes ago, MorrisItalSLX said:

Did the DVLA receive a large and generous cheque from Bad Obsession Motorsport?

I am worried it could be used to take the piss if the DVLA then become *too* relaxed

 

where would you put that FWD VAG swapped, which literally had the whole inner-front end of another car welded to its body-shell  Peugeot 403 estate for example and all the Coil Spring Series 1 Land Rovers out there, I hope the DVLA dont become complacent to those!

[danthecapriman]

Does this all mean that Mini that had a hole added to its floor is now no longer a big expensive paperweight!?

I think relaxing the rules is generally the right way to go here, but I’m not sure about the part regarding ‘significant modifications’. Where exactly is the line here? What counts and then what happens?

[cobblers]

You know when they say "even if you're innocent, just answer "no comment" in a police interview so they can't twist your words and string you up for something else?

Same goes for the DVLA, only they're less malicious. I'll continue with my tried and tested strategy of "not telling them anything"

[Christine]

The 40 years tax free will be zeroed , from when it was modified  and  it'll be put  in the  max tax  group   

[Knotty Ash Towers]

Personally, I think electric conversions should be illegal, but unfortunately you can't ban people from being pretentious or stupid...

If the DVLA want to get in everyone's good books, they should reunite plate-raped vehicles with their original registration numbers and stop making it so difficult for people to get their vehicles back on the system with their original numbers. Or maybe go back to having local offices everywhere, instead of centralisation.

[dave j]

It almost sounds like common sense! I'm sure when details are published we will know more info but it sounds positive to me