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Sept 19, 2022 12:08:03 GMT
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Good afternoon everyone,
This is my first time posting here so I’ll briefly outline what it is I have before asking your combined expertise please!
Recently purchased and re-imported a 1971 car from Europe. It was exported there in 2003.
I hired a transport company to do all the paperwork and transport.
They did an outstanding job in taking care of everything, including getting the car registered with DVLA (back to its original UK registration), and also with Historic Vehicle class listed on the new V5C.
The V5C also lists the chassis number (which is correct) and the original engine capacity and engine number…
The car I purchased is a rolling chassis. The engine and gearbox were removed many years ago to be used in a more “higher value” car. This car also requires a chassis and body restoration.
My plan was/is to fit a modern engine and gearbox but keep the remainder of the car authentic.
The purpose of which is for better performance, fuel economy, reliability and serviceability. It would also be considerably cheaper to buy and have installed a modern set up.
So here’s the issue…
In declaring to the DVLA, an engine capacity increase, and new engine number, is there a likelihood they will want the car inspecting to ascertain it’s marque’s authenticity? (And thus end up being re-registered as a Q plate?)
I’ve just received the V5C on Saturday. I SORN’ed it immediately as the DVLA site shows it hasn’t been taxed since 1987!
And that the MOT box is green with MOT - no results returned, which is correct for an historic vehicle right?
I don’t mind having the car MOT’d and even pay for road tax when it’s all been completed. Just so long as it doesn’t end up on a Q plate!
Your advice and guidance is much appreciated!
- Steve
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ferny
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 986
Club RR Member Number: 13
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Sept 19, 2022 12:59:27 GMT
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Sept 19, 2022 13:26:08 GMT
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Thanks Ferny, I read through all of that before posting. It still doesn’t really give me a clear idea about the issue at hand. Of course the obvious choice is to get hold of an original engine and gearbox, but that is both very very difficult and actually more expensive than the car is worth! Given that the car is already registered, I was asking if anyone knows if I can put a different engine and gearbox in and keep the reg (based on the points system being fulfilled)? Or being an historic vehicle class, would I not be able to do this? |
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Sept 19, 2022 13:53:46 GMT
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if its just an engine conversion you should be fine with registering it without inspection you just need a receipt for the engine your fitting and a letter from a mechanic or like on headed paper saying the conversion is ok. This is on the understanding you havent changed the chassis cut parts out. you can add engine mounts, But cant remove any even if they aren't being used. If you can do that the car will stay on its reg but will need an mot and will be free tax. In some circumstances it can still be Mot exempt if the car is that rare an original engine would of been imposable to source
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Sept 19, 2022 19:22:42 GMT
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What car is it? (Seeing as everyone else is too polite to ask 🙂)
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1967 Triumph Vitesse convertible (old friend)
1996 Audi A6 2.5 TDI Avant (still durability testing)
1972 GT6 Mk3 (Restored after loong rest & getting the hang of being a car again)
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Sept 19, 2022 19:44:06 GMT
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What car is it? (Seeing as everyone else is too polite to ask 🙂) ‘71 Aston Martin DBS Without it’s matching numbers engine, it would never reach a decent enough resale value to warrant restoring it to original spec. I bought it specifically because it had no engine so I could do a restomod on it. Then keep it and use it. I have no interest in restoring it to sell it. I’m just hoping I can fit my choice of engine without getting Q plated! (It is already registered btw, but only with original engine number). |
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Sept 19, 2022 21:23:49 GMT
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Thanks. Makes sense.
You can swap the engine and box provided the body shell remains as original structurally and you use the original suspension, steering gear and/or axles.
LS and T5 (or auto of your choice) should be fairly straightforward and an improvement on the original.
How much work does the rest of the car need?
Nick
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1967 Triumph Vitesse convertible (old friend)
1996 Audi A6 2.5 TDI Avant (still durability testing)
1972 GT6 Mk3 (Restored after loong rest & getting the hang of being a car again)
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Sept 20, 2022 6:10:28 GMT
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Thanks. Makes sense. You can swap the engine and box provided the body shell remains as original structurally and you use the original suspension, steering gear and/or axles. LS and T5 (or auto of your choice) should be fairly straightforward and an improvement on the original. How much work does the rest of the car need? Nick I am considering an LS/LT actually, and having had it looked over by the chap who installs these, he said there’s more than enough room without needing to chop anything out. Chassis needs some welding and minor floor rebuilding. Usual places (wheel arch, sill etc). Body work overall not too bad. Front end needs most of the work. Glass all good. Chromes needs re-doing 🙄 Then of course a re-wire of everything, re-trim interior and a decent paint job. So plenty to do obviously. But just trying to make sure I start off on the right foot and consult the collective wisdom of the more experienced folk! (You guys!) |
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Last Edit: Sept 20, 2022 6:10:56 GMT by stevewushu
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braaap
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,758
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Sept 20, 2022 6:45:00 GMT
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Nice, I have always been a fan of the pre-ford astons. And I like the approach of making it useable without the resale value in the back of Your mind. Tbh, I was happy to see this one but I guess that's only in the process of "just another resto":  |
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Sept 20, 2022 7:10:45 GMT
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In case it helps , when working on the sapphire , i asked the dvla bloke on the phone , can i put in my spare jag 3.2 straight six , and still be exempt from mot , and he said yes , an engine change was not enough to trigger the "modified enough to need an mot " status .
i was surprised.
regards
robert
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Sept 20, 2022 8:04:53 GMT
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As it's in historic class there is no need for the garage letter etc. Just notify DVLA of the change of engine and put a note in to remind them that as a historic vehicle no other information is required (their rules which they sometimes forget).
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Proton Jumbuck-deceased :-(
2005 Kia Sorento the parts hauling heap
V8 Humber Hawk
1948 Standard12 pickup SOLD
1953 Pop build (wifey's BIVA build).
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jamesd1972
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,922 
Club RR Member Number: 40
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Sept 20, 2022 8:39:57 GMT
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Sept 20, 2022 11:27:52 GMT
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Wow you guys are great! Thank you for your comments.
I received a quote from an Aston specialist today who “offered” me the, currently ‘only’, 6 cylinder engine from this model, in the UK. Fully rebuilt etc.
£50k
Plus an extra £25k for the gearbox. Plus extra if I wanted a carburettor conversion! 🥵
So given the options, I feel an LS/LT engine will be the way forward. Especially considering that almost everyone (on here and elsewhere), agree that the engine swap won’t give rise to a Q plate, and that in most cases can still be MOT exempt (and historic class tax).
If anyone has any other info I should be aware of, or examples where I might get caught out, please feel free to chime in! I’m happy to consider everyone’s experience.
Thanks guys 🙏🏻
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bricol
Part of things
Posts: 290
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Sept 20, 2022 15:34:09 GMT
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Set of number punches and a hammer . . . you have the engine number conveniently listed on the V5 for reference . . . ?
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Paul Y
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,951
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Sept 21, 2022 5:52:07 GMT
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And, of course, the wonderful thing about an LS is the standard figment 75/78 with a fender exit…. The AM purists always love that….. P.  |
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Sept 24, 2022 8:16:31 GMT
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A friend has/had a DBS with a Jag engine in it.
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Vitesse 6 Saloon
Vitesse Mk2 Convertible
BMW R1150GS
VW Amarok
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Sept 24, 2022 8:58:33 GMT
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Hi, Yes back in the day, once they came onto the secondhand market, there were more than a few with the Jag V12 in because the AM engine was expensive and difficult to source. I suppose the modern approach is the LS.
Colin
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Sept 25, 2022 6:04:06 GMT
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This was 6 cylinder Jag engine same cylinders as found in the original DBS.
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Vitesse 6 Saloon
Vitesse Mk2 Convertible
BMW R1150GS
VW Amarok
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