Autopendium :: stuff about old cars

I had my MOT, Insurance certificate, US title, HM Revenue & Customs Duty paid form, Import forms, plus my Passport and a Utility Bill to prove not only who I was and where I lived (Big Brother Society-UK?), but also to prove the car and the ownership etc.

Anyway filled in a V55/5 form, paid £50 first UK registration fee and the man took away my title, all forms and the MOT. 

The man from the DVLA took copies of my Passport, Utility Bill, and the insurance cert (which he handed me back along with a post office like receipt- SCARY that I can tell you) and told me it could take up to 6 weeks to complete.
Anyway, he also said that the vehicle would need to be inspected. 

He told me I could make an appointment with the Ipswich office and get the vehicle there (at my own expense and not driven under its own steam- Yeah Right!) or await the Essex (Chelmsford Office) contacting me for a home visit.

Well last friday the Man from the DOT Chelmsford came to peruse and note down the various numbers that identify the vehicle. 

Pleasant enough fellow, interested in the car; he told me that once his report was filed and sent to the Ipswich office (Monday 17th) I would be issued a Tax disc, and a UK age related registration number (i.e. 845 AGG - that was the last US reg no - or such like). 

He also said it could take up to 6 weeks, but so far the service has been quick and hassle free. 

He then told me that the issued registration number could not be transferred (like I would do that? Its not mine its Leadbelly's!).

Apparently this whole rigmarole is in line with age related SVA tests (which pre 71 cars don't have to comply with - YET) and aimed at cutting fraud. 

It has, I am informed by friends in the know, changed a lot in the last few years (post 2004).

Either way the process has now begun, and soon the Ol' Fella will be a UK citizen complete with ID card and numbers. 

Not that I care. 

I'm drivin' him to wheels day come hell or high water, DVLA approved or not. Wugga Wugga is Leadbellys war cry. 

How I love that sound!