Morris Minor Owners Club

I'm looking for help regarding a modified 1961 Minor Traveler I'm building: The car is from the UK, and once I've finished it I plan to bring it back to Cumbria and keep at our summer place there. I have the original V55(?) paperwork. The car was on the road until the end of October 2010 when the MOT expired. I believe that, during an upcoming visit to UK I can go in, transfer the ownership, and get some document attesting that it is off the road - all this will allow me to keep its original registration number?
The big issue however is that I'm using all the mechanicals from a 2002 Mazda MX-5 under the car(wheelbase and track all within a few inches of the Morris, plus full independent suspension, disc brakes etc on essentially a separate chassis because the Mazda has what's called a 'powerplant frame'), so whilst it will look stock, it will actually be a much newer car underneath. My question is how the car will then be registered and MOT'd - will it still be a 1961 Morris, a 2002 Mazda, or a modified 1961 Morris that has to comply with 2002 laws? I'm sure there are rules for this, but I'm afraid I just don't know them - all help and advice appreciated!
Don't get mad with me about 'butchering' a perfectly good Minor - the car is junk in all departments! As a new member, I'll be happy to post updates on progress

What size is the engine (cc)?. I presume it is still petrol?

Hi, you should have a look at this site as you may find it a struggle to retain the original number and road tax free status due to the level of modification. I'm no expert but from what you describe you might find it a struggle to accrue the required 8 points.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Bu ... G_10014199

Thanks for the help. It looks like I will have to go the individual vehicle route- does anyone have experience of this? I couldn't claim more than 5 points to keep the original reg. Regarding engine size, it is the stock Miata engine, 1.8 liters, 145 hp.

I guess I'd also struggle to get my other car registered back in UK - a 1972 MG Midget with very-modified Arkley bodywork (remember them?) and a 383" 501hp chevrolet engine![frame][/frame]

depends if you can prove when it was built, older moddified cars are exempt from the rules Plastic Orange knows more than most on here have a chat with him.

I presume that the car is currently in the US? If it is, just bring it in to the country and register it as an import - putting the new engine size and number on the documentation. It was already modified prior to import , so should avoid the BIVA route.
Not sure what to do if you wish to retain the original number - how long has it been out of the country? - if a while, then same route could be followed.
Best ask the question on the ACE forum: http://www.the-ace.org.uk/

Pete

Pete

yup, the car is in Texas. I believe it was imported about 1 year ago as its MOT just expired in October 2010. It has not been ever registered in the US. So, when I register it in Texas it will be a 1961 Morris Minor and will probably be classed as a 'historic vehicle' even after I've put in the new running gear. If I then import it next year, will it be a new car, what safety/emissions rules will be imposed?
Sounds like you feel the personal import route will be easiest, so thanks for the recommendation, and i'll take this route forwards.

It will (should) be classed as a 1961 Minor - just a 1.8 engined one When you import it the DVLA will retain your US 'log book/title' when you register it here using the correct paperwork (see DVLA site), so make sure everything is recorded as the car actually is.

Pete

Just read this: http://www.nsra.org.uk/newforum/showthread.php?t=46096

good news all round

Pete

Pete
so.....I register it as a 1961 Morris Minor in Texas, ship it back, get its historic plate in UK, simply advise the authorities that its now 1800cc and not 948 and that's the end of it? I presume I still need an MOT, and what happens when the inspector sees its got independent suspension, power steering, disc brakes etc etc? Will he care so long as the paperwork is in place? That would be my 'dream result' as it allows me to avoid a load of paperwork and not pay road fund fees! What happened to the good old days when I lived in England and could build anything I wanted (I was member number 36 of the NSRA) with impunity? I just looked at the rules for BIVA etc - its a 260 page document!

When I went for an MOT with my 1275 to put it back on the road after restoration the MOT man wasn't interested (it was still registered as a 1098). His job is to make sure it is roadworthy and not a danger to yourself or others.

A decent MOT tester won't bother about mods - so long as all the paperwork matches the car you should be fine - i.e. chassis number and to a lesser extent the engine number.
When I imported a Karmann Ghia recently from Colorado (bigger engine fitted), I needed the customs paid paperwork, the vehicle title, then I had to insure it, then got it MOt'd on the chassis number. I then took all this paperwork to the DVLA (with their paperwork filled in listing engine size, horsepower, weight etc etc) and they retained the title and customs docs, then in a few days I was sent a tax disc with the new reg number (age appropriate). It was a very simple process and I didn't draw attention to the fact it had a bigger engine.
I would use someone like kingstown shipping to do the work for you - a great hassle free importing service.

http://www.kingstown-shipping.co.uk/

Pete

Where abouts in Cumbria will it be? I have some great facilities here (near Cockermouth)

Its a development called Kentgate Place, in the middle of Kendal, right on the river - a beautiful location, and Kendal is a great town with lots of life. I'm from near this area originally, so its nice to keep in touch with my roots, and the Morris will allow me to re-live childhood memories of being driven around the Lake District in my Auntie's bright pink Minor Million!

Yes it's a beautiful town and a great area with loads of history. The MMOC meets just a few miles down the road from the centre Coincidentally about a mile from where my brother lives!