Where is the number 90 BPH now?

[gtt1951]

I've finally got the "full" DVLC/DVLA history of my Traveller. Its original number of 90 BPH was the subject of a transfer in 1985 to a BMW. Anyone know if this number is still being used?
These records also show when the 803cc engine was swapped out for the current 1098 one - November 1986, but the number was recorded incorrectly as the owner "should have gone to Spec Savers".

[faversham999]

Vehicle:90BPH

Details:SILVER MERCEDES CLK 320 ELEGANCE AUTO

[gtt1951]

Thank you faversham. I had already tried this index against a number of "up market" cars on the online Vehicle enquiry form and no details are found.
Armed with your info, I tried again, still no luck - what does this mean? Is the car not legally registered?
Has it been scrapped and the plate put on retention, I wonder?

[ASL642]

It means that the number plate has been sold on (in this case to the owner of the Merc) It doesn't necessarily mean that the car has been scrapped - it may have been issued with an age related plate not easy to trace as you wouldn't now what it was, it may be lurking in a garage awaiting restoration or it may have been scrapped.

[gtt1951]

Hello ASL,
I think you may have misunderstood. The car I currently have (in the sig picture) was 90 BPH. In 1985, the then owner did a 3-way number swap. 90 BPH went onto a BMW, the BMW plate was returned, and the Moggy got a new plate of APA 91A.

If 90 BPH is currently supposed to be on a Merc, then it doesn't show up in the DVLA online Vehicle Enquiry form.
I've tried it against lots of "up market" car makes and the search draws a blank.
If a plate is "on retention" does it then go invisible like this?

Regards, George.

[singleton]

Hello there, it is most likely on retention or in process of transfer, when the plates go on retention the vehicle/reg will not appear on the dvla tax web site but other vehicle records may still have the last vehicle to carry the plate still attached leaving it in limbo if you like. My friends work van had a plate on it that was put on retention some time ago, the van now has a standard plate on it but at local motor factor computer when they put the private plate in it comes up with the details for the van! Would be nice if you reunite your car with its original plate.

[faversham999]

If you put the Reg number in the Transport for London Pay the congestion charge the Make of the Vehicle comes up and you don't have to pay

[gtt1951]

Thank you Faversham - just tried it and it did come up with the details, like what you told me in an earlier post. Strange that it doesn't come up on the DVLA search (which is free online) and shows current "license" state.
Thanks again, George.