Spot the difference competition - details, details...

[MagicWandWoody]

My '64 Countryman came to me partly-restored. This is unfortunate because it's also unregistered, having fell off the DVLA systems in '74. Clearly it would have been better to re-reg it before starting reconstruction. But we are where we are.

So it'll need to go through a DVLA inspection to qualify for registration on the original plates. A key requirement is that the chassis is unmodified. Judging by recent troubles that others have suffered, it seems that "unmodified" is interpreted to mean "repaired with panels absolutely identical to those it started life with and - infamously - without any extra holes drilled in it".

I'm no Mini expert. This is my first Mk1 and only my second Mini. The car was assembled 20th Feb 1964. There's little doubt the car is genuine - engine number matches and dates on all the bits match too. But that'll cut no ice with DVLA if the car isn't also correct in all details on the bodyshell.

Can anyone bear to go through the pics below, and tell me if there are any panels/holes/features on the chassis which are not original to the car?

Front.jpg

OutFrontLeftQtr.jpg

OutFrontRightQtr.jpg

CabinBulkhead.jpg

ScuttleDetail.jpg

...more in next post...

[MagicWandWoody]

InWingRight.jpg

InFrontRight.jpg

InFrontLeft.jpg

InBraceLeft.jpg

[MagicWandWoody]

InCrossMemberRight.jpg

InCrossMemberLeft.jpg

CabinFloorRight.jpg

CabinFloorLeft.jpg

[floormanager]

Stupid question, how does the DVLA know, or decide, what's an original hole? Have they got nothing better to do?
Good luck

[MagicWandWoody]

How does the DVLA know, or decide, what's an original hole?

They get a Mini expert (a DVLA officer of an approved club - in my case the Mini Cooper Register) to examine it.

[Fanfaniracing]

And a Guy from the Mini Cooper Register has nothing better to do to fu.. you if there are some non original holes in your Mini Body?!?

[LarryLebel]

What happens, for example, if you drill a hole in the rear bin (and add some reinforcing) to mount a seatbelt retractor?

[mab01uk]

How does the DVLA know, or decide, what's an original hole?

They get a Mini expert (a DVLA officer of an approved club - in my case the Mini Cooper Register) to examine it.

The DVLA V765 Contact (Vehicle Registration Recovery) is also the MCR monthly magazine editor (CooperWorld). His contact details (email & phone number) are listed in the front of the magazine each month (page 4). If you contact him direct first I am sure you will find there will be no problem with any of the holes in your Mini when you send him the above photos or if he views your actual car. I have been a member of the MCR since the day it started in the 1980's and they have helped to recover many original registrations from the DVLA for MCR members including myself over the years.

The '1959 Mini Register' carry out similar V765 checks for the DVLA on early Minis and I am sure they would also advise you of any details of the process and what will help you to recover the original registration:-
https://1959miniregister.com/dvla-v765/

[Peter Laidler]

Agree ENTIRELY with Mab, above. That said, I think that MWWoodies opinion of the MCR authorised 'inspector' is a bit harsh given all that he has done to allow owners to retain their original number plate....., without fear or favour as they say.

But plenty of before and after photos will certainly help. And here's another thing. Not a lot of people know it, but because I had a bent for engineering, I was a police V5 type vehicle examiner in the 80's, in the days when it was a police job - when they had bags of common sense, nous, fluidity and lee-way in these cases. And we always used to tell such owners to remember that the DVLC of the era, and DVLA now stood for
Don't
Volunteer
Little
Changes. Or after the change to DVLA..
Alterations - or adjustmants

Added a bit later. It's always worth remembering that if anyone in this situation isn't happy with the decision reached by the DVLA - OR THEIR AGENTS - they can take them to the County/Civil court for a final decision. It used to be at the local magistrates as I know from my experience with the LVLO branch of the DVLC as a V5 examiner. Who, incidentally, the DVLC refused to listen to!!!!!!!

[Classic1]

I am in a similar situation with dvla myself. I have been in contact with the mcr to help resolve my problem and the guy assigned to help was nothing but helpful. I'm sure you wouldnt have any issues relating to your restoration, looking at your photos, in my humble opinion

[Peter Laidler]

I wonder if you'd be happy enough with an age-related plate.

The old DVLC told me and my work pal Brian Wood that this was a good start for old rebuilds/restorations (as opposed to a Q for an unknown quantity) because they could start a totally new vehicle file, afresh, while still retaining the visual need for MoT and VED.

This was a good cop-out or compromise for us simpletons and a very nice Dolomite 1800 and a restored-from-two Vitesse owners