I am sure this is old hat to you ancient locosters but us newcomers still need advice.
I have my car at the rolling chassis stage. Engine and gearbox from a 1600 capri with V5. What do I need to do to register it and avoid a Q plate? Also does it have to be inspected at this stage or is it just a form filling job?

Cheers
Gary

Out of interest, can I ask why you want avoid a Q plate???

I am nearing the end of my build and unless I am missing something (which I probably am) I see no benefit from getting a new reg but a big benefit from sticking with a Q plate (only have to pass a visible smoke emissions test for MOT)

It's not the reg plate you get that will affect the MOT test as much as the age of the engine. Fit a pre mid "95 and the SVA is easier and as far as I can tell the MOT regs for cars upto a age related plate of "S" (1998) will get a smoke only MOT.

If you want a age related plate you have to prove that a number of parts came from a donor vehicle. It's done on a points system. Points are awarded for using axles (uprights for the front and rear if independent suspension), drive train, engine, steering and brakes. You don't need all of these parts as most people get away with front and rear axles, steering and brakes...but check with the DVLA as things do change and they should be able to advise you.

Tell them the rear axle and steering gear is from the same, it's not marked so they can't check, and you're home clear.

For an age related plate you will need two or more components from the donor vehicle and need to be able to demonstrate that it is a new chassis. If you bought the chassis from a recognised kit car company then a receipt will do. If you made it yourself then they may need more convincing.
Otherwise you'll get a Q plate.

The points system is for radically altered vehicles which are not kit conversions where you need eight points to retain the original registration, but only if you retain the original chassis or a new but direct replacement, in you're case a Capri chassis. Otherwise you'll get a Q plate.

You won't get a current registration using a Capri as a donor.

The stage at which you will need to have it inspected varies from office to office, so you'll need to check with your local one.

At the same time get the leaflet INF26 "Guidelines for the registration of rebuilt or radically altered vehicles and kit cars". It explains all the options for registration dependant on what you've built.

David

[Edited on 7/12/05 by DavidM]