Registering the car with the DVLA

In 1983, the DVLA set a deadline for all cars to register with their vehicle database and for a new type of logbook (v5). As my car has been sat in a barn since 1976, it missed the deadline which means the DVLA have no record of it, and until its registered I can't get it taxed, tested, or insured.

To apply for the original registration, I had to ask for a representative from the Morris Minor Owners Club to verify the date of manufacture, and general spec was original. Then I had to complete a couple of forms, and send to the DVLA with additional proof that the vehicle did have the registration I was applying for (sent a copy of the original logbook).

I sent this off about two weeks ago, and today, I heard back from the DVLA and they have accepted the application and issued a new V5C for the vehicle under its original registration. I dunno why, but I like the idea that the car is keeping its original number, 53 years after it was first issued.

Arthur's Arrival

As a kid I had a pretty wierd fascination with Morris Minors, all started by my dad when he restored a 1000 Traveller when I was about 8. Luckily I grew out of it, though recently my dad bought a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow to put back on the road, and it got me thinking that I fancied restoring something myself.

After a surprise birthday present from the missus and my parents, I'm now the proud owner of a great little project car that I've decided to call Arthur (no reason - it's an old car, and Arthur sounds like an old mans name).

Arriving on the back of a trailer

Its a 1956 series two, 4 door saloon, and has been off the road since 1976 when the owner decided to store the car under a carpet in a barn and then forgot about it. The car sat there for over 30 years until the owners cleared out the barn in 2008 and the car was found.

It doesn't look too bad arriving on the back of a trailer in the sunshine, however there is a bit of work to do. Aside from the general stuff you'd associate from a car that hasn't moved since before I was born (cracked tyres, crappy brakes, window seals perished), most of the work is the usual stuff for Minors (wings, patches in the floor, etc). Unfortunately I wont have the joy of getting it started for the first time, as this was already done by previous owner, but I'm going to give the engine an overhaul anyway.

I'm also keeping a blog of the whole project from start to finish. It'll keep me busy during lulls while saving for parts, and hopefully people might reply with some friendly tips and advice on any specific problems I'm having, or suppliers of elusive parts.

Here's some pictures before I get started: