DVLA OUTCOME
Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:17 pm
Following on from my post on the 8th Sept, everything has now been resolved happily.
Initially, the MOT tester put the Spyder chassis number on the MOT, rather than the Lotus 45/XXXX production number that appeared on the logbook, and on the VIN plate.
When I applied for a V5C to replace the old log book, DVLA queried why the numbers were different, and pointed out that this discrepancy between the MOT and the DVLA vehicle record "may cause difficulty when trying to tax it". They sent a form, asking for the actual VIN number, the (Spyder) chassis number as written on the MOT by the tester, and the chassis number on the log book. They also asked if it had been rebuilt, and asked for details of the rebuild.
I contacted Andy Graham at Lotus Cars who, via my original post, had kindly offered to furnish me with a letter that I could send to the DVLA pointing out that the Spyder number was a "supplier serial number for a replacement subframe, and should not be confused with the original VIN on the VIN plate". I sent off the DVLA form, a photo of the VIN plate, Andy's letter, and a sheet with rough details of the rebuild, and crossed my fingers.
Within a few days a nice new V5C log book arrived, with the correct Lotus VIN number.
Then a few days after that I received a letter saying that the matter had been resolved, enclosing a replacement MOT, bearing the correct VIN.
I then sent off the V10 plus the insurance, new MOT and new V5C and received a Tax disc, and a V5C that says "historic vehicle". Bingo.
Went out for my first run today, all road legal,with no problems. The rebuild took about 5 years, and I didn't use it for about 10 years before that. I don't remember the doughnuts causing so much driveline surge in those days, perhaps the rubber was harder then. Perhaps start looking at a CV conversion. Thanks to everyone who responded to my earlier Post, especially Andy Graham of Lotus Cars.
Tony Taunton.
Picture included, showing Elan with another previous project.
Initially, the MOT tester put the Spyder chassis number on the MOT, rather than the Lotus 45/XXXX production number that appeared on the logbook, and on the VIN plate.
When I applied for a V5C to replace the old log book, DVLA queried why the numbers were different, and pointed out that this discrepancy between the MOT and the DVLA vehicle record "may cause difficulty when trying to tax it". They sent a form, asking for the actual VIN number, the (Spyder) chassis number as written on the MOT by the tester, and the chassis number on the log book. They also asked if it had been rebuilt, and asked for details of the rebuild.
I contacted Andy Graham at Lotus Cars who, via my original post, had kindly offered to furnish me with a letter that I could send to the DVLA pointing out that the Spyder number was a "supplier serial number for a replacement subframe, and should not be confused with the original VIN on the VIN plate". I sent off the DVLA form, a photo of the VIN plate, Andy's letter, and a sheet with rough details of the rebuild, and crossed my fingers.
Within a few days a nice new V5C log book arrived, with the correct Lotus VIN number.
Then a few days after that I received a letter saying that the matter had been resolved, enclosing a replacement MOT, bearing the correct VIN.
I then sent off the V10 plus the insurance, new MOT and new V5C and received a Tax disc, and a V5C that says "historic vehicle". Bingo.
Went out for my first run today, all road legal,with no problems. The rebuild took about 5 years, and I didn't use it for about 10 years before that. I don't remember the doughnuts causing so much driveline surge in those days, perhaps the rubber was harder then. Perhaps start looking at a CV conversion. Thanks to everyone who responded to my earlier Post, especially Andy Graham of Lotus Cars.
Tony Taunton.
Picture included, showing Elan with another previous project.