Stuart wrote:If it is registered as a Morris mini 1000 then it isn't correctly registered, it really should say Midas coupe on the log-book.
Even if the original builder had managed to retain the original donor car number plate the new car (Midas) would still date from 1979 or 1980 so still wouldn't be tax exempt
If the car is registered as a Morris Mini rather than a Midas this can cause problems when you come to MOT the car: The DVLA computer says it should be a Mini, but it clearly isn't and under the current regulations they can't test it.
You can apply to the DVLA to have the make and model changed, but you need evidence that the car has been a Midas for some time.
The first bit of evidence will be on the V5C: In section 3 Special Notes it should say "REBUILT - ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS SOME OR ALL OF WHICH WERE NOT NEW" or "KIT BUILT/CONVERTED - ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS SOME OR ALL OF WHICH WERE NOT NEW" This is evidence that the car was re-registered at some time in the past, which may or may not be the date given in Section 4 as the date of first registration . If this date corresponds to the K-plate (1971-72), then you are okay for tax exemption. The DVLA should be able to give you the details of when the car was re-registered.
The second bit of evidence is the VIN/Chassis/Frame No, also in section 4. If this is a 7 digit number D0100?? then this is the Midas chassis number given to it by D&H Mouldings. The club can probably find evidence that ties this chassis number to the registration plate and an earlier owner.
This may be sufficient evidence, but if not then you may need a statement from a previous owner, or from a garage that had performed MOT tests on the car.
Unfortunately, in the pre-SVA/IVA days local registration offices were a law unto themselves as to whether they kept the original registration number or issued a Q-plate. Different offices also had different policies on what got changed on the V5 document, so the make and model may get changed or left as that of the donor, while the date of first registration may be left unchanged or altered to the date of re-registration.
The question of whether the car is tax exempt comes down to the date of first registration given on the V5. If you are lucky this will be 1971 or 72, corresponding to the donor. If not, and it was changed to read 1979, 80 or 81, then you are out of luck as the DVLA won't change the date now whatever evidence you can produce.
I hope this helps.
Alistair