What stops a classic being a classic?

DanGerMus

Say you got your hands on an old body 30+ for restoration but decided to fit it all out with modern kit like suspension brakes engine and maybe interior to some degree would it no longer be classed as a classic for tax and insurance purposes?

Gary ITR

DanGerMus wrote: »

Say you got your hands on an old body 30+ for restoration but decided to fit it all out with modern kit like suspension brakes engine and maybe interior to some degree would it no longer be classed as a classic for tax and insurance purposes?

It's the chasis that is registered in Ireland. I know it's different in the UK

carchaeologist

If is 30 years old here it seems not to matter what mechanicals are in it once you have a registration document for it,england employ a points system,you get a Q number plate there if the car is significally changed from original spec,the system the DVLA use is below,i think you have to have 8 points to keep your original number..
The following values will be allocated to the major components used:

• chassis or body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque ie direct replacement from the manufacturer) (original or new) = 5 points
• suspension = 2 points
• axles = 2 points
• transmission = 2 points
• steering assembly = 2 points
• engine = 1 point

Where there is evidence that two vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie 'cut and shut') a 'Q' mark will be allocated. ESVA, SVA or MSVA will be required.
http://direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_4022486

DanGerMus

Well i'd just be concerned with the irish requirements but it is cool to know that now carcha. Thanks too onkle. I want a new (as in different from the one i have) motor but i'm in no rush. Just toying with the idea of dropping a modern v8 into a classic body for the extra power reliabilty and mileage. Mainly cos i want a v8 and don't fancy forking out for tax and ins . But also just love the styling of older cars. I haven't done this kind of thing before at all but would love the challenge and would be willing to put in the many months (years!) of work for it.
For now i'm just firing the idea out there.
Know of any pre 79 bodies lying around in reasonable condition.
Is it even fesable to take the guts of something like a 4.2l audi s8 and drop (squeeze hammer drill) it into an old merc sl or the like.
OH mustang.

carchaeologist

A pre 79 body from what car?I dont want to put a dampner on your plans but you will have to consider a few things first.If you are going to be putting a large engine into a car that wasnt originally designed for it it will take alot of work,not least body work,strengthening,making engine mounts,gearbox,rear axle location mounts etc.
Then you will have to uprate your transmission to cope with the power,as in new gearbox,propshaft,and rear axle etc.
Brakes will have to be upgraded to stop the car quickly,and probably the suspension too.
Unless you are experienced in this line of work,the best thing to do is buy an oldie with a big engine already in it,it would save you alot of grief.
An MGB V8 or the like wouldnt be bad choice,or maybe big american car?

shagman

Or put a modern V8 into an older V8 car. There are a few companies in the states that update classics with modern running gear, engine etc. There is also modern complete rebuilds of classics such as the "new" Jenson Interceptor. Depends on your budget. I'd have a good trawl of pistonheads classifieds and see what you can find, a project car where all the body/ chassis mods / engine mounts etc have allready been done might be just the job. Unfinished projects are usually a good price too.

DanGerMus

Yeah shagman thats more what was trying to get at.
Carche yeah i'm aware that a completely different engine isn't just goin to drop into an old shell. What i'd like to do is take the whole lot over though includeing suspension brakes transmission the whole shee-bang. Starting point i suppose is get a shell so i'll start trawling now for something i like the look of and get back to you guys.

shagman

Nice... not a car though.
http://web4.pistonheads.com/sales/591145.htm

carchaeologist

Im sorry if i sounded over the top,you seem to have a good idea of whats involved alredy,let us know how you get on?

shagman

some other posibilities..
http://web4.pistonheads.com/sales/826126.htm

http://web4.pistonheads.com/sales/774540.htm

DaveCol

Also worth considering:

Rover V8 in P5, P6 or SD1
Ford Capri, Granada V6

macplaxton

carchaeologist wrote: »

If is 30 years old here it seems not to matter what mechanicals are in it once you have a registration document for it,england employ a points system,you get a Q number plate there if the car is significally changed from original spec,the system the DVLA use is below,i think you have to have 8 points to keep your original number..
The following values will be allocated to the major components used:

• chassis or body shell (body and chassis as one unit - monocoque ie direct replacement from the manufacturer) (original or new) = 5 points
• suspension = 2 points
• axles = 2 points
• transmission = 2 points
• steering assembly = 2 points
• engine = 1 point

Where there is evidence that two vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie 'cut and shut') a 'Q' mark will be allocated. ESVA, SVA or MSVA will be required.
http://direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/RegisteringAVehicle/DG_4022486

Ah, but they don't like issuing Q plates. If all the bits are over 25 years old, then it's a "Reconstructed Classic" and bears an age-related plate of the year that the youngest points-scoring item in the bag of bits is supposed to be.

carchaeologist

macplaxton wrote: »

Ah, but they don't like issuing Q plates. If all the bits are over 25 years old, then it's a "Reconstructed Classic" and bears an age-related plate of the year that the youngest points-scoring item in the bag of bits is supposed to be.

Thanks mac,you are a mine of information!!:)