modifications to classic cars

firefly08

Does anyone know if modifications would affect a cars status as classic/vintage for tax and insurance purposes? Especially tax!

I'm considering buying an old Porsche 924, a 30 year old one - I wonder would I be then be able to do something like this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/918124.htm

(Rover 3.9L V8 engine installed in a 924 - check out the youtube link too!)

If the engine came from a much newer car, would it still count as vintage for tax purposes? Thanks!

mike65

I'm pretty sure its the chassis age not the engine they measaure, after all an old engine can be rebuilt to the point where its almost new. As for mods I guess thats in the eye of the beholder but I'd want a Porsche engine in a Porsche.

The only mods that are okay are the radio and brakes!

Johnboy Mac

Off the top of head I don't see why an engine change etc should make any difference. My understanding is VRT is based on original date of registration. I don't think the VRT office would even inspect the car once it's over 30yrs old.

firefly08

I'm pretty sure its the chassis age not the engine they measau

re

That's what I was thinking. After all the engine is a replaceable part - it doesn't make it a new car.

As for mods I guess thats in the eye of the beholder but I'd want a Porsche engine in a Porsche.

Yeah I can understand that. I might end up keeping the original engine anyway. I have yet to drive or even see a 924 so I have no idea what the engine will be like. I'd just like to know it's an option! (In any case many people say it's really a VW/Audi engine in the 924 anyway!)

mike65

True, the 924 was always regarded as a "parts bin" creation, the list price reflected that as I recall.

mustang68

Insurance companies seem to demand an "Engineer's Report" if there are modifications.

Dades

Yeah - I would be up front with your insurance company about the mods. Probably wouldn't be an issue on a classic policy but best to be honest.

Tax, no problem I'd say.

bugsntinas

when we took out our insurance they never even ask if there are any mods.our mods only go as far as wheels though.

grafter12

I've built a Hot Rod, where I put a Ford 302 SB into a Model A Chassis (Along with a few other modification!!)

This had no effect on the Classic status of the vehicle as I did not make any changes to the Chassis.

For the Insurance I just listed all of the modifications I had made and it was not an issue with them either.

Sids Not

Nice to know that as i'm putting a V6 in the Consul and 2 dooring it....wondered about the vrt as regards the engine...although i heard somewhere that if you change anything thats different on the V5 to the car/bike you present for inspection that they have to apply for new code numbers , or some stuff like that...is this the case..

Blue850

spotted this on Carzone:)





V8 Humber

stifz

Vrt on classic and vintage are totally different. 50euro for vintage as its 30yrs old more for classic 20yrs old as they still pay full motor tax.

Once you state on log book and to insurance any mods your fine.I have a landy with mod body and engine. Absolutely no problem once your straight up about it.

Another poster mentioned the insurance co. only asked about mods up to wheels. Its up to YOU to tell them of any mods not for them to ask.

carchaeologist

I wonder what that humber is like to drive on the road...

245

carchaeologist wrote: »

I wonder what that humber is like to drive on the road...

Depends on the quality of the conversion, I'd say - if its the Rover V8 its light enough (340 odd lbs if I remember correctly) but there's so much more to a conversion like that.

Bet it sounds fantastic though

firefly08

245 wrote: »

Depends on the quality of the conversion, I'd say - if its the Rover V8 its light enough (340 odd lbs if I remember correctly) but there's so much more to a conversion like that.

Bet it sounds fantastic though

Yeah they sound amazing. Don't know about the humber but I understand that one of the best things about the Porsche is the near 50/50 weight distribution- therefore a heavier engine might ruin the handling.

Mycroft H

mike65 wrote: »

True, the 924 was always regarded as a "parts bin" creation, the list price reflected that as I recall.

It actually used a vag van engine afaik