DVLA & Ford Escorts

[SteveP]

Not a thread about a personal experience with the DVLA - Some positive news here apparently about FBHVC discussions with the DVLA on classic cars after the consultation last year: https://classicsworld.co.uk/news/dvla-to-make-positive-rule-changes-for-classics/ 

But still nothing concrete and until then the current rules apply...in case anyone from the DVLA is lurking on this thread, this is asking on behalf of a friend etc...has anyone been pulled up on one of the various DVLA inspections (even when just changing minor details on the V5) for having Mexico wings on a non-Mex/TC/RS/Sport/E Escort mk1?

I think the DVLA/DVSA have in the past not defined ‘cosmetic panels’ like front wings as part of the monocoque - where their big thing was the bulkhead & trans tunnel etc: https://web.archive.org/web/20100316151818/http://www.the-ace.org.uk/Chassis-and-Monocoque-Modification.html

But that may have got lost somewhere and in the 2024 call for evidence they say that :

“Where a second hand or altered (drilled, cut or welded) chassis or monocoque bodyshell or frame is used or not enough components remain from the original vehicle, then the vehicle will need to be re-registered with a DVLA VIN, Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) inspection and a Q registration number.”

Which sounds like altered could be anything - drilling a hole for an aerial or spotlamps. So have they told anyone here that if the front wing wasn’t exactly the same as was fitted on the production line, then it’s considered altered?

There may be quite a few Mk1’s in that position of course...Thanks

Edited March 15, 2025 by SteveP