2 replies to this topic

[wakkoboi]

what are the problems of buying a car/shell without a V5, what is the process you have to go through to get one? an is it expensive?

[austinmini25]

Dont think it's particularly expensive but when we tried to sell a car with no v5 someone checked with DVLA and said it might take upto 6 weeks but im unsure if that's correct

[Dan]

Buying a used shell either with or without a V5 is essentially pointless unless you are building a track car. A second hand shell cannot be legally used to rebuild a car to original condition. If you do build a car from a second hand shell and a mix of components it will have to be inspected at either one or both of an SVA test and a VIC inspection. To rebuild a car and keep its identity you need its original shell, at least two original major assemblies from a list (such as the power unit being one and the entire front or rear suspension being another) and its V5c or proof of its original identity.

Buying a complete car without a V5c can be a simple affair or can take weeks. Firstly you should seek absolute proof that the seller is the legal owner. While a V5c doesn't actually claim that the registered keeper is the legal owner it is at least a legal document with some history of the vehicle and a way of tracing it back. Without having that there is much more risk that all is not above board. If the vehicle is on the computerised system with the DVLA and has a modern registration then a simple check of the identifying numbers will let you claim a new V5c from them. There are a few hoops to jump through and you will probably have to go for a VIC check. If it's not on the modern system (many thousands of cars were never updated) it could be far more tricky to get the paperwork sent to you. They will want a VIC check, they might want supporting evidence from a recognised authority on the vehicle or a national club. They might need a Heritage certificate and might ask you for history like old tax discs and MOTs. There are all sorts of things they could ask you for but all you really have to do is proove that the vehicle is original, was registered here in Britain under the old system and hasn't been used here illegally unregistered or untaxed. Then they might allow you to keep the original reg but it's unlikely. Usually they will issue you with a new age related number as older numbers from the old system may no longer be valid. You will have to pay for all of this.