First things first, I'm in the US and this is only for display.
I'm looking for a good source for a "pre-2001" show plate for my Mini. I'd like to keep the cost under about £60 delivered for a set of front/back, but I'm willing to bend a bit for the "right" looking plate.
Now, I'm going to make this difficult: I don't know exactly what I'm looking for. I guess I'm looking for something that would have been appropriate in the 1970s. Or even a 70's "look" rather than a modern or 1990's look.
I want to end up with the plate on the left, not the plate on the right:
I'm not sure why this font looks different - I guess just the spacing and stroke, but this would be fine:
I'd even be alright with something like this:
So, here's what I've come up with, in terms of places that might get me close.
Show Plates Direct - about £31 delivered
These look fine, but I'm concerned that it isn't the "right" look. I get more of a 1990s feel than a 1970s feel.
eBay - about £28 delivered
Here's their font:
This font has a few differences from the one above (W, V, M) , but I have no idea if it's better or worse! My plate is the one shown above (TEW 864X) so that W could be the deciding factor!
Tippers Vintage Plates - £45 + delivery (if they will post to the US!)
They offer a riveted plastic "3D" plate. I'm not sure this is exactly what I want, but it does look quite nice:
So, does anyone have any experience, or at least any advice? I want to make sure I'm not going to drive myself crazy by wasting £30+ on the "wrong" one. Maybe I won't notice either way, but it's worth asking in order to make the decision since my car is in storage for another 6 weeks or so!
