But
I have spent several weeks trying to find a legal way around registering a z-cars kitted minus shell (similar to Ade's) without having to have an SVA. The way the current rules stand, if you use any shell other than a new original specification or you radically alter a monocoque body then you will have to have an SVA and take pot luck on the registration number you get issued (unless you use all new parts).
Those thinking of reshelling a mini with any type of shell need to take time to read the following link.
http://www.dvla.gov....es/regrebil.htm
I have highlighted the main points for ease.
1. In order to retain the original registration mark:
Cars and Car-Derived Vans must use:
The original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell (i.e. body and chassis as one unit - monocoque); or
A new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer/manufacturer (e.g. receipt)
2. Radically Altered Vehicles
This covers vehicles which are substantially altered from their original specification, but which are not kit conversions.
If less than eight points are scored or a second-hand or modified chassis or altered monocoque bodyshell is used an ESVA/SVA/MSVA certificate will be required to register the vehicle and a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated.
3. D. Kit Conversions
This is where a kit of new parts is added to an existing vehicle or old parts are added to a kit comprising a manufactured body/chassis/monocoque bodyshell.
If a new monocoque bodyshell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer is used (or an altered chassis/bodyshell from an existing vehicle) together with two major components from a donor vehicle, an age related mark will be assigned. The mark will be based on the age of the donor vehicle. An ESVA/SVA/MSVA test will be required to register the vehicle.
If anyone knows of a legal way to register my current project without having an SVA then please let me know as I can't find one. It would save me a lot of time and hassle.