18 replies to this topic

[Bobbins]

The result being … there are more Works Minis than there were Works Minis, each as genuine as the next!

[mab01uk]

In the 1980's and early 90's, when the few surviving Works Mini values started to climb at auction and get media publicity, it was much easier to apply for the registration document of a car that no longer existed if you had the chassis number and reg number for filling out a V5 application form. (I believe early editions of the 'Works Mini' book by Peter Browning even listed all the details needed). During that time the DVLA were much less aware of such things (and there was no internet, etc) so valuable V5's for what were thought to be just 'old Minis' being restored were often issued by the DVLA with no further questions asked. As always it is 'buyers be aware' and do research and consult with experts on the subject to ensure you are buying the real thing with a genuine continuous documented history....

 

However it should also be noted that to build a good replica of a Works Mini correct in every detail (which some enthusiasts have) is a very difficult and expensive process and some good replicas have gone on to achieve high selling prices without having a genuine works registration number or history....(a few replica owners have also found suitable DVLA transferred 'period reg numbers' that are very close at a glance).

Edited by mab01uk, Today, 08:12 AM.

[Bobbins]

I follow the mantra of a vehicle is for riding, driving etc, so low mileage examples of old cars that are effectively ornaments or museum pieces are of no interest to me, I enjoy looking at them but if they're not going to be used, I'd rather they belong to someone else. We're not all the same though and some others might happily buy something just to look at, or simply because it's truly original and I respect them for that, but based on my personal usage I think spending money creating a high quality (and reliable) replica would suit me better!

[floormanager]

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In the 1980's and early 90's, when the few surviving Works Mini values started to climb at auction and get media publicity, it was much easier to apply for the registration document of a car that no longer existed if you had the chassis number and reg number for filling out a V5 application form. (I believe early editions of the 'Works Mini' book by Peter Browning even listed all the details needed). During that time the DVLA were much less aware of such things (and there was no internet, etc) so valuable V5's for what were thought to be just 'old Minis' being restored were often issued by the DVLA with no further questions asked. As always it is 'buyers be aware' and do research and consult with experts on the subject to ensure you are buying the real thing with a genuine continuous documented history....

 

However it should also be noted that to build a good replica of a Works Mini correct in every detail (which some enthusiasts have) is a very difficult and expensive process and some good replicas have gone on to achieve high selling prices without having a genuine works registration number or history....(a few replica owners have also found suitable DVLA transferred 'period reg numbers' that are very close at a glance).

Yes all the details are there, registration, chassis and engine numbers!!