Dvla Question

[Robbbbo]

I might buy a 1958 Austin van. Its original registration number was sold, and an A suffix number was given as a replacement. Now I know DVLA are not allowed to make a vehicle appear newer than it really is. I appreciate the A suffix number was probably given years ago. My question is will DVLA issue an appropriate plate if I ask them ?

[EDDIE51]

I think (not sure) that the only way you will get a 1958 numbe

[EDDIE51]

Sorry hit submit
the only way you will get 1958 number is to buy one and have it transferred.

[Buenchico]

I agree with Eddie. You'll need to buy a registration number (from a third party, not from DVLA), either on another vehicle or (far easier) on a retention certificate:
http://dvlaregistrations.direct.gov.uk/dealers/

You can then achieve the transfer for a fee of £80:
https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/transferring-a-registration-number

[ToraToraTora]

I'm confused. A 1958 car should have a NNN XXX format or even a XXX NNN format where NNN is up to 3 numbers and XXX is up to 3 letters. If it has a suffix plate it is already looking too young (suffix A is 1962) so I'd say you have a case to get a proper age related plate. I had a Morris Minor 1960 and I have that plate on my Bike at the moment, they issued me a new one in NNN XXX format when I transferred it. So either your car is not 1958 or they messed up when they issue the new number, call DVLA and explain.

[EDDIE51]

TTT the original 1958 number was sold the 'A' plate is the DVLA issued replacement.
I assume this was a good few years ago.

[douglas9401]

If DVLA or their predecessors issued a number for a vehicle then that's the number for the vehicle, surely.

[ToraToraTora]

yes eddie but they have issued a 1962 plate for a 1958 car. The A plate is illegal because it makes the car look newer. Anyone know when that rule came in? I guess it could have been issued prior to that but under the current law that plate is illegal. If you contact DVLA they'll offer an explanation and possibly issue a proper age related plate.

[Hopkirk]

How about buying a personalised plate?

[Graham-W]

As I recall Austin only made a choice of two vans in 1958. The A35 and the A55. Both were in production to at least the late '60s so could have had the "A" suffix for 1963 if they were first registered in that year. If you can prove the year of first registration was 1958 you can apply to DVLC for an age related plate. Once issued this would not be transferable.