I'm guessing this is illegal.....

[bc_suv]

I'm contemplating towing my as yet un-SVA'd cobra to a deserted car park to perform a few running tests - speedo calibration, steering self centering etc etc.

I'm assuming towing my cobra behind a registered vehicle is illegal because when I say towing I am taking about a rope and not a trailer. The car park in question is private land.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

BC

[wilf]

Yes - just don't get caught.

[craggle]

Have you got a towing point on the front of the car? My car doesn't so attaching it to a rigid part of the chassis would result in body damage.

May be easier and safer to hire or borrow a trailer for the day.

Craig.

[Andy S]

towing a cob on a rope is probably the hardest part of what you are contemplating, it aint easy.
As for towing it, I dont know the law, but, if you put a trailer board on the back with your tow vehicle registration etc, I dont see it as being any different to a large trailer or caravan other than its on a rope, its unregistered so is it technically a vehicle ?????
A quick call to Eastbourne nick will answer your questions, if not I have friends who work at Hastings nick, I could ask them for you.

[robinj66]

I'm afraid that it's not legal to tow an untaxed,uninsured cobra on the public road. it's a "mechanically propelled vehicle" (capable of moving under its own power) and therefore should be trailered and not towed.

Sorry

[JohnWoodman]

Watch out, your insurance my be invalid. I have laid-up insurance and was told by FJ that the car would be covered by my policy if it was on a trailer.

I'm not sure if towing with a rope is legal anymore. I remember someone telling me that it had to be a rigid bar these days. Let me know if I am talking boll**ks.

Cheers
John

[Robin427]

Book an MOT a suitable distance away - you can drive it there unregistered. They might come up with some good points for the MOT. Nothing to stop you getting lost on the way back, or going into your deserted carpark...

[KevinW]

Originally Posted by Robin427

Book an MOT a suitable distance away - you can drive it there unregistered. They might come up with some good points for the MOT. Nothing to stop you getting lost on the way back, or going into your deserted carpark...

I think Robin's advise is the best solution - thats what I did to get some miles in before SVA. If not, I beleive, (dont take my word for it) that if the car is incapable of driving under its own steam, then you can tow it as if it was a trailor, in which case remove coil or some other vital item, and you'd be OK. I think someone from the classic car world told me that trick.

Kevin

[wilf]

if you do as Robin advises, you still need full road-going insurance.

[Grease Monkey]

BB will do you a few 'road days' on your build up policy for MOT, DVLA, SVA days etc.

I had to visit the a'hem MOT station a couple of times. Very useful for bedding in brakes, clutch and sorting a few squeaks and niggles.