Old style number plate

[calnonp]

Hi Folks,

I have just joined the club.... bought a Southern Roadcraft car

I have a question regards number plates!!!

On the registration document the car is registered in 1976....from an series 2 XJ6
The car was built in 1996.

If possible I would like to put the old style black number plate from the 60's on the car. I just think they look great
Could any tell me if this is possible, legal?. I have looked at the DVLA site.....not the easiest read!!!

I would like to buy either a 1960's number or if that isn't possible a private plate with no date associated.

Hope somebody can help

thanks Paul

[V8bassman]

Hi Paul, welcome to the forum.

[mylesdw]

As far as black plates go, I think the car has to be pre 1973 or thereabouts. You can buy any plate you like as long as it does not make your car appear newer than it really is, but I think that (technically) you are stuck with yellow/white for a '76 registration.

[Grease Monkey]

Legally you can put any plates on that's older then the car registration.

If its a rebuilt 1976 car, you'll have a P plate or thereabouts. You can then go buy an old J or L reg from 71 - 72 and put that on the car.

Strictly speaking they'd have to be Yellow and White.

Realistically, you're unlikely to get pulled if they were silver & black.

If a copper sees a ford Focus or Vauxhall Vectra with silver plates it obvious someones taking the piss, but they dont really know squat about Cobras or kits in general..

[V8bassman]

Doh! Pressed the wrong key again.
What I meant to say was that to be strictly in accordance with the letter of the law, your car should only be fitted with reflective plates, silver on black are illegal on anything post 72 or 73 (M suffix). Having said there are lots of cobs out there mine included that have an 'old' registration number with the old type of plate, purely for 'show' if you get my drift. Sometimes I just forget to put the proper ones back on!
Hope this helps

[calnonp]

Thanks Guy's

That has been really helpful...
Think I will be looking for an older car to transfer the plates.....for showing only of course!!!

Can I simply find an old MOT failure in the paper with an older plate and transfer it to the Cobra via DVLA?

One last question....Whoever makes up the plates, won't they need to check my V5
document....which states year of manufacture being 1976?

Thanks again

Paul

[Purple AK]

I think you'll find the Donor has to be Mot'ed

[Grease Monkey]

Yup, you need an MOT to transfer a plate. Best bet would be to buy one direct from the DVLA. (Check out their website for available numbers)

Lots of (specialist mail order) places will make up black and silver plates for 'show use' only. Dont try Hellfords or the like as they're a bit 'jobsworth'

[calnonp]

thanks again,

I have checked the DVLA website and I can pick up an interesting number for not too much money. That will save me buying an old car just for the plate.

thanks for your help

[Miket]

Paul

Mine registered in 2002, built from a 1983 XJ donar,
number bought for £180 from Autotrader, plate purchased from Vintage Plates.

www.mgm-spares.co.uk/vintage-plates