Classic cars which have undergone major renovation or modification should be subject to a comprehensive safety check says the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs.
Responding to a call for evidence from the DVLA on the subject of Registering historic, classic, rebuilt vehicles and vehicles converted to electric, the FBHVC replied: “There may be circumstances, for example, following major restoration or repair work, when a one-off safety check would be appropriate. This may need to be a more in-depth inspection than the MOT, possibly including some degree of dismantling to permit full access to all parts of the vehicle but, in common with the MOT, should assess the vehicle with reference to the technical standards applicable when it was new.”
This inspection should be new, and designed to suit older vehicles, rather than trying apply Individual Vehicle Approval to restored or restomod classic cars, said the FBHVC. “Individual Vehicle Approval which requires modern technical standards is entirely inappropriate and not suitable in this context.”
The FBHVC said it doesn’t want to see changes to the 40-year exemption from MOT testing, however. “The existing periodic testing regime (MOT), with an exemption from compulsory testing for the majority of historic vehicles over 40 years old, but with the provision for voluntary tests if desired, is broadly satisfactory although there are issues with its application to historic HGVs.
As we have previously reported many classic car enthusiasts have fallen foul of the current rules when restoring or modifying cars, sometimes seemingly at the will of individual inspectors, so a clear new set of guidelines – including a test – sounds extremely sensible to us. But what do you think?
I have seen numerous modified older cars with dubious modifications and am totally in favour of an engineers report on the suitability of such mods. Should it go further andook at the overall safety of the car after such mods. An example that comes to mind is a Ford Anglia fitted with an 150 bhp Twin Cam engine but remaining with the standard fit drum brakes. The car has four times the engine power but the ability to stop from the higher speeds now easily available is massively compromised.
I think a single one off engineers test would be a good idea, most people who modify their cars are extremely competent but there are a minority who carry out modifications that are potentially dangerous due to mechanical failure or make the vehicle handle badly,these are the people who make things difficult for the rest who know what they are doing, I have been professionally restoring and modifying classic cars for 50 years and most of the modified cars I have seen are well put together and a credit to the builder but I have also seen a few ‘sheds’ I wouldn’t drive around a field let alone on the public highway
I own five classic cars a Jaguar Mk VII M (1955); and MG B Roadster 1965; a Mercedes Benz 350SE (1980), Amitsubishi Colt Mirage (hatchback) 1984 and a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit III (1996). All of which are kept in immiculate condition. No modifications have been made to any of those cars. Apart from the RR the others are exempt form MOTs. I my opinion classic car owners maintain their cars well with no need to change the current 40 year MOT exemption system. However I have known owners who have modified their classic cars and found the modifications causing certain dangers on the road. My opinion is that all modified cars should need to be tested thoroughly before being allowed on our roads.