Proof of date of manufacture to bring forward historic vehicle status?

[shawz007]

Hello,

I have an E30 BMW 320i. It was 'registered in July 1985 and the VIN states manufacture on 2nd January 1985. This infuriatingly means it wouldn't be 'historic' until 1 April 2026. But I thought if I could prove it was manufactured 31 December 1984 or earlier this could bring forward the historic status by a year in the eyes of the DVLA.

Is this possible? Via BMW paperwork or something? And would the DVLA accept this? Welcome thoughts.

[flybynite]

Hello,
I have an E30 BMW 320i. It was 'registered in July 1985 and the VIN states manufacture on 2nd January 1985. This infuriatingly means it wouldn't be 'historic' until 1 April 2026. But I thought if I could prove it was manufactured 31 December 1984 or earlier this could bring forward the historic status by a year in the eyes of the DVLA.
Is this possible? Via BMW paperwork or something? And would the DVLA accept this? Welcome thoughts.

You can get a printout with your VIN from a dealer that has build date and options fitted, If your local dealer is a problem then maybe try Cotswolds here.

The Gov web page does say "the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago" but as it stands if built on 2nd Jan then you will be waiting another year. Worth checking from a dealer though. Mine just misses the 2024 cutoff so will be April 2025 but it is not on the road yet anyway so does not bother me.

[shawz007]

You can get a printout with your VIN from a dealer that has build date and options fitted, If your local dealer is a problem then maybe try Cotswolds here.

The Gov web page does say "the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago" but as it stands if built on 2nd Jan then you will be waiting another year. Worth checking from a dealer though. Mine just misses the 2024 cutoff so will be April 2025 but it is not on the road yet anyway so does not bother me.

Isn't the printout from the dealer you suggest just what you can get online with the VIN in a few clicks anyway - that's how I got to the 2 January date anyway.

Not sure what your 'Cotswolds' suggestion is? Doesn't appear as a link to me?

[flybynite]

Isn't the printout from the dealer you suggest just what you can get online with the VIN in a few clicks anyway - that's how I got to the 2 January date anyway.

If you accept the 2 January date then not sure why you need anything else. I just thought it may be worth checking from the proper source in case it is different. Not sure how you think you are going to change it.

Not sure what your 'Cotswolds' suggestion is? Doesn't appear as a link to me?

viewforum.php?f=105

[minesapint]

Hello,

I have an E30 BMW 320i. It was 'registered in July 1985 and the VIN states manufacture on 2nd January 1985. This infuriatingly means it wouldn't be 'historic' until 1 April 2026. But I thought if I could prove it was manufactured 31 December 1984 or earlier this could bring forward the historic status by a year in the eyes of the DVLA.

Is this possible? Via BMW paperwork or something? And would the DVLA accept this? Welcome thoughts.

So you’re suggesting that the BMW factory worked on New Years Eve (31 Dec 1984) to manufacture your car. Am I understanding you correctly?
“Tipex”….. I think this is your answer, Tipex out the dates on your V5C, send to DVLA & I’m almost certain this will convince them that your car was actually made in 1984.
Simples in it !!

[Cloggy Saint]

I've been counting down the years until my car becomes tax/MOT exempt but then discovered that as my '89 car is an import it was officially first registered in 2016. I probably won't live to see it become historic. Gutted.

[flybynite]

I've been counting down the years until my car becomes tax/MOT exempt but then discovered that as my '89 car is an import it was officially first registered in 2016. I probably won't live to see it become historic. Gutted.

If you look at the regs you can use the manufacture date if you can show that. A dealer printout should be enough, they can check it themselves if needed.

https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles/ve ... ehicle-tax

I've had to wait the extra year also but it is not an issue for me as the car is a long way from being on the road. It will be 'historic' next year though