1968 E Type XKE VIN NUMBER

[Brett Griffiths]

I have an imported (USA) 1968 Mk 1.5 E Type that has had a full restoration, Including the replacement of the Picture Frame. (I have the original) I am trying to get it registered but I am having great difficulty.. This is what I got back from DVLA. 

Currently there are too many unknowns around the true identity of this vehicle to enable us to register it using the VIN (Engine number) from the Michigan Title or the Car No (VIN) on the VIN plate.

Whilst the picture frame being replaced is common repair and it is helpful to know that the original picture frame is still available for checking, this raises more questions about the vehicles identity and what other changes have occurred over the years.

 The applicant should be allocated a DVLA VIN, advising that as the picture frame has been replaced and the correct VIN for the vehicle cannot be identified.

He should then be advised to contact one of the Jaguar Owners clubs to obtain their approval of this being an original and authentic 1968 vehicle.

Please let me know how I can get this car verified so DVLA are happy?

This was another email I sent to them.

 

I am confused about not being able to use the original VIN number.

If I (Or the garage) need to stamp on a new VIN number (either the Old vin Number or the DVLA allocated Vin. What is the difference??? The VIN weather it be the old or the new. It still needs to have a VIN.

If I keep the Original VIN it keeps the historic provenance of the car. And also the Original VIN plate. The numbers match the Original paperwork the Vin Plate and the Vin on the Picture Frame

The crazy thing is that I COULD strip the car down, then put the Original (Rusty) Picture Frame on the car, then get the engineer to inspect it. He will see that the VIN matches the VIN plate. You then issue the registration. I would then strip the car down again and put the new one back on. This seen illogical and nonsensical. 

I can not understand why there is insufficient evidence.

1. You have the Original VIN Plate
2. You have the ORIGINAL Picture Frame with the SAME VIN
3. The Picture Frame has nothing to do with the Engine. They are separate items, so I don’t understand your comment “which prevents us from matching it to the original picture frame, as we would need to do.”
4. There is no number used on cylinder heads of that vintage.(Where the Engineer looked You will find the engine number on the left-hand side of the bell housing. Behind the Oil dipstick. If you like I can send a photo.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ?

[N6 JMX]

Hi Brett, despair not, this is actually quite a common failing and, believe it or not, DVLA HAVE been trying to be helpful, just in their own manner.

You will need to have an inspection of your car completed by a Jaguar Club that is recognised as being capable / registered to complete the DVLA report - there are a lot more numbers to locate on the car and check against the practical aspects of your car than you may at first think.

First up, you should apply to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) to seek a Heritage Certificate for your car - this is like a birth certificate and provides the starting point for any inspection. Next, I suggest you join the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club (JEC), where you will be able to get in touch with the Club's DVLA liaison officer. He can arrange for someone from the Club who is more local to you (I do them in Scotland) to visit and conduct an inspection - there is usually a charity donation / expenses fee for the inspection.

Once the Report is completed by the Inspector, he submits that to the Club's DVLA Liaison Officer who submits it to DVLA with the appropriate letters and photographs - from the Inspector. DVLA paperwork / registration usually follows very swiftly thereafter.

Don't knock or plead your case direct with the DVLA, or insist that your mechanic / engineer is qualified to complete a report - DVLA have their own processes and if they are not adhered to, the result is frustration.

You should find the JDHT and the JEC easily online, but if you have any issues, come back here and I will try and advise further.

N6 JMX