DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Indeed, and much of the same for other cars designed in a poor way (esp by today's standards, ie some Renaults)

Why does it all need to be so very complicated?

As I said before, it seems the base purpose has been lost over the years, and has there been a date given when all this actually gets applied, although Immediately I'm sure is the answer.

Superficially, any cars over 10yrs old are exempt from needing approval, but i can’t help but think this will be clarified since the IVA handbook make references to older cars. For example if the engine was manufactured before 1974, there are no emissions requirements.

OK, here's a good one - registering a reconstructed classic vehicle (for example, applying to register that old 356 you bought years ago and which lacks its engine, interior, etc... and has never been registered in the UK):



To get an age-related number you need to prove that it has been reconstructed using parts which are over 25 years old. The use of modern parts or replica parts will result in a 'Q' registration...

Reading that and thinking in an unreasonable extreme way, you would need 25 year old: tyres, brake fluid (with lots of water included), brake rubber hoses and all that to comply?

I'm sure that is not the 'spirit' of all this regulation, but all a bit silly, unrealistic and delivering a potentially unsafe vehicle.
Doubt the DVLA would want that as they state the safety of occupants and others is paramount importance....somewhere else in the pages and pages of do-and don't.

Also, there is a passage (I think in the fees to be paid) of the work the examination will take including an assessment of pop rivets, welds, brazing and those areas of construction.
Are the IVA inspectors qualified to do this?

How do the DVLA assess these methods of construction, how do you determine the strength of a brazed joint (if you can find it under the paint), how do you prove a spot weld is fully penetrated and not just a dent in the sill flange (for example)?

I note the IVA cost to be £495, a re-examination about £85 and a dispute costs £495 too; doubt you would win. Work is about 2.5 man hours, about £200 / hour rate.

I am amazed the DVLA want to allow any classic car on the road. These rules to me prove they do not want 'us' on the public roads, but others have different ideas thankfully!

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My understanding of the regulations for 'reconstructed classics' as outlined above is that the 'over 25 yr old' rule relates to major (non-consumable) parts/components such as engine, gearbox, back axle, steering, suspension & brakes, etc - all of which need to be to the car's original specs if you want to get an age-related registration.

That means, for example, that you can't replace the suspension set-up with a new/modern 'off the shelf' upgraded system.

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KS wrote: ↑Wed Aug 27, 2025 9:57 am OK, here's a good one - registering a reconstructed classic vehicle (for example, applying to register that old 356 you bought years ago and which lacks its engine, interior, etc... and has never been registered in the UK):



To get an age-related number you need to prove that it has been reconstructed using parts which are over 25 years old. The use of modern parts or replica parts will result in a 'Q' registration...

I think and believe DVLA’s interpretation of a ‘Reconstructed Vehicle’ are the current trend on evocation/continuation models manufacturers like Bentley and Jaguar are turning out, plus others. Yes they are given a VIN number, are based on a 1930’s - 1950’s model, but use all brand new parts, and hence end up with a Q plate, or because they are new, and do not meet current Type Approval standards (No ABS, SRS, catalyst, DPF etc etc), DVLA refuse to register them, or the manufacturer states ‘not for use on public roads’. So someone buys one, takes it abroad and gets it registered there. Whether they then try and re import it, and get it through an IVA test, if another Country has already agreed to register it, is another matter.

Singer and the like, get around this because the car was originally registered ‘as is’. It has just been as Singer puts it ‘Restored, Reimagined, and Reborn by Singer Vehicle Design.' but think with the new Regs all of them may end up on a Q plate? The Carbon Fibre parts are just stuck to the original monocoque, where the structural integrity has not been compromised. So maybe not, the cars originally met Type Approval and are still what they are .........a redefined upgraded Porsche.

I think there is a big difference between restoring an old classic, using modern new parts like for like, on a car that was, or still is currently registered, as opposed to building something from the ground up, and saying it is a classic - i.e the Bentley Blower Continuation.

I think reconstructed and restored are two separate enterties.

There will still be people/garages that take the p155, with cut and shut, really bad chassis repairs, not to mention stolen and ringed vehicles, which perhaps the new Regulations may prevent in some way?

Take your point Andy, and I'm sure that is the intent as it is the only practical interpretation, but it is not clearly defined, KS's last red underlined paragraph is the issue, it does not state consumable parts or otherwise, so open to interpretation, which means it is not a definition, more just a guide to 'guide' you!

Thus, a '73T with Bilsteins, Boxster callipers (etc) is not acceptable, but a better car to today's conditions.

Most mods to cars are to improve them (debatable I know), make them safer and faster maybe.

A good MoT man will find poor repairs and note this on the certificate or even deem the car unroadworthy. Nice and simple for the majority of cases, but as those detailed above by 9-1-1 it can get complicated...

You can see the areas where they have been lobbied.
The rules for a heritage reshell Mini isn’t that daft. They want to be notified and will permit the Vin to be stamped on the new shell. No IVA or MOT mandatory but they do recommend MOT or Voluntary IVA to check the work. They record the reshell on the V5 so it’s transparent to a future buyer and therefore values can fall as the market sees fit.

Structural modifications are allowed and there is a process to follow & form to complete. So restomods are allowed, although some of the details may impact some existing conversions.

Here you go…

Where is that bit from Keith?

I’m just checking on the source as we speak. However this link takes you to a page which is very relevant to our scene. Noted that fitting sided wheel arches etc is considered an acceptable part of restoration and DVLA need not be informed.

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration ... storations

BTW, all the new rules came into force at midnight.

Absolute minefield!
For reference the new ‘old’ Bentleys are very explicitly not for road use.

They can be raced as many now are, but road registration isn’t possible as they won’t meet IVA and all the parts are new anyway so definitely aren’t ’reconstructed’

Repair of the shell to be continuously seam welded?
Daft or is that a ladder type chassis?.
What production shell is built like that anywhere in the world?

No spot welds, no plug welds…??

I wonder where a Singer fits into all this??
c