Post by bbh on Jun 28, 2017 21:51:26 GMT
For various historical reasons, usually with the aim of keeping what would have been just seen as "just an old car" on the road, it is not uncommon that a cars "numbers" are not always, shall we say, "original"
With a screw-on VIN plate, obviously it is pretty easy to change VINs/body numbers from one car to another. Unless there is a database of information available that includes the original body number (or engine number) for a given chassis, or the ability to compare one car with another near its chassis number, it isn't likely that a change can be recognized.
One obvious method of doing this is via the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, however it is also possible to contact the various registries.
For example, regarding the BJ8, during the last 20 years, with the help of several good people, the BJ8 Registry has been able to document original manufacturing details for thousands of cars and currently has an accounting for more than half of the total cars built (8,969). So, anyone contemplating buying a BJ8 who wants to know whether the car has its original integrity or not should check with the registry.
Steve Byers
BJ8 Registry
sbyers at ec.rr.com
In Steve's words "Anyone is welcome to contact me about that. I will provide whatever history I have for a car, but will only provide contact information for owners to other owners of that car.
The registry has been able to return original VIN/body/engine serial number plates to the cars they belong to in several instances, plus original documentation such as driver's handbooks and "Passport to Service" warranty booklets."
Just as important is that if Steve knows that there may be an issue with a particular car then you can be forewarned.
With a screw-on VIN plate, obviously it is pretty easy to change VINs/body numbers from one car to another. Unless there is a database of information available that includes the original body number (or engine number) for a given chassis, or the ability to compare one car with another near its chassis number, it isn't likely that a change can be recognized.
One obvious method of doing this is via the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, however it is also possible to contact the various registries.
For example, regarding the BJ8, during the last 20 years, with the help of several good people, the BJ8 Registry has been able to document original manufacturing details for thousands of cars and currently has an accounting for more than half of the total cars built (8,969). So, anyone contemplating buying a BJ8 who wants to know whether the car has its original integrity or not should check with the registry.
Steve Byers
BJ8 Registry
sbyers at ec.rr.com
In Steve's words "Anyone is welcome to contact me about that. I will provide whatever history I have for a car, but will only provide contact information for owners to other owners of that car.
The registry has been able to return original VIN/body/engine serial number plates to the cars they belong to in several instances, plus original documentation such as driver's handbooks and "Passport to Service" warranty booklets."
Just as important is that if Steve knows that there may be an issue with a particular car then you can be forewarned.