42 replies to this topic

[bitsilly]

As some of you know, I restored a 1960 Mini ditching the 850cc engine for an electric motor.

Unfortunately, DVLA said that because I drilled holes in the boot, it is now a modified kit-car.
They couldn't fault the conversion, but due to the holes my car needs an IVA test which it could never pass.
They refused to allow the holes to be welded up so this is terminal, the car is scrap.

With their success applying old rules in this new way to conversions, I cannot see what is stopping them being applied to anything frowned upon by the DVLA. 

So please, I ask you to sign this petition which I hope will end this threat

I also humbly ask you to spread the word by forwarding it to anyone you know who may care.

Many thanks
Ed

https://petition.par...etitions/625633

 

[Sunnymini]

signed

[stuart bowes]

 done

[MiniFanGraham]

signed

[Mr Piggy]

Done

[stoneface]

done

[beardylondon]

Done

[cal844]

Signed

[mab01uk]

Signed

[Steam]

Petitions are routinely ignored by governments and agencies as there worth is negligible.
You would be much better off getting as many to write to both the agency concerned and their local pollie, it has a much bigger impact.

[Shaun78]

Hi I dont know much about these conversions but why do they class it as a kit car when there are different forms to fill in for an altered classic car and a kit car,there are several companies converting classics to electric,maybe someone could help you appeal your case.

[stoneface]

May i suggest you have a read of these links to understand the issue which is affecting even the companies doing these conversions.

 

https://www.theminif...policy/?hl=dvla

http://mk1-forum.net...php?f=5&t=35189

 

I know many may say this is just an issue for electric car conversions but imagine what will happen if they are allowed to apply these rules to every Mini or classic car that has a hole drilled into the body where there never used to be a hole.

 

Just think, adding a fog light, p clip for cable run, ariel, wing mirrors, rh petrol tank, wheel arches, relay for spot lights, just to mention a few. It maybe an over exageration but if I understand what I've read then this is effectively what has happened.

 

And then to be told you can't repair the hole or convert the car back to petrol, so your car is now no longer a car but scrap.

 

This may have come about because of an electric conversion but who's to say it would not happen when you change your 998 to 1275 and inform the DVLA. They could request an inspection and some engineer notes that you've added a battery cutout switch in the boot by drilling a hole in the floor. Now you need an IVA which a Mini will never pass. No option to remove the switch and weld the hole. No your car is scrap.

 

That is how I understand it, and I'm happy to be corrected if wrong.

 

[johnR]

signed

[Ethel]

Can't help thinking somebody has an agenda & is trying to bend existing rules to achieve something they weren't intended to do.

 

A bad idea, "rules is rules" and will have to be applied equally.

 

Is there concern about safety, putting batteries in structures they weren't intended for? Is it just fascism from some people who think they are the true custodians of classic cars and the regulations' sole purpose is serving & protecting their concept of what's worthy?

[mab01uk]

From November 2022 issue of Mini Magazine:-

MINI Recharged electric classic Mini available for pre-order.
"Recharged Heritage, officially backed by MINI, is now offering its MINI Recharged electric classic Mini conversions for pre-order
MiniSport, Zero EV and MINI, the BMW-owned modern incarnation of the Mini brand, have confirmed their partnership as part of Recharged Heritage, a brand specialising in the production of electric classic Mini restomods under the MINI Recharged banner.
MiniSport is a leading UK-based Mini specialist, while Zero EV specialises in the production of EV conversion parts. The MINI Recharged project is the result of the two brands working together with MINI to engineer and develop eco-friendly and reversible electric classic Mini conversions.
Recharged Heritage refers to its work as ‘bespoke upcycling’, with electric power taking centre stage. Each of its cars is to be produced with eco-friendliness in mind, with a ‘renovate and reuse’ approach that means no changes to the car’s body structure. The MINI Recharged project also aims to retain the Mini’s famous handling characteristics during the transformation.
Pre-orders are open now, with prices starting from £42,500 for the conversion of an existing car, or £60,000 for car procurement plus conversion. Bespoke commissions are offered on a POA basis. For more information, visit the Heritage Recharged website."
 https://rechargedheritage.co.uk/