A friend of mine owned a Rootes dealership back in the 60's and I
asked him recently how it was that there were so many mismatches between the
actual year of manufacture vs. the dates on titles. According to him, at the
end of the model year if there had been no significant changes in the
vehicle for the following model year then the dealer could get a new
replacement MSO from Rootes for any unsold vehicles which showed the next
model year on the MSO. Apparently that was very common for many British car
makers not just Rootes who did not make changes to their cars over several
model years. His explanation seems logical for that time period.
Dave McDermott
At 07:49 PM 5/14/97 -0700, Allan Connell wrote:
>At 04:52 PM 5/14/97 -0700, Armand & Lorie Ritchie wrote:
>>Anyone have a problem with the calif. dmv on trying to change the date on
>>you regis. Our tiger's regis. states first regis. in 65 year model 66.
>>But according to the vin number B9470219 it was built in 64, how could it
>>be a 66 model? I think they are going to make us get it smogged, which I
>>don't want to do, if I don't have to. Whats the best way to go on this
>>one? Anybody run into this before, in any other states?
>>
>>Regards Armand
>>dazed and confused
>>
>>ritchie@mcn.org
>>Armand & Lorie Ritchie
>>
>
>Armand,
>
>I am in California and the PO of my '65 Tiger was smart enough to have it
>petitioned and changed. Apparently this was common in the middle 60's to
>register "first sold" date and can be changed. FYI the number on my car is
>higher than yours: B9472373. What he basically did was petition the DMV
>and provide documentation. Norm's Registry might also help in your
>endeavor. (Funny, when he had the car inspected, apparently they did not
>get upset over the SS phillips head (LeMans, Racing Only, Type: Quick
>Change) screws holding down the VIN plate. As I am off line now, I will
>run to the garage and get the details of the guy who wrote the letter for
>him....apparently another "expert" on classic cars.
>
>HA!!
>
>Interesting, I know this guy and he is basically into restorations and
>repairing!! Just written on his company letter head!! The guy is as follows:
>
>George Miller
>BRITANNIA MOTORS, Inc.
>2210 First Avenue
>San Diego, CA. 92103
>619.232.3404
>619.232.5054
>
>The text to the DMV (local office, here in San Diego) is as follows....and
>looks to me like you could have just about anyone with appropriate
>letterhead write it for you....but it would be good to have Norm's info to
>back you up. Letter dated 2-12-90:
>
>"On February 10th, 1990, I examined a Sunbeam Tiger, VIN.NO. B9472373,
>owned by __________. Based on the VIN number and available evidence of
>production figures, I am of the opinion that this vehicle was manufactured
>in 1965 as a 1965 model." Yours, <signature>
>
>That's it Armand.....I sincerely hope this helps you in your endeavor. If
>you want me to fax you a copy of the letter, please let me know. But it
>looks as if it is a good idea to have your own expert and documentation.
>Me thinks they are a little tougher in this day and age.
>
>Regards,
>
>Allan
>B9472373 (I know you know......gimme a break! it's just become a habit!)
>
>
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