Ok I know this is a can of worms subject and that its difficult to say for certain but I'm after some advice on the best way to proceed.

I've purchased a buggy (mk1 gp) and applied for the v5. It's come back as Volkswagen in the make, nothing in the type, 1500 in the model and saloon in the body type.

Not that surprising as it was built in the late 70s from a 67 1500 beetle.

Now obviously I would like to get the saloon but changed to either convertible or the model as buggy etc to avoid problems further down the line.

The buggy is swb.
It was built around 78/79 and used in Motorsport since, last official change of owner was in 1981 and it was last taxed in 1979.
There is a fair amount of information about its Motorsport history, championships / trails that it won over the years, a video of it competing in the early 90s and even a photo in vw motoring mag in 1992, all whilst wearing the current reg.

Is the above enough proof of it being built and used prior to sva etc, does this even matter any more?

Any advice on the best way to proceed would be gratefully received!

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....well... This is all personally my opinion ONLY.

Leave it and live with it. Yes you have an argument to say you could prove it was a buggy long before SVA came in etc. BUT DVLA may or may not believe you, they can be very "subjective" and not "objective" about these things, all depends who you have on the day. OK saloon not ideal but I don't think thats a big issue, I have saloon on mine, never been pulled because of that. At least it doesn't say Beetle and as long as the colour is correct. I would suggest that chances are you will be fine. Wait until the day (If it ever arrives) that it truly is an issue and at that point you can argue  the case that you have clear proof that its been a buggy for so many years and that will certainly help you.

(If the colour isn't correct, I would change that - but only that. That is the sort of thing the police will notice and want to know more.)

The key things which may get you pulled over by the police are:
Taxed, Insured, MOT's
Colour
Correct format of number plate and that its legible
Model if its not wildly out! (Make sure your MOT and insurance say beach buggy - they usually do)
and of course not driving too crazy!!!!!

The easiest way to get the V5C 100% correct would be to stick a '1500' badge on the back and fit a hardtop. It'd be a 1500 saloon then! 

Hazel, Fibrecraft and East Coast Manx on here all mould them and they're all removable.

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Badge-%60VW-1500-T1-Beetle-65-113853687A_act_shop.product_pID_37596.htm

And as Andy says...

DVLA like official paperwork like the old mot certificates if they say buggy or something. You could ask them a hypothetical question about a car you were thinking of buying with history but incorrectly registered just to see what they say but can of worms it is because of their hap hazzard systems.

DVLA like official paperwork like the old mot certificates if they say buggy or something. You could ask them a hypothetical question about a car you were thinking of buying with history but incorrectly registered just to see what they say but can of worms it is because of their hap hazzard systems.

The problem is they don't all sing off the same sheet, you'll get a different answer depending on who you speak to.

They're also very good at loosing documents that are sent to them.

A government department that is not fit for purpose is what you mean and it will get worse if Wales goes for devolution as they will want english cars off the road.

It's not as if you can even go to a local office and speak to someone face-to-face these days. The staff and engineer that used to work at Chester at least were fine to deal with. All made redundant now unfortunately.

Thanks folks, apologies for the slow response I'd not hit the notify button and hadn't realised there were replies.

Ill correct the colour as soon as its painted (either way its not the original beetle colour).

The engine isn't correct either (original is long gone) should I correct that too whilst I'm at it (its actually a 1200 now)

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Thanks folks, apologies for the slow response I'd not hit the notify button and hadn't realised there were replies.

Ill correct the colour as soon as its painted (either way its not the original beetle colour).

The engine isn't correct either (original is long gone) should I correct that too whilst I'm at it (its actually a 1200 now)

Yes change the engine number BUT - not at the same time!
Change the colour first, get the V5 back, then send off for the change of engine.

Now although if its a pre 1973 (or was it '78?) you don't need to send a letter from a garage confirming its professionally fitted etc. I would still send one in anyway. We have seen it before DVLA write back insisting you do because they didn't know they're own rules and not familiar with classic cars.

(Not got a letter from the garage? Being in the stationery game, its amazing how amateur their letterheads can look, I sometimes wonder if they made them up at home)

Thanks Andy. I've just noticed that the taxation class is still old not historic so that's another one to change!