What's wrong with a Q plate anyway? It wouldn't put me off buying a car if it was 'right'.

As David says nothing the matter with a Q it shows unknown origin amongst other things and it will be correctly registered what ever happens to it in the way of  base changes, ok you pay road tax but if the proposals for a clamp down on historic vehicles or their use should happen in the future with the EU regulators you should be clear of it thinking long term.

I don't know really... i guess i've grown up being told that Q plates are stolen/recovered cars and i can't shake that feeling of 'something is wrong with the car' vibe. Does nobody else get some sort of bad vibe with a Q? like its somehow a lesser vehicle?

anyway... another question...
say i got a chassis that had to go through the IVA, would it have to meet emissions regulations too?

Does nobody else get some sort of bad vibe with a Q? like its somehow a lesser vehicle?

Quite the reverse -

Growing up as a kid reading endless copies of Street Machine and Kit Car magazines, I always wanted a car with a Q plate as they always looked more interesting than the others

Nowadays, a Q has so many advantages - the best one being the two finger salute to the powers that be, as you are fully sorted   

I don't get a bad vibe from seeing a Q plate - more a sense or ignornace of what I could be looking at i.e. the owner clearly has something special/unique and if I assume it is whatever it looks like...I'll be wrong because it's a Q/unknown/unknowable.

But in my further ignorance I had believed that they were undesireable because there was some finite time limit (like a year) you could use them before having to re-register or somesuch. However if they are a 'get out of jail' answer to any enquiry from the authorities and they last a long time then I want one !

Hugh,

There is also another aspect of Q-Plates with a time limit imposed, as you must get temporary Q number plates if you visit the UK for up to 6 months and your vehicle isn't registered in its home country or your number plates display numbers or letters that aren't identifiable in the UK, eg Arabic script


   

anyway... another question...
say i got a chassis that had to go through the IVA, would it have to meet emissions regulations too?
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They are tested to the year of the engine so a pre 1975 is visible smoke only, unless you fit a modern engine that requires testing. Another q plate anomaly is they are also tested at pre 75 visible smoke only regs.

So my understanding that Q plates only lasted a year was simply half informed ignorance.

I like the thought that emissions are only a concern if visible - ah the good old days !

TBH a BIVA test is nothing a all to be afraid of as long as the vehicle is built to conform with the regs. and put thru without screen/wipers etc. to save having to fit demisters etc. If a Caterham- a- like can get thru then anything can!

Saying that there's a whole lot to be said for a LWB car and there's a geat deal of choice in the LWB market, GT, Doon, FF, Manxter, Storm, Volksrod etc.

So my understanding that Q plates only lasted a year was simply half informed ignorance.

I like the thought that emissions are only a concern if visible - ah the good old days !

Had my Q plate since 1986 and a few years ago whilst we had VOSA in to train and certify some new examiners the instructor looked at the buggy and commented there were things not right on it but it was pre 95 and on a Q pre SVA so all ok.

Thanks guys for all your comments so far! I really do appreciate it!

To let you know, it really is beginning now!!!
I am currently in the process of buying a rolling chassis! WOOO!
I'm defo going to have a manx so as soon as i have the cash, I'll be finding the dude on here that makes them

I have a bunch of other questions now but I'll try slot them in the relevant sub-forums

Authorised (by Bruce Meyers) Meyers Manx kits are available from Flatlands Engineering.


Classic Manx style bodies are available from East Coast Buggies.

http://www.flatlandsengineering.co.uk/fle/fle_bgkp.htm

http://www.eastcoastbuggies.co.uk/index.php?id=5