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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Heritage shell fitted 35 years ago New DVLA rules

Hello all - apologies if this subject has been covered before.

I've had my Midget for about 14 years now.

It has had a Heritage body replacement fitted by a PO apparantly in the early 90's. Unfortunately I have no documentation on the replacement shell (receipts etc).

Under the new DVLA rules introduced last August, do I need to retrospectively declare the replacement shell?

TIA for any advice

Jim
J Smith

AIUI a new replacement shell is allowed and certainly when yours was changed. In any case, how do you definitely know it's a replacement shell? Maybe you don't 😉

If the car is already registered as a VHI then it's a fait accompli imv.
Bill B

Agree with Bill.
If it's a VHI then it's been accepted by DVLA.
I'd let sleeping dogs lie if it were me.
Jeremy MkIII

Hi Bill, thanks for the reply

Definitely a BMH shell - it is a RWA on a 65 reg car. There is a BMH serial number stamped on the inner wheel arch. Ten years ago I contacted BMH and had a letter back from their MD who confirmed it was one of their shells, but due apparantly to a fire at their offices in the mid 90's lost all records for previously sold shells.

According to the new rules, replacement shells have to be declared, but I'm not sure if it's retrospective?


https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/repairs-restorations

J Smith

Jim
I don't think it's retrospective. They don't make it obvious but that is my interpretation.
Bill B

I also dont think its retrospective and the key phrase in the link you posted is "if YOU replace the bodyshell" and you have stated you didnt.

Trev
T Mason

This thread was discussed on 06/05/2026

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