Registering modified cars in the UK?

twin plugged targa · twin plugged targa's Garage

Does anyone know if there are any issues with trying to register and insure Modified cars in the UK.
I recently had issues with my Golf GTI which is US spec. and with minor suspension modifications.
I am interested in importing a road/track 911 to the UK for minor road use and occaisional track usage.
Does anyone know if this is viable or a direction of who to ask?
Many thanks
Ben

dickster · 07-24-2004, 11:40 PM

i have no personal experience, but it should not be a problem.

you could try my insurance co for starters - i am sure they will provide cover....(the 911 may need to be a second car though).

Aon Risk Services Ltd
P.O. Box 27
Falcon House,
The Minories
Dudley
West Midlands DY2 8PG
Tel 01384 455011

andyjboy · 07-25-2004, 12:36 AM

I recently imported a modified '71 911E Targa :

different engine (2.7 RS)
different gearbox (915 with 8:31 ZF lsd)
uprated suspension (F&R Bilsteins, Turbo torsion bars, Turbo tie-rods)
different wheels/tyres (deep dish 6's with 205/55 & 7R with 225/50 x15")

etc,etc

No problems registering if you have all the relevant paperwork & mine was not any problem insuring (as all uprated parts were still Porsche) with AON as with Rich above.

Andy

soup dragon · 07-25-2004, 01:12 AM

many years ago my m8 had a mini (1000cc)with a 1300cc engine,his insurer`s requested an engineers report (mechanics inspection)before they would insure it.It was pretty sraightforward.

twin plugged targa · twin plugged targa's Garage

Thanks Guys,
I already have a modified road car which passed under the radar, but I am thinking of buying a highly modified street track car from the States!.
The car is definately not low profile with the only thing stock being the main body panels. It has the full roll cage and stripped interior etc.
The main problem may be squeezing it through the MOT.
I know there are some MOT centres who are more 'understanding' than others when it comes to old cars and their ability to comply with the rules

Thanks for the feedback
regards
Ben
PS after this post I joined the PCGB and hopefully I may find some usefull info on their sites which is more applicable to UK regulations etc.

andyjboy · 07-25-2004, 10:47 AM

If you haven't already paid your PCGB subscription you may want to consider joining DDK instead - it was set up about 8 months ago by a bunch of 'disillusioned' early 911/912/914/356 owners who felt that PCGB was not offering them a great deal.

Check it out:

http://www.ddk-online.com/

Andy

twin plugged targa · twin plugged targa's Garage

Thanks Andy
I have already registered with PCGB but will check out the DDK as I am trying to source info from all over.
I will probabley keep my next car registered and stored in the UK.
thanks again
Rgds Ben

dickster · 07-26-2004, 05:54 AM

Quote:

The main problem may be squeezing it through the MOT.

that shouldnt be a problem. the main issue is probably going to be emissions for the mot but it should be ok - older cars tend to run higher CO2.

911-32 · 911-32's Garage

Peart is another broker worth trying - although both Aon and Peart tend to use RSA for the actual policies. I have a lightly modified car and have to pay a small fee each time I make a change to the car - no more than £30. They seem concerned with horsepower and not so concerned with everything else IMHO. All my parts are Porsche parts, so I can carefully quote part number to them and that seems to make them happy. A big bottle of nitrous may be a different story...

Richard

MFAFF · 07-26-2004, 08:08 AM

Twin,

Is that car of yours registered in Frnace at the moment. If so getting it registered etc over here will be a whole heap easier as its an EEC country.

Importing from EEc member state to another is always easier with the right paper work...

Insurance will depend on what you have done to it.

Try Peart and Aon, or Footman James, or RH, all in the Porsche Post and the PCGB website.

They will give you an idea of what is possible an what is not.

As to getting it MOt'd the only piece of advice would be to take it to a very reputable P-car shop, have them look it over and present it for the MOT at their local MOT station...usually its somebody who is used to them and will give you an 'honest' view on what it needs to pass if it fails...
Look forward to seeing it on our roads.