Would you buy this van? - just asking.

I’ve been viewing one or two vans lately and have come across one that set some alarm bells ringing, and begs the question could I have taken a risk and bought it?

I realise how critical are these things on a recent and expensive vehicle, but from experience are they that relevant to a 50 year old vehicle in the "real" world that has probably been restored several times?

The vehicle in question is advertised as 1972 and has the full late-bay front and bumper. It also has factory windows.

First alarm bell – it has a much later registration etched in several windows. OK I’m sure there a number of reasons for this.

Next – the MPlate is easily visible just under the passenger side glove box on the air duct. That’s odd, as I thought this was from 1976 onwards. But wait, the rear bulkheads from behind the front seats have been removed. So maybe its location is a coincidence? Yeh, that must be it.

Next – the MPlate has had its 1972 10 character vin/chassis number crudely stamped into it, maybe to help the MOT tester? But wait, the last 8 characters of this stamping don’t match the 8 characters in the top row on the MPlate as stamped by VW. How come?

Next – the year code of the stamped-on 1972 chassis number correctly shows “2” for 1972. But wait, the original year code on the MPlate is “8” for 1978 and that is in keeping with the year suffix for the etched registration number. Curious. Maybe just another coincidence?

Next – the second digit of the stamped on VIN code is “1” indicating a panel van, which it doesn’t look like. But wait, the original code on the MPlate is “2” for a body type fitted with factory windows, which this van has! So, surely a mix-up at the factory, right?

Next – the VIN / Chassis number in the engine bay is present, but wait. It is barely legible but what can be seen without removing the paint fits in with the 1972 VIN. But counting the number of digits suggests one or two are missing at one end, probably due to what looks like grinding and welding marks all round it. But wait again, the font is wrong, its not the “tall and skinny” one where for example the tops of the 3 and 6 digits are very rounded as per the digit 8. Its kind of like the font used to punch the 1972 VIN onto the MPlate, so it must be genuine, right?

So, was I right to run away, or were there manageable low level risks worth taking on here?

Thanks.

 

If it's not on the stolen register nobody official gives a monkeys.
Sounds like a 78 that was once doctored with numbers from a wreck to avoid tax, or a simple stolen ringer.
I wouldn't want it but I doubt it would cause a problem until you tried to sell it and people like yourself
What did the vendor have to say about it?

 

Definitely dodgy but as zed says, trying to find out exactly where it's from and what it was is going to be difficult. The police tend not to be interested these days.

 

Don’t buy it , there’s literally 100,000 of um, plenty others to chose from

 

Thanks Zed, crossy2112 and davidoft for taking the time to comment.

The seller was a bit tight lipped. I think he knows things are not right and wants shot of it.

The DVLA weren’t interested in the slightest.

The local police via their online contact form initially told me to contact eBay for them to investigate.
I tried again, and was told the etched registration number “does not currently exist” and yet it is on the DVLA web site. There was also a comment about bits being changed over the years, and finally “If however you still maintain that there is something untoward regarding the issues you have already highlighted then please contact eBay and they will conduct their own enquiries.”

Well, there we have it, and to quote Men In Black, eBay seem to be “The first, last and only line of defence against the worst scum of the universe”.

From this, in light of my experience and the comments above, my initial feeling is that if THE ONE came along with this problem my heart would be tempted to buy it. But then my head says that if it gets involved in an insurance claim and a switched-on assessor spotted the issues then the insurance may not pay out.

Thanks again all.

 

Exactly - let someone else worry about it and buy a legit one.

 

its not a dvla issues, its not really a police issue either, its not a crime , the crime is possibly fraud miss representation etc, but as I said they literally made 100s and 100s of thousands, none are special there will be another tomorrow and the tomorrow after, I wouldn't waste time on anything with questionable paperwork or questionable anything , if they come and take it off you it will be a lot more disapointing than a few weeks/ months research and waiting

 

^ this

 

That’s all well and good, but….
What colour was it ?

 

AND,,,,,,has you got any photos?
I personally agree with ^^^ everything said above. Early or late is not such ‘ a thing ‘ and there’s plenty to choose from. The person selling it may or may not know exactly what is going on but you’re better off not knowing that either. In your heart you know you’ve done the right thing.

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,good luck in your search

 

I imagine part of the attraction of the "ringer" was the price? That alone would turn the alarm bells up a notch.

 

The mismatched window etchings could be from a private plate being put on at some point in its history, but that's unlikely on an old camper.

 

As Zed said, very likely it was doctored get around the original pre '72 year road fund tax break.

Get one you happy with..

 

Dont buy it. Even if it is legit you will spend countless hours wondering if it is .... save yourself the anguish.

 

cheapo '72 but with a late front on it? There's this on on ebay right now:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195822160458

is this the one?

 

And an engine hatch, tho' that's a definite positive.

 

These things are always someone else's problem until the c words nick your van and ring it.