Tracking down my old series, tips required...

So, the story is, years ago I had an old series 2a 109. I was the second owner, it had been an archeological vehicle used in Africa, and then when I got hold of it, it had been sitting in a garage for 15 years and had some beautiful patina and a bunch of character. I recommissioned it and used it as my first car whilst I was at uni and then for years and years afterwards.

In a moment of madness I *gave* it to a mate on the understanding that if he ever sold it I had first refusal. A year or so later it was obvious he was avoiding me, and I the new found out he'd sold the damn thing...

I was broke at the time, so although livid there wasn't much I could do about it anyway. I've been keeping an eye on the reg on the government MOT checker website and I know that it's been SORN since 2013, so I'm starting to think that it's sat in someone's shed somewhere as a part finished renovation.

I want him back! I've still got some of the original paperwork - original bill of sale, user manual, some African paperwork etc. Even if the owner won't sell him back to me, I suppose I ought to reunite the paperwork with the wagon.

I know I can approach the DVLA, but I suspect that wanting to buy an old vehicle back won't cut the mustard as a valid reason.

What other ways can I find out where my old wagon is (short of hiring a private detective)?

Put up the reg number here! There's a few landys about
Google the reg, something may pop up.
See if it's still insured.
Ask DVLA for a list of owners.
Find your old friend and find out who he sold it to and where it went

Edlandy said:

Put up the reg number here! There's a few landys about
Google the reg, something may pop up.
See if it's still insured.
Ask DVLA for a list of owners.
Find your old friend and find out who he sold it to and where it went

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The reg is EBB 888 C, I've googled it and nothing comes up apart from 888 casino or a 'deviant art' website - which I may check out later ;-)
It's not stil insured, but is shown as SORN.
My old 'mate' and I are strictly on non speaking terms - he's avoided me for the last 15 years!

Can you not find the MOT ctr contact info from the number ? call them and ask nicely explaining the situation.

Cheers

neilly said:

Can you not find the MOT ctr contact info from the number ? call them and ask nicely explaining the situation.

Cheers

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If you know a way of finding out the MoT station from the number on the online checker, could you please let me know? I don't know if my google-fu is weak or I am stupid...

Never looked to be honest.

But try this.

https://data.gov.uk/dataset/mot-active-vts

Cheers

Balbas said:

If you know a way of finding out the MoT station from the number on the online checker, could you please let me know? I don't know if my google-fu is weak or I am stupid...

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Bugger, turns out the number isn't the MoT station number, but is the actual certificate number.

Dammit, this is going to have to wait. The Discovery sheared a rear shock mount today. I knew it was going to need a 1/4 chassis for the next MoT, but clearly it's going to need a fair bit more money spent on it in the short term. Which leaves no money for chasing my old Series just now. Arse.

Balbas said:

Dammit, this is going to have to wait. The Discovery sheared a rear shock mount today. I knew it was going to need a 1/4 chassis for the next MoT, but clearly it's going to need a fair bit more money spent on it in the short term. Which leaves no money for chasing my old Series just now. Arse.

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Wounder.... You can still start tracking it down even if you don't buy it straight away

Hmmm, well wrote to the DVLA on the required form and they've written back. They sympathise with my reasons for wanting to find the old thing, but alas regret that they cannot supply the info willy nilly* and therefore can't help me. Sorry. Arse biscuits. So any other ideas?

*I may have paraphrased slightly.

Balbas said:

'deviant art' website - which I may check out later ;-)!

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Knowing deviant art, there's probably some seriously lewd Land Rover "art" on there.

Balbas said:

Hmmm, well wrote to the DVLA on the required form and they've written back. They sympathise with my reasons for wanting to find the old thing, but alas regret that they cannot supply the info willy nilly* and therefore can't help me. Sorry. Arse biscuits. So any other ideas?

*I may have paraphrased slightly.

Click to expand...

Short of sticking a parking agency some money to find out for you on the dodgy sneak via the dvla, I think making amends with your old "mate" might be the fastest way, if he is of the variety to not instantly lose paperwork at least. Otherwise go with the other suggestions and start trawling the various forums asking about, persistence is key!