Black & White number plates

[Bob Heritage]

According to the latest FBHVC newsletter, the black & white/silver number plates no longer become illegal on cars registered after January 1973. They are part of the historic status of the car and roll on with the 40 year exemption

[Dave M]

That's interesting Bob as I tried to get a new silver on black front plate made for mine on Sunday at Malvern TR weekend and they wouldn't do one as Im on a P reg,they wouldn't even do it as a show plate. Couldn't argue with them as I know on my car they are illegal but I wonder what their reaction would have been if my car had been a 74 year model.

[mjheathcote]

Had black and white number plates on my '74 illegally for the last 25 years....never been a problem!

[thebadleys]

DVLA Leaflet INF 104 states

Traditional number plates for vehicles madebefore 1 January 1973[/COLOR]
Vehicles made before 1 January 1973 may displaytraditional ’black and white’ number plates (for example,white, silver or grey characters on a black plate).

[Always wanted a Stag]

I've had the pre '73 plates on my Stag which is an October '73 car with no problem to date (touch wood).

I've flicked through the issue 2 and issue 3 versions of the FBHVC 2015 news but I can't see anything.

Am I looking at the wrong publications ?

Is there a issue 4 that is not available to non-FBHVC members

Or do I need to go to Specsavers ?

The newsletters that I've found are at the link:

http://fbhvc.co.uk/members-pages/newsletter-archive/

Thanks

Paul

[DJT]

Is it only me who thinks black/white/silver plates look wrong on a Stag? The reflective plates were introduced before the Stag was launched, so it is most unlikely that any Stags were originally fitted with the 'old fashioned' plates. More likely the early Stags had reflective plates with plastic digits, with most having pressed reflective plates.

Yes, my first (K-reg) Stag had black plates, but they were on there when I bought it and I didn't see the need to change them at the time.

[Always wanted a Stag]

Is it only me who thinks black/white/silver plates look wrong on a Stag? The reflective plates were introduced before the Stag was launched, so it is most unlikely that any Stags were originally fitted with the 'old fashioned' plates. More likely the early Stags had reflective plates with plastic digits, with most having pressed reflective plates.

Yes, my first (K-reg) Stag had black plates, but they were on there when I bought it and I didn't see the need to change them at the time.

Yes, I agree with you even though I fitted the black/white/silver plates to my October '73 car (albeit to replace VERY modern made plates with dealer website address etc).

Back in 1973 a neighbour of ours had his new car fitted with the 'old style' plates to made it more difficult to be seen if he was doing something a 'touch naughty'.
And he was the local vicar.

But when funds allow (I'm out of work at the moment) I'll be looking to change to reflective plates, ideally with the raised, riveted digits to make the car more in line with how it was, back in the day.

But, I'll keep the other mods including the upgraded Radiomobile with blue tooth, the electronic indicator warning alarm etc ............ oh, and the dreaded Header Tank.

[mallardstag]

...it is most unlikely that any Stags were originally fitted with the 'old fashioned' plates. More likely the early Stags had reflective plates with plastic digits, with most having pressed reflective plates....

My Stag (1972 / K-reg) had black and white plates when delivered new.

[DJT]

My Stag (1972 / K-reg) had black and white plates when delivered new.

There is always the exception......

[GDPR]

Ahem..... press adverts for LD1?

[DJT]

Ahem..... press adverts for LD1?

Agreed Russ, but that was very early and not privately bought. My argument (which is always open to debate ) is that most Stags were bought by upwardly mobile execs or as second cars for the wealthy, and as such, would have been seen as a status symbol. Flashy new-style reflective plates would have been the choice for the majority. Not 50's style black ones that nearly every Ford Pop, A35 and Moggy Thou had.

[Pirate]

I have black plates on my '72 Stag and think they look quite fetching - not sure if it was originally supplied with black plates, but gives a nice 'period look' against modern cars.

IMG_2380.jpg

[GDPR]

Agreed Russ, but that was very early and not privately bought. My argument (which is always open to debate ) is that most Stags were bought by upwardly mobile execs or as second cars for the wealthy, and as such, would have been seen as a status symbol. Flashy new-style reflective plates would have been the choice for the majority. Not 50's style black ones that nearly every Ford Pop, A35 and Moggy Thou had.

Interesting view Dave, and hard to argue against...

[Neil W]

The FBHVC may have a 'inside' nod from the All Party Historic Vehicles Group car lot - MP Greg Knight ( our local MP but ... ) who campained for the rolling Tax Exception - but also the abolition of the MOT for pre 1960 car ( not a good idea ).

See news letter below & the jolley time they have.

http://www.historicvehicles.org.uk/hvg3.php

Would think it will take a change in the Road Traffic Act to change the Law on Number Plate Type / reflective etc.( another cost for what purpose )

The Police & MOT Stations inforce this law - all to do with traffic cameras - mostly the young chaps with street cars with the wrong number plate being displayed are fined for B&W on Sub Impr's.

I see the posts where the B&W Plates are fitted to post 73 cars - I would change my MOT station as they are not strict enough & it is part of the MOT Check list the number plate type / reflective / damage / safety.

Neil

[richard w]

My '72 Stag has black and silver plates. Had them when I bought it and I never saw any need to change them - I've got better things to waste my money on!

The 2000 ('68) has still got its original black and white plates, at least I assume they're the original ones - they're scruffy enough!

Richard