Tracing a vehicle's history

[Greenstag]

Evening

I know some of you have been able to trace or are considering tracingthepast owners of your cars and gain some insight into past modifications, repairs, replacements etc so I thought I'd try and pick your brains over this.

I have just received from the DVLA a VQ7 which lists allthe previous owners back to 1976. I'm number 7.I now intend to write a covering letter to each address explainingwhat I'm trying to achieveand apologising if the letter is mis directed, untimely or inappropriate. (I'm thinking some of these people might be dead!)

Then I'm going to include a blank proforma that makes enquiries regarding different areas of the car that might have had major work done on them. This is where I need the help. What do you think I should list? So far I've thought of:

Cylinder heads, timing chains, water pump,radiator, clutch, gearbox, diff, ignition system, panel replacement, welding, respray, suspension

All ideas from all forum members gratefully accepted (hope you enjoyed Stoneleigh)

David

[Ian F]

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David

I tried this with my Stag, and it had only had 4 previous owners. I even wrote to the 2 garages that had done most of the MOT's over the years, enclosed Stamped addressed envelopes and everything.

Response - virtually NIL.

1 developer rang to say the garage was no more - he was building flats and that was it.

I would keep it very simple, then if you get a response - you could call them or write again and ask more questions. Make the contact first?

Hope you have more luck than me.

Ian F

p.s Anyone on her know RYL 984L - spent 20-25 years in Chiswick and Kew area before coming up North?

[Greenstag]

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Cheers Ian...like your idea of contactingthe MOT garages.It transpires that the car was actually owned by 3 different garages in the North Wales area over a 14 year period. Might be an excuse for a blast out to Wales.

[STAG1973]

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I agree with Ian F keep it simple, you don`t know what may turn up, i quite like the idea of a heritage certificate which you can get from gaydon for a modest price.

Good luck on you hunting let us know if you have any joy

Adrian

[martin]

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Hi Adrian, I've got my heritage certificate, I don't know about a moderate price though ? Martin.

[mickl]

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Hi David



I did this a few years ago and got about four replys, I spoke to the person who had the car restored in 89/90, also I had a great email from the third owner who knew the previuos 2 owners and told me some great stories, he even invited me to visit with the car if I was down in cornwall, also spoke to the first owner who had the car for 10 years, it turns out he was offered a brand new Stag engine by his local /supplying dealer after production halted but he had nowhere to put it!!.

I kept it simple, just asked people to contact me via mobile/email or landline most people have hazy memories of a car they had 20 odd years ago.Luckily the people I spoke to I considered the most relevant in the cars history ie first owner, owner who changed from auto to manual and owner who restored the car.



If you would like a copy of the letter I sent out PM me



Good luck



Mick L

[Greenstag]

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Hi Mick

Thanks for the offer I've sent you a PM

David

[BJackson]

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I've just traced my car's history with the DVLA, it started out in Saville row London on 11/5/78 then on 5/6/78 it was re-sold to the same company at the same address under a slightly different company name. I guess they must have gone bust:shock:, who says Stags are expensive.

And yes i know what your all thinking the Stag starts out in Posh Saville row and end up in Wigan , poor bl%%dy car:P:P

[STAG1973]

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I have known my car for nearly 20 years it belong to my school friends dad who owned it since 1980 28 years ownership thats dedication, fully restored 1990 - 1992

I would like to track the cars first 7 years, i think it would be worth doing just to complete the history file of the car.

Adrian