Thanks Keith. I plan to remain a member of the club in the hope that once life is a bit more settled, I might look for another (only this time, one that is in excellent condition and probably a Mk2!) I love the uncomplicated simplicity of the Farinas and I know them inside out now!

We are decluttering and planning a downsize so my Mk1 is in the firing line. She got me through a tricky patch in life and gave me something to focus on - not to mention experiencing the fantastic support and friendship the club has given me. I’ve listed it on eBay (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156144...

Well, maiden voyage today…….no leaks, nothing fell off, it stopped when I wanted her to.
Managed 45mph - not sure I’d want to go any faster than that though!
Steering a bit wayward and the rear suspension needs some attention, but seems to be a successful run for the first time in 40+ years!

Hi Sam - my number was 39 AOM, I just spotted the auction for the similar number and noted the starting price for bidding. I suspect the DVLA would likely have let me keep a 3 letter, 3 number (or vice versa) reg as they are worth less to them, but I suspect 39 AOM (like 39 DPM) would generate more ...

Well, here she is with her new number plates…… Just need to wait for the ice to thaw (and bleed the brakes again) I’ve noticed that the DVLA has an upcoming auction for 39 DPM, with a £1200 starting price. I really don’t think I’m going to get my original number back without shelling out vast sums o...

Hurrah! I had an email at 08:50 to say they didn’t need further evidence and an email just now (I gratefully responded to the first one and asked whether I could keep the original number): ‘Unfortunately it hasn’t been given the same registration mark. This decision was made by a different departmen...

Thanks Sid I did have this email this morning…from a team leader in specialist registrations ‘Good Morning, We are currently looking into your application and I will look into whether the vehicle does require an inspection or not. Please don’t be alarmed, your vehicle won’t be decommissioned. DVLA h...

Happy (belated) Xmas and a Happy New Year to you all! Well, here’s the latest episode in this saga….. I now have to get the car examined by Davies Motor Engineering on behalf of Applus Car Testing Service Ltd to ‘confirm [their] records are correct. So, it seems having Stoney go to the enormous trou...

Well, there is no mention of me keeping the original number - I assume this prolonged dance was just to get it re-registered (on another number)…… To be honest, it slipped my mind to ask her when she was on the phone. When I send it all back, I’ll pop another note in and ask sweetly if they would co...

Well, having secured a NOVA certificate to prove no import duties etc were due, and sent the whole lot back to the DVLA a fortnight ago - I get a call yesterday from the very pleasant person dealing with my application. She needs to send it all back to me because I didn’t supply the original heritag...