This documents section was included to record some thinking about the pleasure of researching the history and design of the Sprite, didn’t know much about the car before June 2020. It’s also an opportunity to share some of the sources that have found to be the most enlightening and entertaining.
A selection of the reference documentation.
Below are three of the most helpful, and original sources.
It would be impossible to include links to all of the websites that have been used, but here are three that are frequently visited for help.
Something of a dilemma, should the DVLA be mentioned? We probably should because the recent history of Rhubarb and Custard did not end when it arrived in the UK in October 2020. For us to enjoy our first drive on British roads (15th July 2021) we needed to register the car with the famous government department called the DVLA. Its eight week application turnround period thwarted our attempts on three occasions. First there was Insufficient evidence to prove the car’s age, evidence was gathered with the invaluable help of Mark at the Austin Healey Club to make a second application. This attempt required the organisation of an inspection of the car, further delays and an outcome of a further rejection based on, what boiled down to a non-original VIN Plate or to put it another way, the car ID plate looked too new! We then went back to the original November rejection. I submitted additional information that had by now been gathered. At last success.
Seven weeks three days later, the V5C Registration Certificate arrived. Within a few hours, registration plates had been ordered.
Three days later, at last we had a UK, age appropriate, registration number for what the DVLA have classed as our “Historic Vehicle”.
So nine months after arriving in the UK Rubarb and Custard has another new identity and can be legally enjoyed in the country of its birth. Its first little test drive.
Frogeye 