Merlin Monro

Merlin Monro Kit Car. This kit was bought in 1984 and largely completed in 1987. when it was inspected by the Local Vehicle Licensing Office and passed for registration. There is no ambiguity over this fact. I have the supporting documentation. but for some reason or other the car was either not registered or the DVLA failed to enter it on their database.
The car is based around Ford Cortina MK 4 or 5 components and this one has the Ford Pinto 2 ltr engine fitted. The original owner paid £ 3. 23. 97 for the kit from Thoroughbred cars. who estimated that it would take around 200 hours to build the car. They also supplied a list of components needed from the donor car.

When I bought the car around 4 years ago I didn't realise that it had previously been inspected and I assumed it was an abandoned project. It was my intension to complete it and submit the car for an IVA test. however in the file which included t he original invoice for the car plus many bills incurred during the build I found the document from the Local Vehicle Licensing Office

and concluded that an IVA test was not necessary. The car remained in the garage until I had time to get around to it. which in time I did. Having been in storage for many years. I trailed it down to my local garage for the guys there to give it a thorough look over. It appeared to be virtually complete with many new parts. the chassis is as new and it runs and drives. The body will need repainting due to various scratches etc. but overall is is good. as it the chrome work. Little work would be needed to secure an mot.

It seemed that the way forward therefore was to write to the DVLA and apply for a registration document. I did this and came against the full weight of obstinate. obstructive. and useless civil servants. It would seem that they are not at all flexible and in the absence of an old mot or tax disc. the man ( woman in fact ) from Swansea she say no. Perhaps someone else would have more luck. but I had had enough.
So it was back to putting the car through an IVA or selling it. I'm opting for selling it as in reality I will need to get others to work on the car in order to get it ready for this inspection. It's an ideal project for a DIY enthusiast as it's a complete and running car. not a box of bits. Merlins were really good cars and are sought after. There are not a lot of them around and there is a good owners club.
In summary this is a virtually complete car. I have the interior trim and carpets ( not fitted ). The car does not have a hood. It runs well and in my opinion would not take a lot of money to prepare for an IVA providing you are hands on.

Want to buy this car?