1800: Number Plates

[VolvoFan]

What is the correct style of number plate for the front of a 1972 car? Should it be a pressed aluminium plate with a black background with raised silver characters, or an aluminium plate white reflective background and black plastic (separate) characters?

Thanks.

[Triple-S]

My '72 P1800 has pressed metal plates with silver characters which look original but the car did have a photographed record of its rebuild a few years ago (by previous owner). Of course the modern reflective plates can be used on any car - even seen them on veterans on the London - Brighton run, but hardly in keeping!
Upon looking on the 'net some had raised perspex-type digits on that black metal background but check the sizes - earlier cars might have had bigger digits, and even older cars had faded yellow raised digits - not sure on that so best to search the 'net.

P

[Tomoose]

I found this, does it help?

[cassell]

If I remember correctly vehicles registered before 1st January 1973 are permitted to use black and silver number plates with 3 1/8" digits, either pressed or plastic riveted ones.

On that basis some 'L' registered vehicles are OK if they were registered after 1st August 1972 whereas they need reflective plates if registered from January 1973.

I'm fairly sure it's the 'registered' date that governs this, not the 'manufactured' date, but I may be wrong?

[Uplander]

I bought a set from Classic Plates Online for my 1969 1800S as shown in the photograph and the website states these are correct for pre 1975.

Simon

(PS if it looks crooked it's the bumper - needs some fettling!)

[cassell]

I've just checked the current rules, basically if a vehicle is in the 'historic vehicle - free road tax' category and registered before 1st January 1975, black and silver plates are now permitted.

Presumably this concession will continue on a rolling basis as the 'historic status - nil VED' moves forward?

https://www.heritagecarinsurance.co....-number-plate/

[VolvoFan]

Thanks to all respondents. I now have the answer. What a helpful website this is!

[dingov70]

From my Big Book of Words (MOT inspection manual for class 3,4,5 & 7 Vehicles )
Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1977 may have registration plates displaying white, grey or silver characters on a black background.

You may choose to fit standard white / yellow plastic plates for daily use & keep early style for show days you choose , it's your car .

[Dibble]

Originally Posted by VolvoFan

What is the correct style of number plate for the front of a 1972 car? Should it be a pressed aluminium plate with a black background with raised silver characters, or an aluminium plate white reflective background and black plastic (separate) characters?

Thanks.

If I remember correctly a car registered up to 'J' Plate, 1972, is permitted to have the black background/silver characters and this is illegal on any vehicle newer than that which must be the white front/yellow rear reflective plates.

[Triple-S]

I think your age/reg suffix is wrong: my 164 is 'L' suffix, was registered in Dec 1972 but a '73 model and has been wearing pressed shiny alloy letters on a black background most of this century.
My 1800ES is also an 'L' suffix and dates from March 1973 and had similar style plates fitted by the previous owner who supplied a photographic restoration, from a decade ago.

P