Sadly, an SVA is required by law if you fall within it's grasp.
Any car that is modified with donor engine, gearbox, suspension, axles etc... WILL need an SVA.
The process works on a points system - the only exclusions are for customisation done before some date (can't remember the arbitary year but it was a long time ago). Therefore unless your project was modified donkeys years ago (and you ahve some proof of it) then you are legally required to go for an SVA.
I've never done it, but if you can proove that all the parts are the same vintage, then I 'heard' that you're allowed to keep your tax exempt status.
As regards bucking the system, - I certainly wouldn't advise it, however Minors are less likely to raise a red flag in the system.
Land-Rovers on the other hand are checked far far more often.
probably quite a few A series minors would fall victim to this one.
yup - and a fair few would get in hot water

Ray. MMOC#47368. Forum moderator.
Jan 06: The Minor SII Africa adventure:
http://www.minor-detour.com
Oct 06: back from Dresden with my Trabant 601 Kombi
Jan 07: back from a month thru North Africa (via Timbuktu) in a S3 Landy
June 07 - back from Zwickau Trabi Treffen
Aug 07 & Aug 08 - back from the Lands End to Orkney in 71 pickup
Sept 2010 - finally gave up breaking down in a SII Landy...
where to break down next?
2013... managed to seize my 1275 just by driving it round the block
