Minor convertible

[Reedy1]

Hi all new to the group, we are looking to buy this car LXS439
Listed as an 1952 convertable. Anybody in the club have any information on this car? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Currant owner does not know a lot about the car

[geoberni]

Well the first thing I would say is learn all about the differences between factor build convertibles and converted 2dr saloons.
The latter can suffer structurally if it wasn't done properly due to lack of reinforcement in appropriate areas.
Get the VIN /Chassis Number and compare it to the details on this website: https://potteries.mmoc.org.uk/ID/Chassis.htm

Assuming it's after April, when the ID Plates changed, if it's a factory one it will start with FC, if it's a saloon conversion it will be FB.

I looked it up on the DVLA site and they have First Reg in 1984. The current owner must be very nonchalant about the car if they've never wondered where it was for 32 years....
It could be a rebuild and the original history lost, or it could have been an export, even to somewhere like Channel islands, NI or Eire.

I'm sure some convertible owners will be along soon with further advice.

[Mr Spigot]

There's an LXS 437 on the Morris Register, a 1936 12/4. Sounds like yours has had a number plate transfer which may explain the 1984 DVLA registration date. Definitely one to check.

[mobylette]

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1863703

[mike1864]

Wow. Apart from the cheesegrater grille it's the spitting image of my 56 Series 2, both being in Sandy Beige.
If you can, post some photos of the bottom of the B pillar and the ends of the dash to (help) confirm its factory convertible status.
PS I think the wheels should be the same colour as the body.

[Reedy1]

Thanks for all the advice

[geoberni]

There's an LXS 437 on the Morris Register, a 1936 12/4. Sounds like yours has had a number plate transfer which may explain the 1984 DVLA registration date. Definitely one to check.

XS is Paisley, so a likely candidate for an Age Related, but that alone wouldn't justify the First Registered Date.
More likely it was resurrected from somewhere but unable to have a past registration satisfactorily proven to DVLA requirements.

Personally I think that is a failing with the DVLA transfer of records when they took over; they didn't make Chassis numbers 'searchable' on their archive, only the Registrations. I guess it was too big an ask in the days of punchcards and tape reels.