John 07, I suspect you are correct in terms of the required date of the identity required to display non-reflective plates being first registered pre 1963 . At one time the chassis alone was that which was required to identify the vehicle, though I believe much has changed since then, to the extent that a percentage of parts may now be required to be contained within the recreation in order to retain it`s original registration...
Shades of old Number One again...?
