Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Trade in and chassis number

I have come to the point where a decision has to be made. Do I make mods to my present Morgan or trade up. To this end I recently test drove a 2006 plus4. I needed to have an idea as to the trade in value of my car. Pictures and details sent off. The reply has kind of flumoxed me. They only accdept trade ins of cars with 17 digit chassis numbers, mine has 5. I would have to own two cars whilst they tried to sell mine for me. Or they could sell mine and then I could buy another car. Of course the one I wanted would by that time have gone. Has anyone else come across this.

John who is "they" ?

Allon White took our 1985 car in Part Ex when we traded up to a new Morgan. They were a delight to deal with in this respect and offered us a substantially better deal than one other dealer. Sadly they don't have a 2006 era +4 for sale at present.

I'm guessing not a Morgan dealer John?

It was a Morgan dealer. Richard Thorne.

Does anyone know what year chassis numbers went from 5 to 17.

Hi John,
The 17 digit number is for the international VINnumber. I think Morgan adopted it when they gained full EU approval in 1998.
Your experience is concerning as the dealer regularly advertises in Miscellany saying they are in need of new stock! Not as keen asthey make out? Surprising as they also advertise 1960 plus 4s that will not have 17 digit numbers!
They I pressume, will also offer the suit case promotion if you buy a new Morgan.There is a message there.
The Morgan world is changing, but there are still friendly dealers out there, who have been around since the 70's,and are not put off by a 4 digit chassis number, but they may be a dying breed!
Best of luck with your decisions
Clive

Check the Morganville Registry.

Could there have been some other reason rtcc didn't want to take it on?

No other reason. It was stated that the finance company they deal with laid down these rules.