On the registration front, even if it had been first registered with the private plate, when this was removed (assuming this has been done correctly via DVLA, although from your description of the seller, that may be questionable!) an age related plate would be assigned and a new V5 sent to the registered keeper. Jonathan

2007 Defender 90 XS Hardtop

I’m pretty sure you can get the dvla assigned current registration, by applying for a log v5 (v62 form) with the chassis number and a log book green tear off. Which had the old reg. interesting story… but sounds like the figures are not realistic… especially given the current climate of Range Rover prices and glut of available cars….people are giving them away… almost.

JCW wrote:

On the registration front, even if it had been first registered with the private plate, when this was removed (assuming this has been done correctly via DVLA, although from your description of the seller, that may be questionable!) an age related plate would be assigned and a new V5 sent to the registered keeper.

Exactly this... (or at least it has been the 3 or 4 times I've done it ) Andrew.

Thinking about it, I believe a plate transfer can only be completed if the vehicle has a current MOT and I think you mentioned this isn’t the case.

Perhaps the sellers are under the impression that unscrewing the plates from the car is sufficient to retain the registration! Jonathan

2007 Defender 90 XS Hardtop

Thanks all

I don't think I'll ever hear any more from the owners, so won't discover what happened about the registration.

To retain the plate, it needs to be MOTd or on SORN; a current MOT is needed if the car’s in the historic tax class or has been on SORN for more than five years.

If its original plate is on retention, it will have been issued a new age-related one.