Found a donor - how to get it home?

[DStanley1809]

I need to get my new donor car to my house from 15 miles away. I've been trying to find out the legality of towing it with either a rope or a bar (I have either readily available) but it seems to be a bit of a grey area with regards to tax, MOT and insurance.

Some information says the car will considered a trailer if towed behind a car so won't need it's own tax etc but other information says to have any wheels on the road it will need it's own. This would mean I need a trailer.

Does anybody have a definitive answer on this subject?

Thanks in advance,

David

[deezee]

If the vehicle is moving on the public highway it requires tax and MOT. The exceptions to this are if its going to a pre-booked MOT test. You need to put it on a trailer in order to move it. Hiring a car trailer costs around £40 per day.

[Bonzo]

Hi david

I guess a recovery truck would be the ultimate super safe choice.
Trailer (Braked) just as good too, provided you don't exceed your cars maximun GVW

Towing is a very grey area indeed !!??

Things I do know ..... Tow rope = Tax, insurance & mot required .... Towing pole = Tax, insurance & mot required.

Towing with an A frame, technically this converts the car into a trailer .... Grey area though, according to the caravan club lawyers .... The maximum weight of the car being towed on an A frame must not exceed the 750kg weight limit for an unbraked trailer

I don't know if the law has changed but in addition to taking a car to & from a MOT test without Tax & Mot ( Pre-booked )
You also were allowed to take vehicle to a pre booked place of repair to have MOT work done .
In either case, you will need to prove that you are covered by the relevant insurance & the vehicle must comply with certain safety standards .... No super slick tyres with the canvas showing, working brakes & generally in a fit state to drive.

After seeking advice from my local traffic police ( Didn't want to know & told me to contact VOSA )

VOSA advised the use of an A frame, This being contrary to caravan club advice

All of that said, I have towed cars 100's of mile's using my A frame, Spotted by many a traffic car & never had a pull .
At the end of the day, should I be towing with an A frame !!?? .... Probably not, in the event of a serious accident, questions would bound to be asked

[CaptainCrash1971]

You could try sweethearting a local mechanic to see if he would drive it for you on trade plates if the car is driveable.
You never know, could be worth a try.

[DStanley1809]

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind for the future. wasn't an issue in the end.

Got him down by £75, he threw in a spare gearbox, new clutch, dvd playing head unit AND delivered it to my door for free.

HPI clear, log book all in order, starts instantly (hot or cold), 2.0 DOHC non-abs with rear discs £275

[Bonzo]

Originally Posted by DStanley1809

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep it in mind for the future. wasn't an issue in the end.

Got him down by £75, he threw in a spare gearbox, new clutch, dvd playing head unit AND delivered it to my door for free.

HPI clear, log book all in order, starts instantly (hot or cold), 2.0 DOHC non-abs with rear discs £275

Well that is a big fat result .... Free delivery too

Off to a great start, enjoy your build

[twinturbo]

If it's got no ABS and rear disks it will have a 25MM Master cylinder. You probably want a smaller one. 25MM cylinders are worth quite a few ££

TT