Commando factory records

Try Andover Norton, they have better late records but still with gaps.

Hi Eddy

I have just successfully established that my Mk 111 Commando was manufactured in 1977 even though it was first registered in February 1978.

After help and advice from Dave Catton (NOC Twin Records Officer), I got a copy of the original Despatch Records from Andover Norton for £16-67 + VAT and postage. This helped Dave certify that the bike was manufactured in 1977 and he issued an official Dating Letter, at a cost of £20.

So my Commando is now officially classed as an Historic Vehicle, after a 4 week wait from DVLA. Not only has this saved me money, but it also means that an MOT is no longer needed and I have added to the documentation for my Commando.

Best of luck with your quest

Pete

Not really sure why the DVLA wants an NOC certificate if you have confirmation from us, i.e. the historical part of Norton.

The NOC can but underwrite what we have in factual information.

As for the "gaps", we (Andover Norton) have all the original 850Mk3 books- the "Gaps" are in the 850pre-Mk3 era and 1973 750s. These records got lost and nobody has them.

I sent photos of the complete Commando along with photos of the engine number and frame number to NOC. They endorsed the photos and this proves that the bike is exactly as manufactured and not now part of a trike or bitsa.

As you say, Joe, I may well have had my application for Historic Vehicle classification passed without the NOC certificate but for the sake of £20 I was more than happy to add weight to my argument and try to speed things up with Swansea. That said, it still took 4 weeks to get my application approved.....

Vintage motor cycle club is a source of factory records, though you will have to become a member and then another £25 for the details. These records apparently, were held at the science museum.

On the DVLA website is a regularly updated pdf with a list of authorised dating services, Andover Norton is not on the list, the NOC and the VMCC are on the list. So the DVLA do not recognise AN dating certs hence the need for NOC confirmation. AN need to apply to get on the list.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/747909/v765x1-list-of-vehicle-owners-clubs.pdf

A dating certificate can different from a Factory record. Considering how many Factory records AN send out, this is the first we have heard. Often seen is the wrong dates on NOVA forms, check these as once the V5 is issued then it is a nightmare, bordering impossible, to change no matter how many Dating certs or factory records you have.