This thread seems to have run it's course already...since I'm on the digest,
I'm often a couple days behind on some discussions. But I thought I'd weigh in
with my experience anyway, for whatever it's worth.
I bought a completely restored 1965 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle last
summer...every bit taken apart, cleaned, repainted, restored, etc...sounding
much like Jeff's Mk.III. It included a BRAND NEW set of Smith's
Tach/Speedo/Odometer, obviously with the mileage set at 0. Also obviously this
36 year old bike technically had more than 0 miles on it. The man who restored
it said it had about 40,000 miles on it when he started the project. But to
him and me, the buyer, it was as if starting from new. I had no problem with
the fact that the odometer was at 0, nor did the Virginia DMV when I titled it.
I simply checked the box that said the odometer mileage did not reflect the
actual mileage on the vehicle. There wasn't even any additional question about
it from the clerk at the DMV. And I like the fact that I'm keeping track of
the mileage since restoration.
I would imagine that most, if not all DMV's make allowances regarding restored
antique or collectable cars. It's not as if this is an uncommon occurrence.
Nor would I think any knowledgeable potential buyer could be led to believe
that a 35 year old Spitfire would have such low original mileage if you ever
decided to sell it.
Stuart
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