Registering an imported S3

[Nick20/50]

Hi everybody,
New member and first posting, so bear with me...

I've just completed a rebuild of an S3/S3A import and now need to set about getting it registered. I bought it last November, and it came with a printout of an email from HM Rev&Customs which shows it has been through the NOVA procedure, and says that I can now apply to DVLA. I have the V55/5 form already, and I know I need to insure it and get it MOT'd, but there are a few things I'm not clear on. I'm sure lots of you have been through this, but it's all new to me, so I'd be grateful for any advice, comments or general wisdom.

Firstly, I need proof of it's age. I gather the club can supply that, but how do I go about it?
Obviously I want to get an age-related plate - will that happen automatically if I supply DVLA with proof of age?
Second, do I need type approval or MSVA, and if so how do I get that?
Last (for now, anyway), it should be eligible for free tax, so do I need to register it as 'historic', and again will DVLA do this automatically based on it's age? I can't see anywhere on the V55 to give that information.

As an aside, when I bought it, it had the original manufacturer's label on the headstock that said June '74, which makes it an S3, but according to the frame and engine numbers it's a '75 S3A. Can anyone cast any light on that....?

Thanks guys.

[SAM]

Welcome Nick. Plenty of others in the surrounding area. Call me if you want to talk S3s.

[SERPICO]

PM Rick Brett who will do an age related certificate for you that the DVLA will accept. The DVLA will issue a number plate as per the year on the certificate. Fill out the V55 with the information that you know, anything else leave blank. When you send off the form just pay the fee (£55 I think from memory). Include a covering letter explaining that the vehicle is eligable for historic tax status. Then wait and see what they do. You will either get a log book issued or they may come back to you with a question or two.
Good luck.

The age related certificate will reveal whether you have an S3 or S3a. Of course the big question is, have you got the paint right?

[Nick20/50]

Thanks, that's really helpful. I'll get moving on that and keep my fingers crossed.

As for the paint I went for the S3A scheme in (candy?) green. Not sure if that's absolutely correct, but I preferred that to the S3 options.

[Neil the Don]

Nick ,
The model year production for Triples begins halfway through the previous year.

Hence your numbers that indicate an 1975 S3A Are probably fairly low ? As in near beginning of production run...................which then will make more sense of your VIN tag telling you it's not a 75 , but made in 74 . Geddit ?

And , I can concur that Nick's paint scheme is bang on correct colour !!M for an S3A !!

[Nick20/50]

Ok, thanks Neil, that makes sense. According to the frame and engine numbers listed on kawtriple.com mine is quite early in the run, so would fit with the June '74 manufacturer's sticker. So mine is an S3A but made in '74. At least it qualifies for free road tax.