Chris A

For the wire I used 2.5mm with a 20A fuse. I also use a compressor hence the high fuse rating.

Hi Robin I wanted to do the same with my 13/60. I opted for a connection direct to the battery, easier to wire, plus an in line fuse. You need to remember that the circuit will still draw current even without the ignition on or key in, so don’t forget to unplug whatever you use the socket for. To keep the ‘authentic’ look of the inside of the car I fitted the socket under the dash so it isn’t easily visible, the model I chose has a waterproof cover for added protection. The GPS unit I use in the Herald is an old hand-me-down so I can claim it’s the original factory option

Hi Thescrapman I don’t know if the cost differs between a getting an imported old car registered with the Carte Grise Normale compared to a Carte Grise Collection. I chose the CGC for the reasons stated, even if the normal one is cheaper the difference wouldn’t be more than a couple of tanks of petrol. There used to be geographic restrictions on where a car with a CGC could be taken in France, don’t know what they were. A couple of years ago it was revoked. I doubt if the French are as fussy as the Germans, the only thing the FFVE seem to be concerned with is the engine being the same power/type as originally fitted. The exterior photos that have to be supplied would only show up major bodywork modifications. From what I’ve seen on the forum a high percentage of Heralds on the roads in Britain wouldn’t get a CGC as they have larger engines fitted, they would have to go for the CGN option. At the end of the day the differences between the two will be important to some owners and of no interest to others.

Salut Vivian I am in the process of having a Herald bought in the UK issued with French registration documents. It isn’t unduly complicated, but there again I have been living here for over 20 years, taken French nationality and worked for French companies, but a little time and patience is needed. In my case I want to have the car listed as a ‘voiture de collection’ rather than just an old car. The advantages of doing this are that the Contrôle Technique (MOT) only has to be taken every 5 years not 2, and is less demanding. An insurance company can’t declare the car a right-off in the event of an accident. Although the registration that will be given to the car will be the new format I will have the right to fit old fashioned pressed aluminium plates not the modern reflective type, for me this is a big plus as it helps keep the car looking correct in my eyes. If you want to simply register your car over here there will be less paperwork I am sure but the route will be similar. To get the Carte Grise Collection (registration document) you will need your UK registration papers, of course. Step 1: Go to a tax office that deals with VAT armed with the car’s paperwork something which proves your identity; I had my French identity card. The form they fill in is to show there is no VAT due on the imported car, being old the car is exempt but you need the VAT form REC 1993 filled in by them. The information needed is all on the UK paperwork plus note the mileage, the form is free and only takes a few minutes to complete. My local office obviously doesn’t get many requests as they had to use a copy already completed as a guide. Step2: Download the form and notes from the FFVE site fill it in, a bit fiddly as it is designed for all sorts of vehicles from within and outside the EEC. Again most of the information needed is on your UK papers. The photos are important they are to show the car is sort of original, a snag for instance would be if your car had a V8 fitted instead of the original motor; if this is the case you might have to go for the ‘old car’ not ‘classic car’ Carte Grise. Although they asked for just 2 photos of the car itself I sent more – I know how to play the French system, if they ask for 1 document give them 3 ! Step 3: Make sure you include all the copies of documents asked for plus the cheque for 60 Euros. Send it off and wait. The delay being quoted when I sent mine off at the beginning of March was 10 weeks, it was 6 weeks, because they are getting so many applications incorrectly filled in or missing copies of documents. While this is going through you can insure your car here on UK plates with a French company. Not all companies will accept UK plates though; I found one that does for a maximum period of 6 months to give time to sort out the paperwork. Step 4: This will be my next move when I get the “attestation” back from the FFVE showing the car is a classic. Contrôle Technique, armed with everything, including the kitchen sink and cupboards, I will either go to the local test centre if they can cope with classic if not there is one 30 minutes away that, allegedly, can cope. Fingers crossed the car will pass, I am going to play the ‘this is the model of car I learnt to drive in 1970’ to distract them if necessary. Also important to make sure they mark the validity of the CT for 5 not 2 years. Step 5: Finally the last hurdle, with everything French & English I will be off to the Sous Prefecture to get the Carte Grise and once I have that in my hands its round to the local car spares shop for the plates. Simple really.

Hi Anthony I've just got time to check any new posts and feed the cats before setting off, I'll be off line until Wednesday pm. I've been to Bagnoles several times and I feel young compared to the average age of the others meandering around. The first time we passed through Bagnoles we had no idea of what it was. It was like a ghost town by 8.30 pm

Hi Anthony It seems odd saying that I feel I am talking to myself, OK so I do talk to myself but that is different. You live in the far left of the Orne while I live in the far right of the same department. Another 10 Kms and I not only leave the department but also the region to end up in the Sarthe, the home of Le Mans. My partner is currently in Bagnoles de L’Orne for her annual 3 week “cure” so I get to spend a couple of days per week there as well, in fact I’m off again tomorrow until Wednesday and will be taking Ruby, my 13/60, which I am still getting used to. The last time I drive a 13/60 was in 1970 for driving lessons & test. The journey is great, hardly any traffic, quiet roads, lovely open countryside a real pleasure. Unless it is actually raining the top will be down even if it means gloves and woolly hat need to be worn in addition to my flying jacket – can’t afford a spitfire. I am going to use this week’s run to check out the accuracy of the milometer, I know how far it is according to my modern car so want to do a comparison to have a sound footing for calculating fuel consumption. Not that I have any reason to doubt that it is anything but acceptable. Good luck with the vitesse Chris

Bonjour I’ve only just started looking at this forum so t is only today I spotted this thread. I live in the Orne, Basse Normandie, and have done since 1994. I have a 13/60 convertible, since the end of February. There is a French Triumph owners club with a forum – not as active as this but still worth following. http://www.triumph-club-de-france.fr/home The Normandy section has its first outing on the 28th of the month & I hope to pay them a visit. Unfortunately I have another engagement that day so can’t do the whole run even though they are in the same area as I will be; I need my modern car with more carrying space. There are quite a few Triumphs in France, it seems to me the TRs & Stags are the most numerous with Heralds being a rare animal. By the way did you know that the 13/60 was badged as “Britt” over here?