Phoned DVLA again, got helpful chap who after he'd done some looking explained that "the old type log book will not work with the automated system!" (it's a V5C from 7/09), so he SORN'd it and said he'sd send me a new log book!

My recollection is that V5C forms have been updated and replaced at least once since 2009.

One on line source suggests they were replaced in 2014:

www.car.co.uk/media/blogs/general/what-is-a-v5c-lo...k

Reasoning given is that a theft of blank V5 forms was fuelling scams.

2014 roughly tallies with my experience as at the time I was running an 05 car and received a new V5C in the post.

The form has been updated again in 2019 but, it seems, only for newly issued versions.

I wonder how many cars have evolved, unrestored and regularly used by a single owner, from daily workhorse to historic vehicle? Clearly a tribute to the excellence of British design and engineering!

John, presumably you are asking this question about British cars ? I am on the cusp of taking ownership of (yet) another 205, from the lady who bought it new in 1991 (when she was 24). If it survives as long as your TR7, it won't be an example of British design or engineering.

<< I will be interested to know if it (and possibly you......and I) survives for another 11 yrs, when it will be the same age as my TR7. Do keep us posted (assuming this site still exists!) >>

Realistically I am not putting money on whether I shall survive another 11 years, as I would be 94; and if I do I will quite likely not be driving. On the other hand, a contemporary of my parents drove every summer from Luton to visit his son in Provence until he was 100, when he was feted in the local French paper as 'le centenaire'.

This Peugeot, however, may be unique in having had only one owner, always been licensed, and in special order black paint from new. Now a fairly trendy colour, black was never common on a 205, except perhaps for some GTI's - I'm not sure.

This Peugeot, however, may be unique in having had only one owner, always been licensed, and in special order black paint from new. Now a fairly trendy colour, black was never common on a 205, except perhaps for some GTI's - I'm not sure.

Sounds good. Mileage? Number of oil changes;-?

Mileage 77K. Oil changes, will let you know when I get all the paperwork.

How did you manage to find such a unique car Andrew?

Well, since you ask - as a member of Club Peugeot UK, I put a Wanted ad on their website asking for a 205 with a 1.4 engine. After about a week the seller emailed saying her car 'ticked all the boxes', which it did. It must have been a fluke, because she is not a CPUK member so must have googled somehow. My theory, based on little bits of evidence, is that this car now moves very rarely and her neighbours have started to mutter that it lowers the tone. She has another car which does what she needs, but she is determined (not sure why) that all faults must be fixed before sale, and seems unaware that 205 prices are rising, even for everyday versions.