01 OctFinding Your Car’s History

If you’re in the UK, you can complete a form the DVLA has called a “V888”. This is basically an information request form, and it can be used to get copies of all the previous V5’s (log books) your car has had over the years.

Crucially, this gives you the name and address of all the previous owners, during the period they owned your car. The service costs a very reasonable £5 to cover admin fees, and takes about 6 weeks to arrive (your mileage may vary).

Personally I found it excellent value for money, and using the name of a former keeper in google, I managed to track down my Spitfire’s second owner, who had it from 1980 to 1987 and was able to tell me many things about the car. Incredible!

To find the V888 form, click here: V888