A car restorer and his wife have written and performed a song inspired by his frustrations with the DVLA over a “barn find” he has been working on.  

Bob Hale is currently working on a 1953 Rover P4 which hadn’t been driven in decades until he bought her last summer and managed to get her running again.  

His story was previously featured in the Ely Standard as he is keen to have the 70-year-old car reunited with her original number plate of DEB 261. 

But the DVLA hasn't been able to complete the registration because the government agency no longer has vehicle records from before everything was computerised.  

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Also, the previous owner is unable to find the original logbook and nobody can prove the number plate is the original registered with the car.  

Instead, Bob has been issued with the alternative number plate of SXS 989. 

While it may not be an entirely satisfactory outcome, he has channeled those frustrations into writing a song with his wife Brenda about his struggles with the DVLA.  

Swansea - why can't you see?

The couple uploaded the track to YouTube, with Brenda playing the mandolin and Bob an auto harp that was made in Sutton, near Ely. 

It is titled “Swansea, why can’t you see?”

The first verse goes: "No use crying, Talking to Swansea

"About the number plate they stole from me  

"It’s a barn-find Rover car, made in nineteen fifty three  

"Oh Swansea why can’t you see..."

Ely Standard: The 1953 Rover P4 with her new number plate of SXS 989, recently issued by the DVLA. The 1953 Rover P4 with her new number plate of SXS 989, recently issued by the DVLA. (Image: Bob Hale)

Speaking about the situation, Bob said: “I'm really annoyed that Swansea has taken the number plate off the car.  

“When I’m driving her on public roads, I’ll put the number plate they recently issued me with over the top of the original for now.  

“When she’s being driven on private land, I’ll display her original plate. One day, I hope she’ll be able to permanently be DEB 261 once again.”

Registering an old vehicle 

The DVLA says applicants may be able to register an old vehicle under its original registration number if it has never been registered before, or it has an age-related registration plate.     

To do this, there are a number of steps to follow.    

These involve completing application forms, getting the application endorsed by a vehicle owners’ club and providing evidence that links the number plate with the vehicle such as a logbook. 

If successful, the DVLA will issue a V5C and the original registration number.

Ely Standard: Car restorer Bob Hale hopes the Rover P4 will one day be able to be registered as DEB 261 once again. Car restorer Bob Hale hopes the Rover P4 will one day be able to be registered as DEB 261 once again. (Image: Supplied by Bob Hale)

Unfortunately, for Bob, he was only able to secure an alternative registration.     

Nevertheless, he continues to document the extensive restoration by taking hundreds of photographs and uploading YouTube videos about his progress.  

Bob said: “I’m not making the car look new and modern, I don't see the point in that.  

“I want this to be a respectful restoration, and to get her looking as good as she did when first on the road.” 

The Rover P4's life story

Since the Ely Standard featured Bob’s story earlier this year, he has learned a lot more about the car's background too.  

Ely Standard: The 1953 Rover P4 had been stored unused in a barn in Queen Adelaide, near Littleport, for decades. The 1953 Rover P4 had been stored unused in a barn in Queen Adelaide, near Littleport, for decades. (Image: Supplied by Bob Hale)

Bob, who lives in Euston, near Thetford, said: “After the article went into the paper, the owner I bought her from phoned me up and told me I’d got much of her story completely wrong! 

“I knew the car had been used for a wedding, because there were strings on the visors where the ribbons would’ve been tied. 

“But it wasn’t the former owner’s cousin, it was his sister who was the bride!

"So I’ve been in touch with her and her husband to see if they have any photographs to connect the car’s number plate.  

“Unfortunately, there isn’t - but it was very kind of them to look for me.” 

Bob added: “The owner also said he remembered looking in the logbook years ago and his grandad was actually the second owner. Someone called Mr Pearson was the first. 

“It has been fascinating to try and piece her story together. My detective work will continue, and I’ll carry on with making my enquiries.” 

Ely Standard: Bob has been thoroughly documenting the car's restoration. One part of the car is marked with T.H. Nice of Ely. Bob has been thoroughly documenting the car's restoration. One part of the car is marked with T.H. Nice of Ely. (Image: Supplied by Bob Hale)

See the car on display this summer

Bob has also booked the Rover P4 into the Prickwillow Engine Museum’s 9th Annual Vintage/Classic Car Day which will take place on June 18.  

“I thought it would generate a lot of interest because the car is from that area,” he said.  

Last year, Bob was showing his rare 1950 P4 Cyclops when the former owner of DEB 261 first approached him about the car. 

“Everyone now knows the rest of the story,” he laughed.  

Ely Standard: Brenda Hale, left, and her husband Bob, performing their song inspired by the DVLA.Brenda Hale, left, and her husband Bob, performing their song inspired by the DVLA. (Image: YouTube)

Brenda added: “Bob’s done so well with the restoration.  

“She runs well, sounds well... And I know it would make him so happy if she could one day have her original number plate.”   

  • If you can help, call Bob on 07747 102305 or email bmbowregard@gmail.com. He is also documenting the restoration on his YouTube channel ‘bjhale’.