Many years ago we had a GS 1300 wagon overseas which my wife liked very much and said that one day she would like a D series. Fast forward 25 years and last January I came across an ID19 that needed a new home. It had sat languishing for nearly 30 years but was very nearly complete, interior in good condition and rust free. The paintwork under all the dust looked poor but at least it covered the metal. Rather than spend years on a full restoration I decided to just recommission the car and enjoy it like that. After a couple of weeks the engine fired up and had good compression and oil pressure so it was left alone. Next came the electrics and hydraulics. What with COVID slowing freight deliveries and various lockdowns slowed the proceedings down. My aim was to have it ready for my wife’s birthday today. The last two weeks saw everything come together with it passing the registration inspection on Friday. It was too late to go to the registry so Saturday morning off I went. Disaster! The office was closed until further notice due to the earthquake. There was a mobile Service van in the car park but they could not process the registration. What can I do? The nearest Service Centre was 130 kms away. Nothing for it but to go home, get in a car and drive. Nearly two hours later I walked out of the registry with the plates in my hand to a very happy wife.