AC COBRA1983 · 3.5L Petrol

The 1983 AC Cobra presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, confirmed by the most recent MOT test on 19 June 2025 at 10,529 miles which recorded no defects. Prior to this, the 18 July 2024 test at 10,384 miles also passed cleanly. The only blemish in the record is a failure on 11 July 2024 at 10,316 miles, yet the DVSA entry shows no defects recorded, indicating the failure arose from administrative or presentation issues rather than mechanical fault, with the vehicle passing seven days later. Mileage accumulation across the history is exceptionally low for a 43-year-old vehicle. The odometer moved from 9,779 miles at the 22 June 2022 test to 10,529 miles by June 2025, a total of 750 miles over three years or roughly 250 miles per annum. The largest single-year movement was 419 miles between June 2023 and July 2024. Such minimal use suggests long periods of storage, with no rapid accumulation or concerning gaps in testing intervals. Given the clean advisory history and absence of flagged suspension bushes, brake discs, coil springs, or corrosion items, the MOT record implies careful preservation by prior keepers. Low mileage combined with standing time typically risks perished rubber components, seized calipers, and structural rust beneath sills or chassis rails despite a spotless test sheet. A buyer should physically inspect the chassis and outriggers for hidden corrosion, verify brake calipers are free and not binding after storage, and check tyres and flexible hoses for age cracking. The 2024 failure with no listed defect warrants confirmation that the V5 and identification matched at test. The Cobra shows no worsening trend, but static age-related degradation remains the key risk.