The most recent MOT, dated 27 June 2017 at 24,122 miles, shows a pass, but the record reveals a pattern of recurring structural corrosion and mechanical neglect rather than consistent upkeep. The vehicle failed on the same day for an unsecured front suspension upper ball joint nut and a headlamp aim fault, both rectified before the pass. Advisories from that test flagged corrosion on rear cross beam joiners and front radius arm uprights, all noted as not yet excessive. Comparing this to the 2016 failure, where prescribed area corrosion was excessive on the nearside front suspension beam and offside rear chassis leg, the trend suggests corrosion was actively worsening between 2016 and 2017, then stabilised only after repairs. The maintenance trend is therefore mixed, with serious structural issues addressed but underlying corrosion remaining a persistent concern.
The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 1977 vehicle, averaging roughly 492 miles per year. Between April 2016 at 23,518 miles and June 2017 at 24,122 miles, only 604 miles were covered in over a year. The recorded mileage has remained frozen at 24,122 miles since the 2017 test, meaning the vehicle has had no MOT or recorded use for approximately nine years as of June 2026. This prolonged stationary period raises significant concerns about deteriorated rubber components, seized brakes, stale fuel, and dormant corrosion in brake lines and the fuel system.
A buyer must inspect the chassis, suspension mounting points, and inner sills thoroughly. The 2016 failure identified excessive corrosion on the nearside front suspension beam and offside rear chassis leg, while the 2017 advisories continued to flag rust on cross beam joiners and radius arm uprights. These are structural components, and any recurrence of corrosion in prescribed areas would render the vehicle unroadworthy. The offside inner sill corrosion noted in 2016, though outside a prescribed area at the time, warrants close examination given the vehicle's age and long-term storage.
Mechanical components also demand attention. The 2016 failure recorded an offside rear brake binding, a parking brake efficiency fault, and a deteriorated front ball joint dust cover. After nine years of inactivity, brake calipers may be seized, handbrake cables may have snapped, and suspension bushes will almost certainly have perished. The headlamp aim faults and cracked offside rear tyre from 2017 further suggest basic upkeep was inconsistent. A full underbody inspection, brake function test, and assessment of all rubber bushes, hoses, and tyres are essential before any purchase.