1978 Aston Martin V8 Auto 5.3L Petrol · XKL 955

The vehicle appears to be in a stable condition regarding its documented MOT history, with the most recent test on 6 February 2026 showing a pass at 6,970 miles. The failure recorded on that same date at 6,964 miles suggests a minor non-compliance that was rectified immediately, as the vehicle passed shortly after. There are no recorded advisories or recurring mechanical defects across the available history, indicating that the vehicle has consistently met the minimum legal requirements for roadworthiness during its documented testing periods. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 48-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 145 miles per year. The data shows a significant gap in testing between 2010 and 2026, during which the vehicle covered only 473 miles. This pattern strongly suggests the car has spent long periods in storage or has seen very limited use. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine internals, such prolonged periods of inactivity often lead to degradation in fluids, rubber seals, and electrical systems that a standard MOT test may not fully capture. A physical inspection is essential to address risks associated with low usage rather than high mileage. You should specifically examine the condition of all rubber components, including suspension bushes, coolant hoses, and tyre sidewalls, which are prone to perishing and cracking when a vehicle sits idle. Given the age and the gaps in the record, check for any signs of corrosion on the chassis or exhaust system and verify that all fluids have been changed recently to prevent internal engine degradation. The lack of recorded failures for brakes, steering, or structural integrity is encouraging, but the owner should confirm that the braking system is free from seized calipers or perished hoses. While the MOT record provides a clean baseline, the primary concern for a buyer remains the potential for age-related deterioration in components that do not move frequently.