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Official DVLA Record
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1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8L Petrol · 1686 RW

1686 RW

1961 Jaguar E-Type (3.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 2002. Recorded mileage 36,961 miles. MOT expired on 24 Apr 2024. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.

Make & Model
JAGUAR E-TYPE
Year / Origin
1961
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 24 Apr 2024
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
Recorded Mileage
36,961 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 3.8L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 24 Apr 2024
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Dec 2026
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
1961
Engine
3800cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

This 1961 Jaguar E-Type has a remarkably clean MOT history with five consecutive passes and no defects recorded since 2015. The most recent test in April 2023 was a clean pass at 36,961 miles, which is very reassuring for a vehicle of this age. The mileage trend shows very light, consistent use—roughly 569 miles per year—with no sudden jumps or gaps that suggest prolonged storage or odometer issues. The vehicle has been used steadily but sparingly, which is typical for a cherished classic. The condition trend appears stable and well-maintained, with no worsening pattern visible in the MOT records. The low annual mileage relative to the car's 65-year age is a double-edged sword. It suggests light, careful use and likely good preservation, but it also raises the possibility of long periods of inactivity that can cause seals to dry out, fuel systems to gum up, and brakes to seize. The fact that it has passed every MOT with no advisories or defects indicates the owner has kept on top of maintenance, but a buyer should still be cautious about components that degrade with time rather than miles. A buyer should first inspect the condition of all rubber components, including tyres (check for cracking despite tread depth), suspension bushes, brake hoses, and engine seals. Verify that the car starts easily from cold and runs smoothly after a short drive, as classic fuel systems can suffer from stale fuel or varnish.
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1686 RW Key Findings

  • 1 MOT test recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 26/04/2023
  • 36,961 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data

1686 RW MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 3 Sept 2026, 01:19
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

1 MOT test are recorded for this 1961 Jaguar E-Type (1686 RW) between April 2023 and April 2023.

The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 0 advisory notices note items to monitor.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
65
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

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Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
72/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,800
Mileage
At 36,961 miles, the vehicle's mileage i...

Our Verdict

The vehicle shows a clean MOT record and

Ask for a full service history and any documentation of recent work, especially on the braking system and suspension, as these are common failure areas for the E‑Type. Verify that any replacement parts are genuine and that the vehicle has been kept in a dry environment, which can affect rust on the chassis. When negotiating price, factor in the higher mileage and potential upcoming maintenance that classic cars often require.

Consider arranging a pre‑purchase inspection by a mechanic experienced with classic Jaguars. They can check for signs of wear on the engine, gearbox, and chassis, and assess the condition of the electrical system, particularly the headlamps which rank among the top MOT failures for this model. A thorough inspection will also reveal any hidden corrosion or structural issues that are not captured by MOT records.

Fuel consumption for a 3.8 L V12 E‑Type is typically around 15‑18 mpg, leading to higher fuel costs compared with modern cars. Road tax for a classic vehicle over 30 years old is usually low, often in the £0‑£20 range, but insurance groups for classic Jaguars can be high, commonly falling in groups 30‑35.

Maintenance on a classic Jaguar can be more expensive than on contemporary cars, with routine servicing, specialist parts and occasional restoration work adding to the cost. Taking these factors together, an estimated annual running cost (fuel, tax, insurance, routine maintenance) would be in the region of £1,200‑£1,800.

Given the model's top MOT failure reasons, inspect the headlamp units for proper alignment, glazing condition and wiring integrity. Check the parking brake for adequate efficiency and any signs of wear on the brake shoes or cables.

Examine the suspension arms and bushings for play, corrosion or fatigue, as suspension failures are common in the model's MOT history. Also look closely at the chassis for any rust, particularly around the floorpan and bulkheads, which can be a concern in older Jaguars.

Finally, assess the engine oil condition, coolant system, and any signs of oil leaks, as high mileage (36,961 miles) can increase the likelihood of wear on internal components. A compression test and a thorough visual inspection of the engine bay will help gauge the engine's health.

The 1961 Jaguar E‑Type (grey, 3.8 L petrol) last passed its MOT on 26 April 2023 with 36,961 miles on the clock and no recorded failures. Compared with the model aggregate data (90.5% pass rate), this is a positive indicator. The mileage is well above the average annual mileage of 809 miles recorded for the model, suggesting higher usage. Prospective owners should focus on typical failure points such as headlamps, parking brake efficiency and suspension arms.

Across 3,047 E‑Type examples, the average MOT pass rate is 90.5%, indicating generally good reliability when maintained, though headlamp, parking brake and suspension arm failures are the most frequent issues.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

Plate Neighbors

Batch Registration Neighbors (1686 Series)

Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as 1686RW.

View all 1686 series →