1979 Morgan 4/4 1.6L Petrol · BDY 512V

A 1979 Morgan 4/4 with two recorded MOT tests, both returning clean passes with no advisories, presents a sparse but unblemished official roadworthiness record. The most recent test on 28 May 2026 recorded no defects, and the previous test on 24 June 2024 was similarly clear, giving a two-test pattern free of failures, advisories, or recorded component wear. With only two examinations on file, the sample size is small, meaning the absence of flagged items over this period reflects a clean outcome but cannot speak to longer-term mechanical condition beyond those inspection points. The recorded mileage of 18,516 miles across approximately 47 years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 394 miles, which is exceptionally modest for a vehicle of this vintage. This rate of usage suggests the car has either been used sparingly throughout its life or has spent extended periods off the road, both of which are common with low-volume classic vehicles. Mechanically, very low annual mileage on a classic of this age raises considerations around components that degrade through lack of use rather than wear: rubber elements such as suspension bushes, flexible brake hoses, and driveline seals may have hardened or developed surface degradation from standing, while brake discs and callipers can suffer corrosion and binding after long idle periods. However, without mileage entries between tests or a denser MOT history, the actual pattern of use remains difficult to confirm from the records alone. Given the age of the vehicle and the limited MOT sample, particular attention should be paid to the suspension and steering components during a physical inspection. Even though no advisories were raised, a Morgan 4/4 of this era typically uses leaf or coil springs with separate bushes and trunnions, and any knocking, clonking, or imprecise steering response over uneven surfaces would warrant closer examination of these joints and the front kingpins if fitted. Brake pedal feel should be checked for sponginess or excessive travel, which could indicate perished flexible hoses or seized wheel cylinders, and the handbrake mechanism should be confirmed as holding firmly on an incline, as low usage often leads to cable stretch and internal calliper corrosion. The exhaust and underframe should also be inspected for the corrosion patterns typical of unstressed classic bodywork left in damp conditions, even though the MOT records themselves contain no such entries. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any untoward mechanical noises from the transmission and differential, as standing periods often lead to synchromesh wear presenting as crunching on downchanges. Steering should remain precise without wander or vagueness through corners, while the engine should be observed for any excessive smoke on startup that might suggest oil migration past aged gaskets and seals. It is also advisable to check that all exterior and interior lighting functions correctly, as electrical contacts on low-use classics frequently develop high resistance through oxidation. While the official record shows no recorded defects, the combination of the vehicle's age, low mileage profile, and limited MOT coverage means that a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Morgan 4/4 models would be a prudent step before committing to purchase.