1948 Jaguar MK 4 3.5L Petrol · CSK 341

The vehicle presents as fundamentally sound, though the most recent MOT on 08 May 2025 at 7,925 miles introduces a note of caution. For the first time in this recorded history, the tester flagged two distinct defects on the front axle: slight free play in the nearside steering track rod end and slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing. Both were still within the tolerance for a pass, but their emergence after years of clean tests suggests the steering and suspension components are beginning to wear. The maintenance trend is stable overall, but these advisories indicate a developing mechanical looseness that warrants monitoring. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 78-year-old vehicle. Between the July 2018 test and the April 2023 test, the odometer barely moved, showing 6,287 miles on both occasions. This implies the car stood unused for roughly five years. From April 2023 to May 2025, the mileage climbed from 6,294 to 7,925, adding 1,631 miles in just over two years. That is a noticeable increase after a long period of dormancy, suggesting the vehicle has recently returned to regular use. Long-term storage carries specific risks that a pass certificate alone cannot rule out. A car sitting idle for years can suffer from perished rubber bushes, deteriorated brake seals, and corroded brake lines, even if the mileage is minimal. The sudden reactivation of a dormant drivetrain often exposes latent faults as dried lubricants and seized components begin to move again. The steering and wheel bearing play found in 2025 may well be a direct consequence of that extended stand time. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the structural integrity of the chassis and subframe, checking for rust jacking or rot in load-bearing areas. The front suspension and steering linkage need close scrutiny, particularly the track rod ends and wheel bearings, to determine if the play flagged in 2025 is progressing. Brake calipers should be checked for binding, and the condition of all flexible hoses and tyre sidewalls must be verified for age-related cracking, regardless of tread depth.