1988 Morgan 4/4 1.6L Petrol · F376 JYA

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 June 2026 recorded a pass alongside an advisory notice regarding a cracked front number plate and slight play in the offside front wheel bearing, with a related fail earlier in the day citing an offside rear stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp. This pattern of recurring advisories has been broadly stable across the recent MOT cycles, with the same wheel bearing play noted consistently since at least 2024 and minor oil leaks from the engine and gearbox or differential flagged every year going back to 2021. The single major failure recorded in the visible history, a parking brake imbalance across axle 1 in May 2022, did not reappear at subsequent tests, suggesting it was rectified at the time. Overall the maintenance trend appears steady rather than deteriorating, with no new structural or safety-critical advisories introduced recently, but the persistence of the wheel bearing advisory over multiple years warrants attention as it may be progressing gradually from slight play to a more serious condition. The recorded mileage of 26,685 miles across roughly 38 years equates to an annual usage of around 702 miles, which is exceptionally low and consistent with a vehicle that has either been used very sparingly, stored for extended periods, or driven only in favourable conditions. The MOT records, however, demonstrate annual testing, so the car has not been left entirely dormant, but such low annual mileage carries well-known mechanical implications. Extended standing periods allow brake discs and calipers to corrode and seize, fuel systems to varnish, coolant and brake fluid to degrade by calendar age rather than mileage, batteries to sulphate and lose capacity, tyres to perish and crack on sidewalls even when tread remains adequate, and rubber components such as suspension bushes, gaiters, and seals to harden and crack. Conversely, the engine internals are unlikely to have suffered significant wear from use, although infrequent running can lead to oil starvation on start-up and valve seat recession if the engine is not regularly brought up to full operating temperature. For a prospective buyer, the persistent advisory regarding the offside front wheel bearing should be investigated physically before purchase. On the lift or with the wheel jacked, attempt to rock the tyre top and bottom to detect any looseness, and rotate it by hand to feel for roughness, grinding, or notchiness indicative of bearing wear. On a test drive, listen for a humming or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed and may shift when cornering under load, and note any vibration through the steering wheel. The recurring engine and gearbox or differential oil seepage noted since 2021 should also be checked visually for fresh staining on the underbody and around the differential housing at the rear of the transmission, and the fluid levels verified on the dipstick and through the filler plugs. While these leaks have been deemed not excessive, they should be monitored as any acceleration in drip rate or the appearance of oil on hot components could lead to more significant failure or fire risk, and the underlying seals are inexpensive to remedy only while access remains straightforward. Given the very low annual mileage, a buyer should also attend to age-related items that MOT testing does not fully cover. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and DOT date codes, as tyres older than seven or eight years may require replacement regardless of tread depth. Check the 12-volt battery's date stamp and load test it, as a battery that has sat partially discharged for long periods will have reduced capacity. Examine the brake discs for surface rust and verify that the calipers slide freely, since standing corrosion frequently causes binding that leads to uneven pad wear, pulling on application, and premature disc scoring. Lift the bonnet and inspect all rubber hoses for pliability, confirm the coolant and brake fluid have been replaced within their calendar service intervals regardless of mileage, and verify the condition of the distributor cap, rotor arm, ignition leads, and HT components if applicable, as these are sensitive to moisture ingress during periods of standing. Finally, confirm the presence of recent service stamps and speak with the keeper regarding storage conditions, history of fuel system draining, and whether the vehicle has been regularly exercised to keep seals lubricated and the driveline healthy.