1972 Triumph TR6 2.5L Petrol · FOB 767L

The most recent MOT on 7 August 2026 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently satisfies the statutory safety and emissions criteria. Over the eight‑year span of recorded tests the car has shown a generally improving maintenance pattern: after a failure for excessive off‑side body corrosion in 2017 and an earlier omission of the front track‑rod ball‑joint dust cover in 2015, the subsequent examinations in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2026 have all been passed without comment, suggesting that the identified issues were remedied and that the owner has kept the car in a road‑worthy state. At 46,293 miles recorded on a 1972 chassis the average annual usage works out to roughly 850 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this vintage. Such limited mileage often points to periods of prolonged storage rather than continuous low‑intensity driving. While low mileage reduces wear on wear‑items such as bearings, clutch plates and brake linings, it does not arrest the effects of age on elastomers, seals and metal surfaces. Prolonged inactivity can lead to tyre sidewall perishing, rubber bushings hardening, and the development of rust in hidden cavities, particularly on the off‑side where the earlier corrosion failure was recorded. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the off‑side body panels, chassis rails and mounting points for any sign of renewed corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and the engine bay where moisture can collect. Examine the front suspension for the presence of the track‑rod ball‑joint dust cover and verify that the ball joint itself is free of play; a worn ball joint will manifest as a clunk or looseness when the steering wheel is rocked at a standstill or when cornering at low speed. The front coil springs, suspension bushes and anti‑roll bar links should be checked for cracking, excessive wear or loss of compliance, as ageing rubber can become brittle and transmit harshness to the steering. While on the road, listen for any metallic knock from the suspension, feel for uneven wheel bounce, and note any steering wander or shudder that could indicate worn steering geometry components. Given the car’s age and low utilisation, a thorough visual and tactile appraisal of age‑related items is essential. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or loss of flexibility; even if the tread depth is acceptable, tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement. Test the 12‑volt battery’s cranking performance and check for electrolyte leakage or swollen case, as batteries left idle for long periods lose capacity rapidly. Verify that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended calendar intervals – fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage and can lead to bearing wear, overheating or reduced braking efficiency. Finally, examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and operate the brakes to ensure the calipers release cleanly without sticking, as corrosion can cause the pistons to seize on a car that has spent extended periods stationary. A careful appraisal of these points will give you a realistic picture of the car’s mechanical health and any imminent maintenance that may be required.