1970 Triumph Vitesse 2.0L Petrol · FPX 232H

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness status, maintaining a clean MOT record following a period of mechanical inconsistency. The most recent test in November 2023 at 8,945 miles resulted in no defects, indicating that previous mechanical issues have been addressed. This follows a high-risk pass in November 2022 at 8,804 miles where the rear brakes only narrowly met the imbalance requirements, suggesting the braking system required specific adjustment or service at that time. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 56-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 160 miles per year. There is a significant gap in recorded data between 2011 and 2014, where the car covered only 1,926 miles over three years. Since 2014, the accumulation has remained minimal, adding just 1,314 miles over a decade. This low usage suggests the vehicle spends long periods stationary, which often increases the risk of rubber degradation and fluid stagnation rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the front suspension geometry, as the record shows a recurring failure of ball joint dust covers. The tester flagged excessive deterioration in both 2013 and 2014, with actual play in the lower suspension ball joint noted in 2012. Despite the recent passes, the low mileage necessitates inspecting all rubber bushes and boots for cracking or dry-rot. The steering column, which previously exhibited excessive movement in 2012, should be checked for any remaining play or play. Given the intermittent nature of the use, a thorough check of the braking system and structural integrity is essential. The 2012 failure for a fouled nearside brake pipe and the 2022 brake imbalance indicate that the hydraulic components may be prone to corrosion or seizing. The buyer should also inspect the chassis for deep-seated rust, as low-mileage classic vehicles often suffer from moisture-related decay in areas not easily visible during a standard MOT inspection.