1980 Morgan 2'2 1.6L Petrol · GTF 981W
1980 Morgan 2'2 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1980. Recorded mileage 68,697 miles. MOT expired on 15 May 2025. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- MORGAN 2'2
- Year / Origin
- 1980 · Canterbury
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 May 2025
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 68,697 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
GTF 981W Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/05/2024
- 68,697 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GTF 981W MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1980 Morgan 2'2 (GTF 981W) between March 2022 and May 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 May 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
GTF 981W Mileage History
- 09/03/202268,651 mi
- 21/06/202368,683 mi+32 mi
- 04/07/202368,685 mi+2 mi
- 17/05/202468,697 mi+12 mi
Average of roughly 21 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach this 1980 Morgan 2'2 with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection, as its 2023 MOT failure revealed serious safety defects. It is a low-mileage classic with a largely clean recent record, but age-related wear and limited model data mean buyer diligence is essential.
Given the 2023 failure for near-side rear and off-side front tyres with ply or cords exposed and three axles showing service brake binding, confirm with the seller what was replaced or repaired to achieve the July 2023 pass. A professional inspection by a Morgan specialist is strongly advised, as the 1,599cc petrol model uses older mechanical systems unfamiliar to many general garages. Negotiate on price if service history is incomplete, as the low recorded mileage of under 69,000 over 44 years implies long storage periods that can hide perished rubber and corroded components.
As a 1980 petrol vehicle with a 1,599cc engine, this Morgan falls outside modern emissions-based tax bands and currently benefits from historic vehicle tax exemption, though you must verify eligibility at point of sale. Insurance for a rare classic such as this white 2'2 is typically arranged through specialist classic policies rather than standard groups, with costs varying by agreed value. Estimated annual running cost of £800-£1,200 covers fuel, insurance and routine maintenance, but parts scarcity for a Morgan of this age can make unexpected repairs expensive.
The June 2023 MOT recorded near-side rear and off-side front tyres with ply or cords exposed, so check all tyres for age cracking and correct date codes even if recently replaced, as old spares may remain. The same failure noted service brake binding on three wheels and a central track rod end ball joint with slight play; inspect brake callipers, flexi hoses and steering linkage for seizure or wear, and confirm the fluid leak recorded in 2023 is traced and resolved. With only 14 miles added between 2022 and 2024 MOTs, look for signs of prolonged storage such as stale fuel, flat spots on tyres and corrosion to the chassis and bodywork typical of 1980s hand-built cars.
This white 1980 Morgan 2'2 (registration GTF981W) shows just 68,697 miles on its 2024 MOT, very low for a 45-year-old vehicle and suggesting gentle use. The MOT history includes a failed test in June 2023 for brake binding, exposed tyre cords and steering play, though it passed days later after apparent rectification. No aggregate reliability data exists for this rare model, so condition must be judged on its individual history and physical inspection.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Morgan 2'2, so this model's reputation cannot be assessed from statistics provided and must be evaluated individually.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
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Historical fault & advisory patterns
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