1979 AC 3000ME 3.0L Petrol · HBD 331T
1979 AC 3000ME (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 May 1979. Recorded mileage 66,320 miles. MOT valid until 06 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- AC 3000ME
- Year / Origin
- 1979 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,320 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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HBD 331T Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/07/2026
- 66,320 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HBD 331T MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1979 Ac 3000Me (HBD 331T) between August 2022 and July 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 9 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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.
HBD 331T Mileage History
- 06/08/202264,086 mi
- 29/07/202365,230 mi+1,144 mi
- 02/08/202465,496 mi+266 mi
- 08/08/202565,996 mi+500 mi
- 31/07/202666,320 mi+324 mi
Average of roughly 561 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
When viewing this blue 3000ME, focus heavily on the suspension and steering components. The MOT history from 2022 to 2025 consistently highlights movement in the nearside front lower ball joint and issues with wheel bearings or rear joints. You should verify if these specific components were replaced following the 2025 and 2024 advisories.
Ask for documentation regarding any recent work done to address the 'movement' noted in previous tests. Because this is a classic vehicle with a large 2993.0cc engine, ensure that any mechanical work has been carried out by someone familiar with specialist models. Check the condition of the tyres, as multiple previous tests noted they were close to the legal limit.
Running costs for this 1979 model will be significantly higher than a modern equivalent. With a 2993.0cc petrol engine, fuel economy is expected to be low, and you should budget for premium fuel requirements common in older high-capacity engines.
Insurance groups for classic cars like the AC3000ME vary widely depending on the provider and your driving history, but expect specialist classic car insurance rates. Maintenance costs will likely be higher due to the specialist nature of the parts, particularly for the suspension components that have appeared frequently in the MOT records.
A primary inspection point must be the front suspension. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of 'movement' or 'play' in the nearside front lower ball joint across several years (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025). Even though the 2026 MOT passed with no defects, you should physically check for any play in the steering and suspension joints.
Additionally, inspect the wheel bearings and rear joints. The 2022 record noted play in the offside front wheel bearing, and the 2024 record mentioned movement in the nearside rear outer joint. Finally, check the tyre tread depth and age, as 'tyres close to limit' was a recurring advisory in 2022 and 2023.
This 1979 AC3000ME 3000ME in blue has covered 66,320 miles since its first registration in May 1979. The MOT history shows a pattern of suspension component wear, specifically regarding ball joints and wheel bearings, though the most recent test in July 2026 recorded no defects. Given the vehicle's age, the mileage appears relatively consistent with its years in service.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the AC3000ME 3000ME to provide a comparative benchmark.
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
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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