1973 MG Midget 1.3L Petrol · JFL 400L

The most recent DVSA test outcome recorded for this 1973 MG Midget is a failure dated 16 May 2022, with major defects against the front and rear direction indicators, the horn, and the windscreen washer system, alongside an advisory noting an inoperative nearside reverse light. There is no subsequent pass recorded, which means the vehicle has not been formally assessed as roadworthy since that date and any prospective purchase must be predicated on a fresh pre-purchase inspection rather than assuming continued compliance. Reviewing the broader history, the trend is mixed and historically intermittent, with failures in 2016 and 2017 followed by passes in 2017 and 2018, then the 2022 failure, suggesting that the car has been through cycles of repair and subsequent deterioration rather than a stable, well-maintained trajectory. Of particular structural concern from earlier tests is the 2016 failure relating to excessively corroded rear suspension spring hangers and front anti-roll bar mounting points, which speaks to long-term body and chassis integrity issues common to vehicles of this vintage. The recorded mileage of 33,171 miles against an age of approximately 53 years equates to a long-term annual average of roughly 626 miles, which is exceptionally low and points to extensive periods of standing rather than regular use. The MOT records themselves span only from 2015 to 2022, with no tests shown prior to that, and the mileage progression cannot be verified between gaps because recorded odometer readings are not visible in the data provided. Such low usage has significant mechanical implications: brake calipers and rear wheel cylinders may have corroded or seized, brake discs will almost certainly exhibit advanced surface corrosion, the clutch may have partially seized to the flywheel, and hydraulic seals throughout the braking and cooling systems will have degraded through age rather than wear. The numerous advisories over the years relating to brake pipe corrosion, shock absorber oil misting, and rear hub oil leaks reinforce the likelihood of time-related deterioration across the under-bay. Given the age of the vehicle and the recurring advisories relating to front suspension wishbone pins or bushes, front shock absorber misting, slight steering free play, and rear hub oil leaks, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection with these items in mind. The front suspension should be examined for play at the trunnions and king pins, paying close attention to worn bushes, deteriorating rubber, and any visible corrosion at the mounting points that could compromise structural integrity. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, feel for wandering or vagueness in the steering, and check for uneven or feathered tyre wear which would indicate geometry or component wear. The shock absorbers should be inspected for weeping seals and tested for damping effectiveness by pushing down firmly on each corner of the vehicle and observing the recovery, while the rear hubs should be checked for active oil leakage around the half-shafts and for any play indicating worn bearings. The brake system warrants particular scrutiny given the history of corroded brake pipes, deteriorated hoses, and advisories on both front and rear calipers; the pipes should be examined along their full length for rust, the hoses checked for cracking or bulging, and a firm brake pedal with no sponginess or excessive travel should be confirmed. Finally, beyond the items flagged on the MOT record, a car of this age and usage profile requires specific age-related checks that would not necessarily appear in a standard test. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking from age rather than purely tread depth, as old tyres can fail catastrophically even with adequate tread. The 12 volt battery should be load tested or replaced as a matter of course if its age is unknown, and the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, and thermostat, should be inspected for corrosion and perished rubber given the decades of service. Brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, and gear oil should all be treated as time-expired regardless of mileage and renewed as part of recommissioning. Given the 2022 failure for non-functioning indicators, horn, and washer system, these relatively simple items should be verified as operational before purchase, and the inoperative steering lock and reverse light noted in the advisories should also be rectified, as they may indicate underlying electrical faults typical of a vehicle of this vintage. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist or classic vehicle engineer is strongly recommended before committing to the purchase.