1972 MG Midget 1.8L Petrol · JMB 560L

The 1972 MG Midget presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 10 May 2024 at 8,921 miles with zero defects recorded. That result marks a notable shift from earlier years, where advisories and minor failures appeared regularly. The most recent test confirms the vehicle met all roadworthiness standards on the day, with no flagged items across brakes, tyres, suspension, or structural integrity. Mileage accumulation is exceptionally low for a car of this age, averaging roughly 165 miles per year over 54 years. Between the November 2017 test at 7,400 miles and the April 2022 test at 8,540 miles, the car covered just 1,140 miles across nearly five years, suggesting prolonged periods of limited use or storage. The jump from 8,540 miles in April 2022 to 8,921 miles by May 2024 represents only 381 miles in over two years. Such sporadic use raises questions about fuel system condition, stale coolant, and whether brake components have seized or corroded from standing, despite the clean 2024 pass. Earlier tests reveal a pattern of consumable wear and minor mechanical issues that a buyer should verify has been properly addressed. In November 2017, both front brake discs were worn, pitted, or scored, and the nearside rear hub seal showed a slight oil mist. The tester also flagged rear tyres worn to the legal limit. By November 2018, the rear tyres were again noted as running very close to the leaf spring brackets with inner sidewall marking, indicating either persistent clearance issues or repeated fitment of incorrect tyre sizes. These recurring tyre-related advisories warrant close physical inspection of the rear wheel arches, leaf spring brackets, and tyre condition to rule out ongoing rubbing or structural corrosion around the wheel wells. A hands-on inspection should focus on the front brake discs and calipers for scoring or binding, rear hub seals for fresh oil seepage, and the condition of all tyre sidewalls where they pass near suspension components. Given the low annual mileage and extended periods of inactivity, a thorough check of fuel lines, brake hoses, and coolant system integrity is advisable to confirm the car remains fully roadworthy beyond the snapshot provided by the 2024 certificate.