1973 Ford Cortina 2.0L Petrol · LDP 605L

This 1973 Ford Cortina shows a concerning pattern of neglect regarding basic maintenance and structural integrity. While the recorded mileage of 71,109 is exceptionally low for a 53-year-old vehicle, this does not necessarily equate to a well-maintained car. Instead, the history suggests long periods of inactivity punctuated by hurried repairs to get the vehicle through an annual test. The most significant red flag is the recurring mention of heavy undersealing and thick underbody coatings noted in 2022 and 2023. In older vehicles, heavy underseal is frequently used to mask or hide significant structural corrosion. The 2024 failure for a corroded central brake pipe, which was found to be covered in grease or other material, further suggests that the vehicle may have been subject to "quick fixes" rather than proper, long-term restoration. The trend is not improving. The 2024 MOT revealed a mix of electrical failures and mechanical wear, including play in the steering column universal joint and a noisy exhaust silencer. These issues, combined with the recurring electrical faults seen in previous years, indicate a vehicle that is struggling with the effects of age and potential lack of consistent mechanical attention. The low annual mileage likely points to a car that has spent substantial time in storage.