1969 Morgan 4/4 1.6L Petrol · LS 6709

The most recent official DVSA roadworthiness test was conducted on 12 March 2026 and the vehicle was passed without any advisories or defects recorded, representing the cleanest result in the available five-year test history. The overall maintenance trajectory appears stable and, if anything, marginally improving, as the advisory relating to offside rear tyre wear that was recorded in both 2024 and 2025 has now been rectified at the 2026 examination. With no structural, braking, suspension, exhaust, or lighting advisories noted across any of the recorded tests, the vehicle has consistently met the minimum statutory standards for roadworthiness, although for a vehicle of this vintage and specialist nature, the MOT represents only a baseline safety assessment rather than a comprehensive mechanical evaluation. The recorded odometer reading of 11,219 miles over approximately 57 years equates to an exceptionally low average annual mileage of around 197 miles, which strongly suggests the vehicle has spent prolonged periods either garaged or laid up rather than in regular use. Such low mileage is not inherently problematic and can in fact preserve original components, but it also introduces specific age-related deterioration risks that do not register on the MOT. Extended standing periods allow internal corrosion to develop on brake discs and calipers, leading to binding or seized mechanisms; they promote moisture accumulation in the engine, gearbox, and differential; and they accelerate the degradation of rubber, cork, and polymer components throughout the chassis and drivetrain. The fact that annual mileage is so low means the vehicle cannot be judged purely on wear, as calendar-based degradation is likely to be the dominant factor in its mechanical condition. Given the advanced age of the vehicle and the limited recorded mileage, a prospective buyer should undertake a series of practical physical inspections that go well beyond the scope of the MOT. Tyres should be examined very carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on aged but lightly used tyres and can lead to sudden failure regardless of tread depth; the spare wheel and any unused original tyres should be checked with equal rigour. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries left in a discharged or partially charged state for prolonged periods lose capacity and may fail without warning. All fluid systems should be assessed for time-based degradation rather than mileage-based service intervals, including engine oil, gearbox oil, differential lubricant, brake fluid (which is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point), coolant, and clutch hydraulic fluid if applicable. The brake system should be inspected for surface corrosion on the discs and any signs of binding calipers, and a firm application of the brakes from speed should be carried out during a test drive to confirm the calipers are releasing correctly and that the pedal feels solid without sponginess. A thorough test drive should also focus on age-related mechanical concerns rather than high-mileage wear patterns. Listen for clonks or knocks from the suspension, particularly over uneven surfaces, as bushes, shackles, and king pins on traditional Morgan-style chassis are prone to deterioration from age and standing. Check for any evidence of fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, differential, and axle assemblies, and inspect the underside and chassis members for corrosion, paying particular attention to structural integrity around spring mounts, outriggers, and the bulkhead. Verify that all electrical systems function correctly, including lighting, indicators, and gauges, as vintage wiring and earthing points often deteriorate over time. Finally, confirm the provenance and continuity of the service history, as the absence of regular servicing for a vehicle of this age and type can mask underlying mechanical issues that would otherwise be identified during routine maintenance, and arrange a specialist pre-purchase inspection by a marque expert familiar with traditional Morgan 4/4 specifications before committing to purchase.