1977 Triumph Dolomite 1.9L Petrol · ORV 556S
1977 Triumph Dolomite (1.9L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 1977. Recorded mileage 26,163 miles. MOT expired on 05 Jun 2025.
- Make & Model
- TRIUMPH DOLOMITE
- Year / Origin
- 1977 · Oxford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Jun 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Sept 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 26,163 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
ORV 556S Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/06/2024
- 26,163 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ORV 556S MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1977 Triumph Dolomite (ORV 556S) between June 2024 and June 2024.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Triumph Triumph Dolomite
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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
Recommended for classic car enthusiasts.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and bodywork. While the June 2024 MOT recorded only 'slight' corrosion on the offside front inner sill, vehicles of this era are susceptible to rust, so a full underside check is necessary. Verify the service history to ensure the 1854cc engine has been maintained according to classic car requirements.
Use the MOT advisories as a negotiation point. The front tyres were noted as being worn close to the legal limit, meaning they likely require immediate replacement if this has not already been addressed. Ensure any previous corrosion mentioned in the MOT history has been treated or repaired.
As a vehicle first registered in 1977, this car is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax). Insurance for classic vehicles is often affordable, though costs will depend on the individual driver's profile and the agreed value of the car.
Fuel economy for the 1.8L petrol engine will be significantly lower than modern standards. Maintenance costs are expected to be higher than a contemporary vehicle due to the requirement for specialist parts and knowledge associated with the Dolomite range. Estimated annual costs include fuel, insurance, and a budget for classic car upkeep.
Focus specifically on the offside front inner sill to assess the current state of the corrosion flagged in the 2024 MOT. Check the tread depth and condition of both front tyres, as these were highlighted as worn close to the legal limit during the last test.
Inspect the rest of the bodywork for signs of rust and check the integrity of the blue paintwork. Given the low mileage, check for signs of perished rubber seals or hoses that can occur when a vehicle is not driven frequently.
This blue 1977 Triumph Dolomite is a low-mileage example with 26,163 miles recorded at its last MOT in June 2024. The vehicle passed its most recent test, although the record noted minor corrosion and tyre wear. With its 1854cc petrol engine, it represents a rare find in terms of recorded distance travelled.
No aggregate MOT data is available for the Triumph Dolomite to provide a statistical reliability trend.
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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TRIUMPH DOLOMITE Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1977 model year cars.
- Slant-four alloy cylinder head warping and head gasket failureSerious
The 16-valve Sprint and 8-valve 1850 slant-four engines utilise an aluminium cylinder head mounted atop an inclined cast-iron block. The diagonal angled head studs and high thermal stresses make the engine exceptionally vulnerable to overheating. A lack of high-specification corrosion-inhibited antifreeze allows electrolytic corrosion of the aluminium castings, silting up the radiator and blowing the head gasket.
- Bulkhead and windscreen pillar junction corrosionSerious
The monocoque shell of the Dolomite suffers from severe structural corrosion in the hidden junction where the windscreen A-pillar meets the bulkhead and inner wing. Water draining through deteriorated windscreen rubbers and blocked scuttle vents collects in this structural joint, rusting through multiple panels into the driver footwells and weakening the passenger safety cell.
- Deteriorated rubber carburettor mounts causing lean runningModerate
On Dolomite Sprint models, the twin 1.75-inch SU HS6 carburettors are isolated from engine vibration by rubber-to-metal sandwich mounting blocks. Over time, heat soak and fuel vapours cause the rubber to perish, split and delaminate. This admits unmetered air into the intake manifold, creating a dangerous lean fuel-air mixture that causes erratic idling, hesitation, and burnt exhaust valves.
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