1966 Jensen CV8 6.3L Petrol · PTU 127D

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 May 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory concerning movement of the steering wheel back and forth. Over the last five years the pattern shows a gradual emergence of advisories – oil leakage and front upper suspension arm wear first appeared in 2023 and have persisted, while steering wheel play has been noted each year since 2023. Although no outright failures have been recorded, the trend is one of modest deterioration rather than improvement, indicating that routine maintenance is keeping the car roadworthy but that several components are approaching the point where corrective work will be required. With a recorded 40,962 miles on a 1966 Jensen CV8, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 680 miles per year, an exceptionally low utilisation for a vehicle of this age. Such sparse use often points to long periods of storage or very gentle driving, which can be as consequential as high mileage. Low mileage does not preclude wear; rubber components, bushings and seals can dry out, and metal parts may suffer from corrosion when the car sits for extended periods. Conversely, the modest wear means that consumables such as brake pads, clutch discs and tyre tread are likely to be far from their design life, but the age of the materials themselves must be considered. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the oil leak advisories. The 2023 notes of manifold gaskets leaking “quite badly” suggest that the head or inlet manifolds may be allowing oil to escape onto the engine bay floor; look for fresh oil stains around the manifolds, valve covers and the sump, and monitor the oil level over a short drive to detect any rapid loss. The recurring front upper suspension arm pin or bush wear should be checked for excessive play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock position and feeling for any clunk or movement; worn bushings can lead to noisy steering, uneven tyre wear and compromised handling, and may require replacement of the arm bush or the entire suspension arm assembly. The steering wheel play advisory indicates possible wear in the steering box, tie‑rod ends or the steering column bearings – a test drive should reveal any looseness when turning the wheel at low speed, especially under load, and a hands‑on inspection of the steering column and linkage for loosened nuts or worn splines is advisable. Given the car’s age and low mileage, time‑related deterioration is a key concern. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening of the rubber, as tyres older than six years can become unsafe even with little tread wear. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation, low electrolyte levels and the condition of the terminals; a load test will confirm its ability to hold charge. Check the chassis and under‑body for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, brake lines and the exhaust system, as prolonged standing can accelerate rust. Finally, verify that all fluids – engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil – have been changed within the recommended intervals, as fluids degrade with age regardless of mileage, and look for any signs of water ingress or sediment that could indicate neglected service. A thorough visual and tactile inspection, complemented by a careful test drive, will reveal whether the emerging advisories are merely cosmetic or the harbinger of imminent mechanical work.