1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8L Petrol · RAS 473

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness status, though the maintenance history reveals a pattern of intermittent neglect followed by rectification. The most recent test in June 2022 at 16,011 miles passed with no defects, indicating that the mechanical issues identified in previous years were addressed. However, the four-year gap since the last MOT record suggests the car has likely sat stationary for extended periods, which often leads to degradation of rubber components and fluid systems despite the low recorded mileage. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 64-year-old vehicle, with only 16,011 miles recorded in total, averaging to approximately 250 miles per year. Between July 2017 and August 2019, the car covered only 1,323 miles. While this low usage minimizes wear on the drivetrain and engine, it significantly increases the risk of dry-related failures and seized components, as evidenced by the 2019 failure where the parking brake was inoperative and the wheel bearings showed play. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the structural integrity, specifically addressing the 2017 failure regarding excessive corrosion on the nearside rear inner sill. While the 2022 test showed no current defects, rust in classic vehicles requires constant monitoring to prevent structural compromise. The buyer should also verify the suspension arm bushes and wheel bearings, which were flagged in 2019, as these components are prone to cracking when a vehicle sits. Given the history of parking brake failure, the hydraulic lines and cables should be checked to ensure they have not seized or perished during the long intervals between use.