1977 Triumph Dolomite 1.9L Petrol · RGX 110R

A pattern of oil leakage and exhaust issues dominates the recorded test history of this 1977 Triumph Dolomite, with the most recent assessment on 2026-06-19 passing subject to three advisories covering engine and gearbox seepage plus a parking brake that only just met requirements. That pass came two weeks after a failure on 2026-06-05 for a rough offside front wheel bearing, a fault that represents the kind of mechanical wear typically associated with aged hub assemblies. The wider picture shows four tests over a five-year window between 2021 and 2026, of which two resulted in failure. The 2024 failure involved a defective parking brake lever and inoperative horn, while the 2021 failure combined emissions non-compliance with a missing steering rack gaiter and washer defects. The exhaust system has been flagged on multiple occasions, including fouling of the anti-roll bar noted in 2026, minor gas leaks at the front and rear in 2024, and exhaust-leak-related emission failures in 2021, pointing to a chronically weeping system. The recorded mileage of 53,250 miles across roughly 49 years equates to an average annual accumulation of just over 1,087 miles, which is exceptionally low and consistent with extended periods of storage rather than regular driving. The MOT history itself reinforces this picture, with a notable five-year gap between the 2016 test and the 2021 test, during which the vehicle was clearly off the road. Standing unused for prolonged periods brings its own mechanical consequences, particularly for rubber components, gaskets, seals, and fluid systems, all of which deteriorate without the protective effect of regular circulation. When use does resume, the tendency is for oil leaks, perished hoses, and binding brakes to manifest, which aligns closely with the advisories and failures seen since 2021. The mileage recorded between tests is small and there is no evidence of a long, continuous high-mileage usage phase that would suggest heavy wear on the drivetrain. Given the wheel bearing failure and the slightly noisy nearside bearing flagged on the same test, the front hubs warrant close attention on a road test. Listen for a rotational grumble that changes with speed, and rock each front wheel by hand to detect play. The 2016 advisory of a worn lower steering column bush and the 2021 failure for a missing offside steering rack gaiter suggest the steering assembly has been a weak point historically, so any sloppiness in the steering, knocking from the column, or visible tears in the rack boots should be treated seriously. With multiple oil leak advisories at both the engine and gearbox, an inspection underneath should look for fresh drip patterns on the sump, gearbox bell housing, and rear main area, and the test drive should confirm no significant misting of oil onto the exhaust that would produce fume smell in the cabin. The binding offside front service brake noted as an advisory in 2024 should manifest as the vehicle pulling slightly to one side after the brakes have been applied repeatedly on a test route, or a brake that fails to release fully, causing the car to drag. The exhaust concerns demand particular scrutiny given the recurring advisories and the fouling of the anti-roll bar recorded in 2026. From underneath, check the system along its full length for black soot deposits at joints, and pay close attention to the area where the rear pipe routes near the anti-roll bar, as heat shielding and clearance may have been compromised. The parking brake lever mechanism, which failed in 2024 on operability grounds, should be tested by applying it firmly on an incline to confirm it holds against a meaningful load, and the nearside rear parking brake just meeting requirements on the most recent test suggests the rear shoes or cable adjustment may be marginal. Finally, the 2021 horn failure and washer non-function items, while simple fixes, serve as a reminder that ancillary electrical items on a vehicle of this age can deteriorate, so all lights, indicators, horn, and washers should be verified before purchase.