1968 Volkswagen 1.6L Petrol · TVV 168F

The most recent DVSA test on 6 June 2023 recorded a full pass with no defects noted, indicating that the vehicle satisfied the statutory safety and emissions criteria at that date. When this outcome is viewed against the earlier record – a series of failures in 2019, 2020 and 2022, followed by a clean pass in April 2022 and again in June 2023 – the overall maintenance trend appears to be stabilising. The major safety‑critical items that triggered failures (tyre conformity, wiring insulation, CV‑joint boot, and front wheel‑bearing play) have either been rectified or are no longer flagged, though a number of advisories concerning bearing play, king‑pin wear and steering‑box seepage have persisted, suggesting that while the most serious faults have been addressed, routine wear items remain marginal. With only 8 677 miles recorded on a 1968 Volkswagen, the average annual utilisation works out to roughly 150 miles per year – an exceptionally low figure for a vehicle of this age. Such limited mileage often points to long periods of storage or very light use, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber compounds, seals and lubricants deteriorate with time even when not exercised. The low‑use profile reduces the likelihood of cumulative wear on bearings, brakes and the drivetrain, but it also raises the risk of tyre sidewall perishing, battery sulphation, and corrosion of metal components that have been idle for extended spells. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre set, as the 2023 MOT highlighted dangerous bulges on both rear tyres and non‑compliant sidewall specifications on the front pair. Inspect the tread depth, sidewall integrity and check for any cracking, dry‑rot or hardening that can occur after decades of storage; any irregular wear or audible thumping on a short drive would indicate underlying suspension or alignment issues. The recurring advisories on front and rear wheel‑bearing play and slight king‑pin movement merit a hands‑on check: lift each wheel and apply a firm push/pull to feel for looseness, listen for grinding or clunking when the steering is turned, and verify that the steering feels tight without excessive free play. The CV‑joint boot on the near‑side rear drive shaft, previously reported as split, should be examined for cracks or dried‑out rubber that could admit dirt and lead to joint failure; a clicking noise on acceleration would be a warning sign. The steering box seepage noted in 2019 and 2020 should be inspected for oil stains around the rack or box housing, as loss of lubricant can precipitate steering stiffness or leakage into the passenger compartment. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, time‑based degradation is a primary concern. Examine the battery for signs of sulphation, check the electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid type, and consider a load test to confirm cranking capacity. Verify the condition of the under‑seal and look for rust on the chassis, wheel arches and suspension mounting points, especially where the car may have sat for long periods. All fluid reservoirs – engine oil, gearbox oil, brake fluid and coolant – should be sampled for colour, clarity and appropriate levels, and replaced if any appear dark, milky or contaminated, as fluids can break down even without mileage. Finally, confirm that the service book contains stamps for regular oil changes, brake servicing and any major component replacements, as documented maintenance will give confidence that the car’s mechanical health has been actively managed despite its modest use.