A licence to buy wrecks, and print money
Ihave been searching around for another classic car and have looked at several since the new MoT rules – including the exemption for most tax-exempt cars – came in.
People appear to be under the impression that it is okay to sell all manner of wrecks for top money, just because they no longer need an MoT. I wonder, is this a good thing or a bad thing?
I looked at a 1966 Morris Minor 1000 two-door saloon that was advertised recently for £3995. When I put my hand underneath, it went through the floor. I pointed this out to the vendor who happily said ‘that doesn’t matter, as it doesn’t need an MoT now’.
While I expect a little work for a 53-year-old car, I don’t expect a major rebuild for a four-grand Moggy! I had a similar experience with a 1967 Triumph Herald, priced at £4750, and also with a 1961 Wolseley 1500, priced at £5995. In each case, the seller assured me that the car was in good condition and in one example, we had a four-hour drive to see the car! All of these cars needed quite a lot of welding and wouldn’t stand a chance of passing an MoT. It seems that many sellers consider this new MoT ruling to be a licence to buy wrecks and print money.
I feel that something should be done with regards to the new regulations and if a seller is determined to sell a car without an MoT, he should sign some form of legal declaration to say that the car is safe and not falling to pieces.
We did finally buy another car and one which the vendor was happy to have MoT’d, but this vendor appears to be something of a rarity. I think that if this new ruling is not repealed or altered in some way, some innocent buyer is going to buy a wreck and may end up killing themselves!
Robin Laughlin, Suffolk
Has anyone else encountered similar problems with buying classics that no longer require an MoT? If so, please do get in touch with CCW, as we’d like to know more – Ed