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FTC 487W

1981 MG B

Red Petrol 1798cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Nov 2026
Tests14 (11 pass, 3 fail)
Pass rate78.6%

Mileage

77,915 mi
Last recorded77,915 miles
Recorded on10 Nov 2025
Typical for 1981 MG B52,343 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this MG
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationFTC 487W
MakeMG
ModelB
Year1981
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,798cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

11 pass 3 fail
Pass 10 Nov 2025 77,915 miles
Fail 1 Nov 2025 77,911 miles

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))

Pass 4 Jun 2021 77,603 miles
Pass 27 May 2020 76,729 miles
Pass 11 Jul 2019 76,428 miles
Pass 10 May 2018 75,565 miles

o/s jacking point corroded.

Fail 24 Apr 2018 75,553 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

o/s jacking point corroded.

rear handbrake cable bracket broken.

Pass 22 Mar 2017 73,081 miles

offside jacking point corroded

Pass 9 May 2015 70,810 miles

vehicle undersealed and waxoiled

Pass 5 May 2012 70,789 miles

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Pass 19 Mar 2011 70,324 miles
Pass 29 Apr 2009 69,345 miles
Pass 16 Nov 2005 67,879 miles
Fail 4 Oct 2005 67,866 miles

Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

How Reliable is the MG B?

Based on 191,608 MOT tests across 19,443 vehicles.

78.1%
Pass Rate
381
Miles/Year
63
Year Lifespan
19,443
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 5,224
brake binding 4,089
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 3,715
Stop lamp not working 3,343
Steering rack gaiter split 2,887
Full MG B reliability report

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FTC 487W is a 1981 MG B in Red with a 1,798cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 14 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 78.6%.

Across all 1981 MG B models, the average MOT pass rate is 76.2% with a typical mileage of 52,343 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a MG B fails its MOT is windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid, accounting for 5,224 recorded failures. If you're considering buying FTC 487W, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The MG B typically stays on UK roads for around 63 years. At 45 years old, this MG B is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of FTC 487W?

You can check the full history of FTC 487W by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was FTC 487W registered?

FTC 487W is a 1981 MG B, first registered on 22 May 1981.

Is FTC 487W safe to buy?

The MOT history for FTC 487W shows 14 tests with a 78.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does FTC 487W have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on FTC 487W. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.