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FTO 601L

1973 Triumph Spitfire

White Petrol 1296cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires23 Jun 2027
Tests30 (18 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate60%

Mileage

5,070 mi
Last recorded5,070 miles
Recorded on19 Jun 2026
Typical for 1973 Triumph Spitfire50,358 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Triumph
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationFTO 601L
MakeTriumph
ModelSpitfire
Year1973
ColourWhite
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,296cc

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

18 pass 12 fail
Pass 19 Jun 2026 5,070 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn outer bush/bearing (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 24 Jun 2025 4,706 miles

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Fail 12 Jun 2025 4,705 miles

Fuel hose leaking at fuel pump (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Pass 1 Jun 2024 4,432 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. front brakes (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Wheel bearing has slight play o/s and n/s (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively recommend check (1.2.1 (f))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine and transmission (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever worn, but not excessively (1.1.6 (b) (i))

Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

vehicle is a Truly Fine example of a Beautiful British Classic

Pass 3 Jun 2023 4,126 miles

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever worn, but not excessively (1.1.6 (b) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play o/s and n/s front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

vehicle is a "Fine example" of a Beautiful British classic

Fail 11 May 2023 4,108 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Rear Inner Drive shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Drive shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn recommend check (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Oil leak, but not excessive oil level on MIN (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever worn, but not excessively (1.1.6 (b) (i))

Pass 12 May 2022 3,192 miles

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn slightly worn trunnion (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever worn, but not excessively side to side movement (1.1.6 (b) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play o/s and n/s front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

advise, parking brake lever travel

vehicle is a "fine example" for its age

Fail 3 Oct 2020 3,155 miles

Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))

Position lamp not working all position lamps front and rear (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Steering column flexible coupling is excessively deteriorated coupling joins column to rack (2.2.2 (c))

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn trunion (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever worn, but not excessively side to side movement (1.1.6 (b) (i))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) n/s

Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play o/s and n/s front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

advance travel, handbrake lever

washers weak in operation

Pass 8 Oct 2019 2,896 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. front brakes (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Steering column flexible coupling is slightly deteriorated (2.2.2 (c))

Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play o/s and n/s front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

advance handbrake lever travel

vehicle "very fine example" for the age

washers weak in operation

Fail 30 Sep 2019 2,882 miles

Nearside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Position lamp not working all postion lamps (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Windscreen wiper not working o/s and n/s (3.4 (a))

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. front brakes (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Steering column flexible coupling is slightly deteriorated (2.2.2 (c))

Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Wheel bearing has slight play o/s and n/s front (5.1.3 (a) (i))

washers weak in operation

Pass 10 Oct 2018 1,874 miles

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine/gearbox, and rear axle (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Steering column flexible coupling is slightly deteriorated play, recommend attention (2.2.2 (c))

Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

adavance travel, handbrake lever

recommend wax oil underside of vehicle to keep it looking lovely

vehicle in Excellent condition for age,,

washers weak in operation

Fail 5 Oct 2018 1,849 miles

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive engine/gearbox, and rear axle (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Steering column flexible coupling is slightly deteriorated play, recommend attention (2.2.2 (c))

Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

adavance travel, handbrake lever

recommend wax oil underside of vehicle to keep it looking lovely

vehicle in Excellent condition for age,,

washers weak in operation

Pass 12 Sep 2017 943 miles

Nearside Front front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 1.68mm, nearly on legal limit in place,, recommend replace ASAP (4.1.E.1)

Oil leak minor leaks, engine/gearbox, rear axle

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) n/s

advise condition of drive belt

advise, handbrake travel

vehicle in "absolutely excellent " condition for age

Fail 12 Sep 2017 943 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 1.68mm, nearly on legal limit in place,, recommend replace ASAP (4.1.E.1)

Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.2.1f)

Oil leak minor leaks, engine/gearbox, rear axle

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) n/s

advise condition of drive belt

advise, handbrake travel

vehicle in "absolutely excellent " condition for age

Pass 3 Sep 2016 453 miles

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 2mm in place,, recommend replace (4.1.E.1)

front brake fluctuating, but not excessively o/s and n/s front (3.7.B.3)

minor oil leak

o/s and n/s wiper rubbers slightly perished

vehicle in "excellent " condition for age

Fail 3 Sep 2016 453 miles

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 2mm in place,, recommend replace (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp tail/stop light (1.1.A.3f)

front brake fluctuating, but not excessively o/s and n/s front (3.7.B.3)

minor oil leak

o/s and n/s wiper rubbers slightly perished

vehicle in "excellent " condition for age

Pass 8 Sep 2015 99,461 miles

drive belt slightly slack

minor oil leak

both front wipers slightly perished

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Front front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

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

Offside Front front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

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

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 2.8mm in place (4.1.E.1)

nearside front washer jet slightly weak

oil warning light on at idle

recommend check steering track

slight wear/play in steering rack

vehicle in "excellent " condition for age

Fail 2 Sep 2015 99,427 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed outer sidewall cut to cords (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit worn on outer edge (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

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

Offside Front front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

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

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 2.8mm in place (4.1.E.1)

both front wipers slightly perished

drive belt slightly slack

minor oil leak

nearside front washer jet slightly weak

oil warning light on at idle

recommend check steering track

slight wear/play in steering rack

Pass 13 Sep 2014 98,755 miles

Nearside front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Oil leak

advise condition and operation of horn switch

both wiper rubbers slightly perished

exhaust emissions CO and Hc readings high, recommend check

vehicle in "excellent" condition

Fail 9 Sep 2014 98,742 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded (5.2.6)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Oil leak

advise condition and operation of horn switch

both wiper rubbers slightly perished

exhaust emissions CO and Hc readings high, recommend check

Pass 7 Sep 2013 97,811 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Oil leak

advise condition and operation of wiper rubbers

vehicle in "excellent" condition

Pass 3 Sep 2012 97,068 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Oil leak

advise condition and operation of wiper rubbers

advise condition of rear boot floor/ inner valance

advise operation of ignition switch

vehicle in "excellent" general condition

Pass 8 Sep 2011 95,772 miles

Lower Steering column flexible coupling has slight play (2.1.5)

offside foot and handbrake performances slightly lower than nearside

slight contamination nearside rear brake back plate

slight oil leak/contamination engine/gearbox

vehicle in "very good" general condition.

Fail 8 Sep 2011 95,772 miles

Lower Steering column flexible coupling has slight play (2.1.5)

Steering wheel locking device insecure (2.1.6)

offside foot and handbrake performances slightly lower than nearside

slight contamination nearside rear brake back plate

slight oil leak/contamination engine/gearbox

vehicle in "very good" general condition.

Pass 21 Sep 2010 94,173 miles

Oil leak

slight handbrake travel

Fail 17 Sep 2010 94,095 miles

Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

Oil leak

Pass 16 Sep 2009 92,332 miles
Pass 19 Sep 2008 91,758 miles
Fail 19 Sep 2008 91,746 miles

All position lamps not working (1.1.A.3b)

Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Pass 19 Sep 2007 91,492 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

slight play nearside front lower trunnion

How Reliable is the Triumph Spitfire?

Based on 69,541 MOT tests across 8,423 vehicles.

72.5%
Pass Rate
302
Miles/Year
63
Year Lifespan
8,423
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 4,320
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 2,718
brake binding 2,431
Stop lamp not working 2,126
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 1,894
Full Triumph Spitfire reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

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FTO 601L is a 1973 Triumph Spitfire in White with a 1,296cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60%.

Across all 1973 Triumph Spitfire models, the average MOT pass rate is 72.4% with a typical mileage of 50,358 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Triumph Spitfire fails its MOT is parking brake: efficiency below requirements, accounting for 4,320 recorded failures. If you're considering buying FTO 601L, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Triumph Spitfire typically stays on UK roads for around 63 years. At 53 years old, this Triumph Spitfire is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of FTO 601L?

You can check the full history of FTO 601L by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was FTO 601L registered?

FTO 601L is a 1973 Triumph Spitfire, first registered on 1 July 1973.

Is FTO 601L safe to buy?

The MOT history for FTO 601L shows 30 tests with a 60% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does FTO 601L 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 FTO 601L. 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.