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MDN 1

1971 Lotus Elan

Red Petrol 1558cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires12 May 2026
Tests17 (15 pass, 2 fail)
Pass rate88.2%

Mileage

73,340 mi
Last recorded73,340 miles
Recorded on13 May 2025
Typical for 1971 Lotus Elan49,460 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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

RegistrationMDN 1
MakeLotus
ModelElan
Year1971
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,558cc

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

15 pass 2 fail
Pass 13 May 2025 73,340 miles

Coolant leak ()

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

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

Fail 9 May 2025 73,338 miles

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Coolant leak ()

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

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

Pass 7 Jun 2023 73,215 miles

Nearside Rear Position lamp slightly affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Offside Rear Position lamp slightly affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Rear Service brake imbalance requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Pass 26 Jun 2019 71,244 miles

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

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

Pass 8 Jun 2018 70,900 miles

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

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

Pass 29 Jun 2017 70,793 miles

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

Offside Rear rear brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Pass 7 Jun 2016 69,018 miles

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

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

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

clutch pedal anti slip provision worn and insecure

Pass 18 Jun 2015 68,856 miles

engine oil leak

main beam tell tale works only on dip beam

n/s wiper split

poor engine idle

Pass 17 Jun 2014 67,962 miles

Both rear tyres worn low & badly cracked

Pass 3 Jun 2013 67,762 miles
Fail 30 May 2013 67,760 miles

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 7 Oct 2011 67,310 miles

both rear tyres cracked

Pass 1 Oct 2010 67,125 miles

Outer end of nearside rack gaiter damaged

Pass 2 Oct 2009 66,838 miles
Pass 9 Oct 2008 66,593 miles
Pass 3 Oct 2007 66,561 miles

both rear tyres perrishing

n/s driveshaft flexable cuplings split

Pass 21 Apr 2006 66,420 miles

How Reliable is the Lotus Elan?

Based on 51,097 MOT tests across 4,280 vehicles.

77.4%
Pass Rate
554
Miles/Year
59
Year Lifespan
4,280
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 2,585
brake recording little or no effort 1,342
parking brake recording little or no effort 1,318
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 927
brake binding 845
Full Lotus Elan reliability report

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MDN 1 is a 1971 Lotus Elan in Red with a 1,558cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 17 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 88.2%.

Across all 1971 Lotus Elan models, the average MOT pass rate is 85.9% with a typical mileage of 49,460 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Lotus Elan fails its MOT is parking brake: efficiency below requirements, accounting for 2,585 recorded failures. If you're considering buying MDN 1, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Lotus Elan typically stays on UK roads for around 59 years. At 55 years old, this Lotus Elan is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of MDN 1?

You can check the full history of MDN 1 by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was MDN 1 registered?

MDN 1 is a 1971 Lotus Elan, first registered on 10 August 1971.

Is MDN 1 safe to buy?

The MOT history for MDN 1 shows 17 tests with a 88.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does MDN 1 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 MDN 1. 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.