1961 Ford Thames MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Thames models manufactured in 1961, based on 86 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1961 Ford Thames MOT Analysis
The 1961 Ford Thames has an MOT pass rate of 88.4% based on 86 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 67,535 miles on the odometer. With a 11.6% failure rate, the 1961 Thames is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1961 Ford Thames is Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment, responsible for 5.8% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Driver's View of the Road is the second most common issue at 2.3%. Brakes follows at 2.3%.
Top failures specific to 1961 models only. The overall Thames page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 5.8% | 5 |
| 2 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.3% | 2 |
| 3 | Brakes | 2.3% | 2 |
| 4 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 1.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 67,535 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.86 | 5.8% | 5 |
| Visibility | 0.34 | 2.3% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.34 | 2.3% | 2 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.17 | 1.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1961 Ford Thames has an MOT pass rate of 88.4% based on 86 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 67,535 miles on the odometer. With a 11.6% failure rate, the 1961 Thames is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1961 Ford Thames, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. At 67,535 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 5.8% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 5.8% of MOT failures on 1961 Ford Thames models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Driver's View of the Road — 2.3% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 2.3% of MOT failures on 1961 Ford Thames models. Driver's View of the Road issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Brakes — 2.3% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.3% of MOT failures on 1961 Ford Thames models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.