1974 Lotus Elan MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Elan models manufactured in 1974, based on 156 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1974 Lotus Elan MOT Analysis
The 1974 Lotus Elan has an MOT pass rate of 74.4% based on 156 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 37,067 miles on the odometer. With a 25.6% failure rate, the 1974 Elan is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1974 Lotus Elan is Brakes, responsible for 3.2% of failures. 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 range from £150–400. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 1.3%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 0.6%.
Top failures specific to 1974 models only. The overall Elan page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 3.2% | 5 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 1.3% | 2 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.6% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 0.6% | 1 |
| 5 | Visibility | 0.6% | 1 |
| 6 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 37,067 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.86 | 3.2% | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 0.35 | 1.3% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.17 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.17 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.17 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 0.17 | 0.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1974 Lotus Elan has an MOT pass rate of 74.4% based on 156 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 37,067 miles on the odometer. With a 25.6% failure rate, the 1974 Elan is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1974 Lotus Elan, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: 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). With relatively low average mileage of 37,067 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Brakes — 3.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 1974 Lotus Elan 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).
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 1.3% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 1.3% of MOT failures on 1974 Lotus Elan models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 0.6% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 1974 Lotus Elan 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.