1961 Daimler SP 250 2.5L Petrol · 2226 KC

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 15 May 2026, although this followed a failure the previous day. The failure was attributed to electrical faults with the nearside and offside rear direction indicators and a significant mechanical issue regarding excessive vertical movement in the steering column. While these defects were rectified to achieve a pass, the emergence of steering instability and electrical anomalies suggests a downward trend in the vehicle's mechanical condition compared to the clean pass recorded in 2023. The recorded mileage of 15,515 miles is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 239 miles per year. While this suggests minimal wear on the internal engine components and drivetrain, such low usage often indicates long periods of standing. In a classic vehicle, prolonged inactivity can be more detrimental than regular use, often leading to the perishing of rubber seals, the accumulation of moisture in the braking system, and the degradation of fuel and lubricants. The recent advisory regarding an oil leak warrants close inspection. The buyer should examine the engine bay and the underside of the chassis for fresh residue and monitor for any smell of burning oil during a test drive, which would indicate leaks onto the exhaust manifold. Particular attention must be paid to the steering system following the recent failure for excessive movement. The buyer should feel for any vagueness or play in the steering wheel and listen for clunks or knocks during low-speed manoeuvres, as this may indicate worn steering bushes or failing joints that could affect road holding. Given the vehicle's low mileage and age, a comprehensive physical inspection is required beyond the MOT results. The buyer should check the tyre sidewalls for cracking and perishing, as tyres often expire due to age rather than tread wear on such vehicles. Brake calipers should be checked for binding and discs for surface corrosion resulting from standing. Additionally, the health of the 12V battery and the condition of the fluids should be verified, as calendar-based degradation occurs regardless of mileage. A thorough review of the service records is essential to ensure that regular oil changes and the lubrication of grease points have been maintained.