1978 ROLLS ROYCE SHADOW 26.8L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass on 10 June 2026 at 91,390 miles, though the maintenance trend is declining. Recent tests show an increase in noted defects compared to the clean records of 2019 and 2020. The most recent inspection flagged a loose offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and a deteriorated central exhaust with a minor leak. These issues follow a pattern of gradual degradation in the exhaust system and chassis components. The mileage is exceptionally low for a 48 year old vehicle, averaging roughly 1,904 miles per year. The record shows a significant gap in testing between July 2020 and May 2025, during which the car covered 3,143 miles. This suggests the vehicle spent several years in storage or saw very limited use. Low mileage on a classic often masks the deterioration of rubber seals and hydraulic fluids, which is evidenced by the faults appearing once the car returned to regular use. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system and fluid seals. The April 2019 failure at 86,562 miles for excessive hydraulic fluid leakage from a high pressure valve indicates a history of brake system instability. This is compounded by the May 2025 test at 90,241 miles, where the tester flagged binding on both the nearside front and rear service brakes, as well as a parking brake that only just met the minimum requirement. These recurring brake issues suggest seized calipers or degraded hydraulics typical of long-term standing. The engine area requires scrutiny for oil leaks, as noted in the May 2025 test. While described as not excessive, this should be cross-referenced with the 2019 failure for excessive hydrocarbon emissions to determine if the engine is burning oil or suffering from chronic seal failure. The recurring exhaust leaks across the last two tests indicate the system is corroding and likely requires a full replacement rather than a patch repair.