1964 Vanden Plas . 4.0L Petrol · 8000 EH

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 25 March 2026 at 38,222 miles confirms it remains roadworthy, though with critical advisories that demand immediate attention. The trend over the past three years is concerning—recurring failures and advisories on the front suspension and tyres indicate a pattern of neglect rather than routine maintenance. The March 2026 test alone highlights imbalanced rear brakes requiring adjustment, a near-failure on the nearside front inner tyre rubbing the trackrod end, and slight play in the nearside front suspension kingpin, all of which suggest underlying structural or alignment issues. While the vehicle passed in April 2025 without defects, the failures in March 2025 and 2023—both tied to tyre wear and suspension interference—demonstrate a failure to address fundamental problems promptly. The recorded mileage of 38,222 miles over 62 years averages just 616 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and type. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate deterioration in suspension components, tyres, and rubber seals due to static loading and environmental exposure. Notably, there is a 12-month gap between the 2024 and 2025 MOTs, with no intermediate tests recorded, raising questions about whether critical issues were addressed outside the MOT cycle. The lack of significant mileage accumulation further implies the vehicle has not been driven regularly, which could mask more severe wear than apparent from the MOT history alone. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front suspension, particularly the trackrod ends and kingpins, given the repeated advisories and tyre interference in multiple tests. The nearside front inner tyre has shown persistent rubbing against the trackrod end nipple, indicating misalignment or worn suspension bushes that require realignment or replacement. Rear brake imbalance and the slight play in the nearside kingpin also warrant thorough checking for binding calipers, uneven disc wear, or deteriorated bushings. Structural corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounts, should be examined closely, as prolonged inactivity increases the risk of hidden rust damage. Finally, the tyres—particularly the nearside front—should be inspected for uneven wear patterns or residual damage from previous rubbing, as the legal limits have been approached in prior tests.