Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid

1986 LOTUS ESPRIT2.2L Petrol

C956 UPE

LOTUS ESPRIT (1986, Petrol, 2174cc) — mileage recorded at 71,447. MOT status: valid. Road tax: not taxed. Check full history before buying.

MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 03/02/2027
Tax Status
Unknown
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Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1986
Engine
2174cc
Mechanical Assessment
The vehicle presents a high level of roadworthiness with a consistent history of clean MOT passes over the last five years. The most recent test in February 2026 at 71,447 miles resulted in no defects or advisories, indicating a stable maintenance environment. This flawless record suggests that the mechanical and structural components are being managed proactively rather than reacting to the failures typically seen in older vehicles of this era. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a forty-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,600 miles per year. Between January 2022 at 63,202 miles and February 2026 at 71,447 miles, the car covered only 8,245 miles. This low usage frequency suggests the car is likely stored and used sparingly. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components, such as seals, hoses, and suspension bushes, which can perish over time regardless of distance. Despite the clean MOT data, a buyer must focus their physical inspection on areas prone to age rot in a Lotus Esprit. The structural integrity should be checked specifically for hidden corrosion in the sills, floor pans, and bulkhead areas, as moisture often traps in these steel chassis points. Because the car sits for long periods, the brake system requires scrutiny for seized calipers or perished perished, and fuel lines should be checked for cracking or internal degradation. The state of the tyres and rubber bushings is vital to ensure the low mileage has not masked material fatigue.
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
85
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✓ Valid MOT
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for C956UPE

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 15 Apr 2026, 17:56
Mechanic's Historical Review
The vehicle presents a high level of roadworthiness with a consistent history of clean MOT passes over the last five years. The most recent test in February 2026 at 71,447 miles resulted in no defects or advisories, indicating a stable maintenance environment. This flawless record suggests that the mechanical and structural components are being managed proactively rather than reacting to the failures typically seen in older vehicles of this era. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a forty-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,600 miles per year. Between January 2022 at 63,202 miles and February 2026 at 71,447 miles, the car covered only 8,245 miles. This low usage frequency suggests the car is likely stored and used sparingly. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components, such as seals, hoses, and suspension bushes, which can perish over time regardless of distance. Despite the clean MOT data, a buyer must focus their physical inspection on areas prone to age rot in a Lotus Esprit. The structural integrity should be checked specifically for hidden corrosion in the sills, floor pans, and bulkhead areas, as moisture often traps in these steel chassis points. Because the car sits for long periods, the brake system requires scrutiny for seized calipers or perished perished, and fuel lines should be checked for cracking or internal degradation. The state of the tyres and rubber bushings is vital to ensure the low mileage has not masked material fatigue.
MOT Test History Overview

Our records for this Lotus Esprit (C956 UPE) from 1986 show a total of 5 MOT tests between January 2022 and February 2026.

The vehicle has achieved an overall 100% pass rate, with 5 passes and 0 failures recorded. The car boasts an impressive record, which typically reflects a conscientious ownership history.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY