1990 CATERHAM SEVEN1.7L PETROL

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a clean pass in September 2025 at 22,868 miles. The maintenance trend shows a period of stability interrupted by significant failures just one week prior. While the car maintained a clean record between 2022 and 2024, the August 2025 failure indicates a sudden lapse in mechanical oversight or component failure that the owner appears to have since rectified to achieve the subsequent passing result. The mileage pattern is consistent and exceptionally low for a 36-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 635 miles per year. Between October 2023 and October 2024, the car covered only 458 miles, suggesting it is used sparingly or kept stored for long periods. This low usage often reduces mechanical wear on the drivetrain and suspension but increases the risk of seal degradation and fluid stagnation. The five-mile gap between the failure and the pass in 2025 confirms the issues were addressed immediately rather than through routine mileage. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the braking system due to the August 2025 failure where the tester identified a leaking nearside front brake hose and a general brake fluid leak that prevented a performance test. Despite the recent pass, the integrity of all rubber hoses and calipers should be verified to ensure no further weeping exists. The exhaust emissions failure in that same test, involving high hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, suggests the engine was running rich or suffering from poor combustion issues. You should check the lambda sensor and ignition system to ensure the oil leak noted in the record remains minor and has not progressed.