1983 Ferrari 512 4.9L Petrol · JBW 832Y

The most recent MOT on 11 August 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the car met the statutory safety and emissions criteria at that time. The earlier test in August 2022 also passed but carried an advisory for a slight oil leak from the engine and gearbox, and a separate failure for the missing front registration plate. The persistence of the oil‑leak advisory across a four‑year interval suggests a chronic, low‑level seepage that has not progressed to a point of excess, while the registration‑plate issue was a simple compliance matter. Overall the maintenance trend appears stable – the vehicle remains road‑worthy but shows a minor, ongoing leak that warrants monitoring. At 14 864 miles recorded for a 43‑year‑old 1983 Ferrari 512 the annualised mileage works out to roughly 346 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a car of this vintage. Such limited use often points to long periods of storage or very light weekend motoring, rather than continuous wear. Low utilisation reduces the cumulative stress on wear items such as clutch discs, brake pads and tyre tread, but it also means that many components have aged primarily by calendar rather than mileage. Age‑related degradation of rubber seals, hoses, and elastomers can be as significant as mileage‑related wear, and the vehicle’s service history should be examined for any long‑interval fluid changes that may have been missed during idle periods. The oil‑leak advisory should be investigated before purchase. Request a thorough visual inspection of the engine block, valve cover gaskets, oil pan, and the gearbox rear seal to locate any drips or wet spots. On a test drive listen for a faint hissing or feel for oil splatter on the under‑tray, and check the ground after the car has been parked for a few hours for any fresh oil stains. Even a slight leak can lead to reduced oil levels, increased engine temperature, or gearbox wear if left unchecked, so the buyer should budget for a possible gasket or seal replacement and verify that the leak has not worsened since the last MOT. Given the car’s age and low mileage, the buyer should also carry out a comprehensive age‑related inspection. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot, or hardening of the rubber, as tyres can deteriorate even when scarcely used. Inspect the chassis and suspension for corrosion, especially around the front suspension bushes, coil springs, and mounting points, and check for any signs of rust on the brake discs, caliper pins and the exhaust system. The 12‑volt battery is likely to be well beyond its typical service life; a load test or replacement may be prudent. Finally, verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, gearbox oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed in accordance with calendar intervals, as fluids degrade over time and can cause seal hardening or internal component wear even without high mileage.