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Official DVLA Record

1999 Daimler V8 4.0L Petrol · L66 SCL

L66 SCL

1999 Daimler V8 (4.0L, petrol). First registered 31 Mar 1999. Recorded mileage 70,053 miles. MOT expired on 12 Sept 2024. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
DAIMLER V8
Year / Origin
1999 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 12 Sept 2024
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
70,053 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 4.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 12 Sept 2024
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1999
Engine
3996cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle’s most recent MOT, conducted on 2023-09-14 at 70,053 miles, resulted in a pass, but the preceding test on 2023-09-07 at the same mileage recorded multiple failures. These included insecure shock absorbers, excessive track rod end play, and an exhaust leak, indicating unresolved suspension and emissions issues. While the later test addressed tyre wear and minor lamp faults, the proximity of the failed and passed tests suggests potential repair work was undertaken. The overall trend shows intermittent issues, with no significant improvement in critical components like suspension or exhaust systems. The vehicle’s mileage of 70,053 miles over 27 years equates to an average of 2,595 miles annually, a low figure that may reflect infrequent use or prolonged inactivity. MOT records show minimal gaps between tests, with the last valid inspection in 2021 at 69,722 miles and a prior pass in 2018 at 69,469 miles. This sparse data suggests the car has remained relatively static in terms of usage, though the lack of recent testing since 2023 raises concerns about unmonitored deterioration, particularly in rubber components and corrosion-prone areas. Key areas requiring in-person inspection include the suspension system, where shock absorbers and track rod ends previously failed, and the exhaust, which exhibited leaks. Tyre wear patterns, notably edge wear and near-limit tread depths, may indicate alignment or balancing issues. Structural integrity should also be assessed, as age and low mileage can mask hidden rust or metal fatigue. Buyers should verify the condition of brake discs, binding calipers, and corrosion in chassis components, as these are common risks for vehicles of this vintage with limited active use.
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L66 SCL Key Findings

  • 2 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 14/09/2023
  • 70,053 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring tyres items (5 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

L66 SCL MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 12 Oct 2026, 00:54
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Daimler V8 (L66 SCL) between September 2023 and September 2023.

The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 14 September 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Shock absorbers insecurely attached (5.3.2 (a) (i))”; “Emissions unable to be completed exhaust leaking (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Front Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

L66 SCL Mileage History

  1. 07/09/202370,053 mi
  2. 14/09/202370,053 mi

Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
35
/ 100 · Poor
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Poor

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Average MOT pass rate (50%)
1 dangerous defects found recently
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
65/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£3,500-£4,500
Mileage
The mileage of 70,053 is significantly b...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution unless you are an enthusiast prepared for high-maintenance costs. While the low mileage is highly attractive, the recent MOT history indicates a period of deferred maintenance that needs addressing immediately.

When inspecting this Daimler, prioritize the mechanical condition of the exhaust and suspension. The 2023 failure highlighted a track rod end with excessive play and an insecure shock absorber, suggesting that the suspension components may be aging despite the low mileage. Ask for a full service history; specifically check if the 4.0L V8 has had regular oil changes to prevent seal leaks, which are common on these engines.

Negotiate based on the recent MOT failures. The 2023 test showed all four tyres were worn or below the legal limit, indicating the previous owner may have been neglecting basic consumable items. Ensure the exhaust leak noted in 2023 has been professionally repaired, as this can affect emissions and lead to further MOT failures.

Running costs for this vehicle will be substantial due to the 4000cc V8 engine. Expect very poor fuel economy, likely averaging 15-18 mpg depending on driving conditions. Tax and insurance will also be in high brackets given the large engine displacement and classic luxury status.

Maintenance is another factor; parts for Daimler-specific trim components can be more expensive than standard Mercedes equivalents. Budget for an annual running cost of £3,500-£4,500 including fuel, tax, and occasional specialist repairs.

Pay close attention to the front-end geometry. Given the 2023 failure of the track rod end and offside shock absorber, you should check for any knocks in the steering or uneven tyre wear. Inspect the exhaust system thoroughly for leaks, as the 2023 record specifically cited emissions issues caused by an exhaust leak.

Check the age of the tyres rather than just the tread. The MOT history shows all four were near the limit recently, and old rubber can be dangerous regardless of remaining depth. Also, look for perished rubber bushings in the suspension, which tend to crack on cars that are used for long periods.

This 1999 Daimler V8 is a rare low-mileage example, sitting at just 70,053 miles after 27 years. While it enjoyed clean records between 2016 and 2018, a significant 2023 MOT failure revealed multiple issues across suspension, steering, and emissions. The data suggests a car that may have sat stationary or suffered from neglect recently, which is common for luxury tourers.

The Daimler V8 of this era shares architecture with Mercedes-Benz models; it is generally robust but suffers from complex electronics and aging wear components.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns