1973 MERCEDES-BENZ 3503.5L Petrol

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, though the maintenance trend reveals a history of significant structural and mechanical fluctuations. The most recent test in January 2025 at 83,150 miles passed with only minor defects regarding an insecure battery and a slightly twisted offside rear brake hose. This represents a significant improvement compared to the 2017 failure where the car was rejected for serious structural corrosion. While the current status is stable, the history suggests the vehicle is susceptible to environmental degradation. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 53-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,569 miles per year. There is a notable gap in testing records between April 2017 and January 2025, during which the car covered only 43 miles over eight years. The discrepancy in the 2011 entry showing 150,170 miles, suggests either an odometer replacement or a recording error, as all subsequent tests consistently sit around the 80,000 mark. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals rather than mechanical wear from distance. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the inner body and chassis mountings. The 2017 failure flagged excessive corrosion affecting the strength of the sills near the body mountings, which is a critical structural concern that must be verified as having been professionally repaired. Furthermore, the recurring reports of deteriorated suspension arm rubber bushes and subframe bushes between 2010 and 2013 indicate that the rubber components are prone to rot and cracking due to age. Inspect the brake lines and hoses for signs of corrosion or physical damage, as the 2013 record noted underseal covering the pipes and 2025 identified a twisted hose.