1938 Mercedes-Benz Unknown 0.2L Petrol · SXS 844
1938 Mercedes-Benz Unknown (0.2L, petrol). First registered 01/01/1938. Recorded mileage 17,530 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1938
- Engine
- 170cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
SXS 844 Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/10/2023
- 17,530 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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SXS 844 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1938 Mercedes-Benz Unknown (SXS 844) between October 2023 and October 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 0 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1938 Mercedes-Benz is a remarkable vintage machine with a remarkably low recorded mileage of 17,530 miles. While its pre-war age demands specialized mechanical knowledge and careful maintenance, its clean recent MOT pass makes it an intriguing prospect for collectors.
Purchasing a pre-war vehicle like this 1938 Mercedes-Benz requires a specialized approach compared to modern used cars. You should thoroughly inspect the physical paper or digital history file for evidence of specialist restoration work, component rebuilds, and regular servicing. Given the rarity and age of the vehicle, finding a marque specialist or classic car mechanic before purchase is essential.
When negotiating, verify the authenticity of major mechanical components and body panels. Pre-war cars often feature unique wiring systems, mechanical brakes, and specialized fuel delivery setups that can be costly to repair if neglected. Ensure you test drive the vehicle on dry roads to assess steering play, clutch bite, and cooling system efficiency under load.
Running a 1938 classic falls outside standard motoring economics. As a vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1983, it qualifies for historic vehicle tax exemption in the UK (zero-rated VED), saving on annual road fund licence costs.
Insurance must be arranged through a specialist classic car policy, which often offers agreed-value coverage and limited mileage discounts. Fuel economy will depend heavily on how the car is tuned, but premium unleaded (potentially with lead replacement additives) will be required. Maintenance costs are unpredictable; rather than routine servicing, budget for periodic mechanical overhauls and specialist storage.
Pay close attention to the chassis frame for structural rust or fatigue, as pre-war metallurgy is prone to corrosion if stored in damp conditions. Check the wooden framing (if applicable to this body style) for rot or woodworm infestation.
Examine the mechanical systems thoroughly, including the fuel lines, carburettor condition, and cooling system for leaks or blockages. Inspect the electrical wiring loom for perished insulation, which is a common fire hazard in vehicles of this era. Finally, check the tire sidewalls for cracking due to age, even if the tread depth appears adequate.
First registered in January 1938 and finished in a striking maroon, this classic Mercedes-Benz presents as a true heritage vehicle. The recorded mileage of 17,530 miles as of October 2023 is exceptionally low for a car of this vintage. Its most recent MOT test resulted in a clean pass with zero recorded defects, pointing to a vehicle that has been carefully tended to by its current custodian.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific pre-war Mercedes-Benz model, meaning condition and maintenance history dictate reliability entirely.
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
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (SXS8 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as SXS844.