Official DVLA Record

1938 Mercedes-Benz Unknown 0.2L Petrol · SXS 844

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.

MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 30/09/2024
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
1938
Engine
170cc
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 is currently in a stable condition based on its last recorded inspection. It passed the MOT on 2 October 2023 at 17,530 miles with no defects or advisories listed. This clean bill of health suggests the car was roadworthy and well-maintained at that time, though the test is now nearly three years old relative to the current date of 29 July 2026. The recorded mileage of 17,530 miles is exceptionally low for a vehicle from 1938, averaging roughly 199 miles per year. There is no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation, as the odometer remained static at 17,530 miles during the October 2023 test. Such low usage often indicates a vehicle that has spent significant periods in storage rather than in active service. A buyer must focus on the risks associated with long-term standing. While the 2023 record shows no faults, the gap since that test means seals may have perished and fluids could have degraded. Particular attention should be paid to the braking system for signs of seizing or binding calipers and the fuel system for varnish or corrosion. Inspect the chassis and floor pans for structural rust, as vintage Mercedes-Benz models can suffer from hidden corrosion in the sills. Check the condition of the rubber suspension bushes and tyres for flat spots or dry rot, as these components degrade with age regardless of mileage. A full mechanical sympathy check is required to ensure the engine and drivetrain remain lubricated after the period of inactivity.

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 Analysis
60
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for SXS844

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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SXS 844 MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 23 Aug 2026, 16:36
MOT Analysis

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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

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

Buying Score
75/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£2,500
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 17,530 miles is ...

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