1982 Mercedes 380 3.8L Petrol · 400 AFG

The 1982 Mercedes 380 presents a stable and well-maintained roadworthiness profile. The most recent MOT, conducted on 8 October 2025 at 65,028 miles, passed with zero defects recorded. This clean sheet extends a pattern of consistent passes across the entire available history, with the sole exception of a minor 2015 advisory for a slight exhaust leak and a heat shield issue. The maintenance trend is firmly stable, with no recurring defects or emerging mechanical concerns flagged by testers over more than a decade of recorded tests. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of very light use. The vehicle has covered just 1,297 miles in the eleven years between the September 2015 test at 63,731 miles and the October 2025 test at 65,028 miles, averaging roughly 118 miles per year over that stretch. A notable gap exists between the November 2019 test at 63,924 miles and the September 2022 test at 63,988 miles, during which only 64 miles were added across nearly three years. This suggests the car stood idle for extended periods, a pattern that demands careful inspection of perishable components rather than mechanical wear from use. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer should inspect the underside thoroughly for structural corrosion, particularly on subframes, sills, and floor pans, as salt exposure during long stationary periods can be just as damaging as regular road use. The 2015 exhaust leak advisory, though minor, warrants a check of the exhaust manifold, flange joints, and heat shield mounts for fatigue cracking or rust jacking. Rubber suspension bushes, brake hoses, and fuel lines should be examined for perishing from age rather than mileage, as forty-four-year-old elastomers deteriorate regardless of use. Tyre date codes deserve attention too; even with full tread depth, tyres over six years old carry elevated risk of sidewall failure. The braking system, including caliper slide pins and handbrake linkages, should be tested for seizure given the car's low annual mileage and tendency to stand idle.