1986 Rolls Royce Silver Sprint 6.8L Petrol · 49 SJ

The 1986 Rolls Royce Silver Sprint presents a stable and largely well-maintained roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT on 10 July 2025 at 44,288 miles resulting in a pass. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, though the recurrence of tyre degradation and the introduction of a minor oil leak in 2024 suggest that basic fluid and rubber-component checks may have been deferred between annual tests. The July 2025 advisory for cracking or perishing across all four tyres indicates that the vehicle has likely been standing for extended periods, a pattern consistent with the extremely low mileage accumulation. The recorded mileage of 44,288 miles over approximately 40 years equates to roughly 1,107 miles per year, confirming very light use. The annual tests between July 2021 and July 2025 show a steady but minimal increase: 43,690 miles in 2021, 43,743 in 2022, 43,819 in 2023, 43,999 in 2024, and 44,288 in 2025. This translates to annual increments of 53, 76, 180, and 289 miles respectively, with a slight uptick in recent years. The mileage progression is consistent and shows no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps, supporting the conclusion of genuine low-mileage use rather than a rolled-back odometer. The 2024 test at 43,999 miles flagged an oil leak, though not excessive, and a defective nearside rear exhaust mounting. Both items were rectified before the 2025 test, where no mechanical or structural defects were recorded. The repeated advisory on all four tyres cracking or perishing, noted in both 2024 and 2025, points to age-related rubber deterioration rather than wear from use. A buyer should inspect all tyre sidewalls and date codes carefully, as tyres over six years old can crack regardless of tread depth. The exhaust mounting and oil leak history warrant a close visual inspection of the exhaust system and engine bay for fresh weeping, particularly around gaskets and seals. Given the vehicle's age and the low annual mileage, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to suspension bushes, brake hoses, and fuel lines, as these components deteriorate with time and standing rather than with distance travelled. The nearside rear exhaust mounting failure in 2024 suggests that other rubber-mounted components may be perished. A thorough underbody inspection for corrosion is essential, especially on a vehicle of this vintage, even though no structural defects have been flagged in recent MOT records. The overall picture is one of a carefully stored, lightly used classic that requires diligent age-related maintenance rather than repair of high-mileage wear.