1996 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn 6.8L Petrol · 804 D

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the most recent inspection indicates a shift from perfect records to developing age-related neglect. In the February 2024 test at 3,452 miles, the tester flagged advisories for all four tyres due to cracking and perishing, alongside a missing central rear seat belt lock mechanism. While the car passed the test, the emergence of these defects suggests that the vehicle has sat stationary for long periods, allowing rubber components to degrade despite the low mechanical usage. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 115 miles per year over its thirty-year life. There is a significant gap in records between the 2016 test at 3,418 miles and the 2024 test at 3,452 miles, during which the vehicle covered only 34 miles in eight years. This confirms the car is a collector piece rather than a daily driver. However, such extreme periods of inactivity often mask underlying mechanical issues such as seized seals, perished fluid lines, and internal corrosion of brake calipers resulting from lack of regular movement. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of all rubber-based components, as the 2024 advisory confirms the tyres are failing due to age rather than tread depth. The suspension system should be checked for perished bushings and seized shocks, which are common in low-use vehicles that sit for years. The missing seat belt housing is a specific safety defect that requires replacement to ensure full compliance. Given the age of the vehicle, the chassis must also be inspected for structural rust in hidden areas, as the low mileage does not protect the metalwork from environmental degradation over three decades.