1927 Rolls Royce Tourer 3.1L Petrol · DS 6520

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 1927 Rolls Royce Tourer was conducted on 9 July 2025 and resulted in a pass, with a single advisory issued regarding an oil leak that was deemed not excessive at the time of inspection. The vehicle has therefore maintained a roadworthy status at its most recent examination, and there are no recorded failures, refusals, or refusals pending re-test within the official MOT history supplied. With only one advisory recorded and no pattern of repeat defects or escalating issues across the test record, the overall maintenance trend can be characterised as stable. For a prospective buyer, the advisory should nevertheless be interpreted as an early indicator that engine seals, gaskets, or sump components are beginning to weep, a situation that warrants visual inspection and monitoring rather than immediate concern. Regarding recorded mileage, the vehicle displays just 19,848 miles against an age of approximately 99 years, equating to a remarkably low annual usage of around 200 miles per year. This figure suggests either very occasional use, long periods of standing, or potentially an inaccurate or incomplete odometer reading, all of which carry distinct mechanical implications for a vintage motor car of this era. Such minimal usage means that wear-based component failure is likely to be less of a concern than degradation caused by inactivity, including corrosion of ferrous components, drying and hardening of rubber and leather elements, and degradation of lubricants that have not been regularly circulated through the engine, gearbox, and differential. Given the vehicle's age and the very low mileage, a prospective buyer should place particular emphasis on condition issues that arise from standing rather than from active wear. The tyres should be carefully inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, as natural rubber deteriorates with age regardless of tread depth, and a set of fresh correct-profile tyres is likely to be required for safe operation. The braking system, which on a vehicle of this vintage typically employs mechanical or servo-assisted drum brakes, should be examined for seized or binding wheel cylinders and corroded brake drums or backing plates caused by prolonged inactivity, with a test drive confirming that the vehicle pulls up squarely without excessive pedal effort or uneven retardation. The 12-volt electrical system, originally a six-volt specification on cars of this period but often upgraded, should be assessed for battery condition and charging output, while a starting inspection should confirm prompt and consistent cranking without undue reliance on the starting handle or booster battery. All fluid systems, engine oil, differential and gearbox lubricants, and any hydraulic components should be regarded as due for renewal purely on the basis of calendar age rather than mileage accrued. Further inspection points specific to this vehicle's recorded oil leak advisory include a thorough visual check of the engine block, sump joint, timing chest, and any externally mounted ancillary components, with particular attention to areas where oil may have accumulated and caused secondary staining or degradation of lower components. During the test drive, the buyer should listen for any irregular engine note, excessive valve gear noise, or signs of oil pressure variation on the mechanical gauge, as these symptoms may suggest that a minor external leak is actually accompanied by more significant internal wear. Additional recommended checks include a thorough examination of the ash frame and timber bodywork for signs of rot or structural movement, inspection of all leaf springs and shackle pins for corrosion and free articulation, a coolant or water leak assessment given the likely presence of a traditional radiator and water pump, and a review of service records or marque specialist invoices that confirm regular annual servicing regardless of the minimal mileage covered. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist familiar with pre-war Rolls Royce or Bentley chassis would be highly advisable before committing to purchase.