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Official DVLA Record

1988 Vespa (douglas) Unknown 0.1L Petrol · E508 AVU

E508 AVU

1988 Vespa (douglas) Unknown (0.1L, petrol). First registered 22 Apr 1988. Recorded mileage 6,634 miles. MOT expired on 07 May 2025. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
VESPA (DOUGLAS) UNKNOWN
Year / Origin
1988 · Chelmsford
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 07 May 2025
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
6,634 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 0.1L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 07 May 2025
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1988
Engine
123cc
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 presents a stable roadworthiness status following a period of inconsistency in its testing history. The most recent inspection on 9 May 2024 at 6,634 miles passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the mechanical and structural components met the minimum legal standards. This follows a pattern where failures in 2019 and 2021 were successfully rectified, leading to consecutive clean passes. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 38-year-old machine, averaging approximately 175 miles per year. Data shows a significant gap in usage between 2021 and 2024, where the vehicle covered only 667 miles over three years. This pattern suggests the scooter spends long periods in storage rather than transit. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine internals, it increases the risk of degradation in rubber-based components and fluid systems due to inactivity. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection focusing on the frame and fuel system, as long-term standing often leads to internal corrosion or perished fuel lines. The previously recorded failures in 2019 and 2021 indicate that the vehicle has struggled with specific issues likely related to emissions or handling, though these were resolved in subsequent tests. Pay close attention to seized brake calipers, perished tyres, and structural rust on the mounting points, as the low mileage does not prevent age-related material decay.
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E508 AVU Key Findings

  • 1 MOT test recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 09/05/2024
  • 6,634 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.

E508 AVU MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 4 Nov 2026, 10:40
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 1988 Vespa (Douglas) Unknown (E508 AVU) between May 2024 and May 2024.

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

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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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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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

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UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

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

Buying Score
60/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£300-£600
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 6,634 miles is e...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution. While the low mile

Given the age of this 1988 scooter, the primary focus should be on the physical condition of the chassis and engine. Because the MOT expired in May 2025, the buyer should factor in the cost and risk of a new test before the vehicle is road-legal. Ensure you verify the service history, as MOT records only confirm the vehicle met minimum safety standards at the time of testing and do not provide a full maintenance history.

Negotiate the price based on the current lack of a valid MOT and the potential need for rubber components, such as tyres and hoses, to be replaced due to age-related degradation. Check for any evidence of fuel leaks or oil residue around the engine casing.

Running costs for a 123cc scooter are typically low. Fuel consumption is generally efficient, and the small engine size places it in a low tax bracket. Insurance for a vehicle of this age is often affordable, though some owners may opt for specialist classic vehicle insurance.

Maintenance costs can vary; while simple to work on, sourcing specific parts for a 1988 Douglas-branded Vespa may occasionally incur higher costs or longer lead times. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and basic maintenance, are relatively low.

Inspect the red paintwork and the metal frame for signs of corrosion or rust, which is common in vehicles of this vintage. Check the tyres for 'perishing' or sidewall cracking; even if they have plenty of tread, rubber degrades over time and may be unsafe.

Review the brake cables and throttle response to ensure they are not seized or frayed. As the last MOT was a clean pass in May 2024, compare the current state of the vehicle to that record to see if any new issues have developed during the period it has been off the road.

This is a red 1988 Vespa (Douglas) with a 123cc petrol engine. It has a very low recorded mileage of 6,634 miles as of May 2024. The most recent MOT record shows a pass with no defects, although the vehicle has not had a recorded test since May 2024.

No aggregate MOT data is available for this specific Vespa (Douglas) model to determine overall reliability patterns.

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