1925 Schmitz N/A N/a · FG 1073

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 11 October 2025 with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that at the time of examination it met the minimum roadworthiness standards prescribed by the DVSA. Reviewing the broader test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable. Between 2022 and 2025 the vehicle has consistently achieved pass certificates, with the only blip being a single failure on 19 October 2023 which was followed by a pass just five days later on 24 October 2023, suggesting a minor rectification was carried out and the car quickly re-presented in compliant condition. The absence of any recorded advisories across four consecutive tests is a positive reflection of the vehicle's mechanical upkeep, particularly given its considerable age. However, prospective buyers should note that a clean MOT record is not in itself a guarantee of underlying mechanical condition, especially for a centenarian motor car where many wear items are not assessed under the standard MOT regime. Regarding recorded mileage, the DVSA history does not provide sufficient odometer readings to permit a meaningful comparison between annual usage and the car's age. With a 1925 build date, this is effectively a vintage or pre-war motor vehicle, and the typical annual mileage for such a car is likely to be very low, often only a few hundred miles per year used for shows, rallies, or occasional touring rather than regular transport. The lack of recorded mileage progression makes it impossible to identify any unusual accumulation or extended periods of standing, but given its likely collector status it would be reasonable to assume that the vehicle has spent significant portions of its life either garaged or in storage. Any prospective buyer should satisfy themselves as to the authenticity and condition of the odometer, the documented service history, and the prevailing state of components that suffer from disuse rather than wear. Given the clean MOT record and the likely low annual usage, physical inspection should focus predominantly on age-related and standing-related deterioration rather than high-mileage wear. Tyres should be examined carefully for perishing and sidewall cracking caused by age and UV exposure, as rubber compounds degrade over time regardless of tread wear; any tyres older than five years from their date of manufacture should be replaced as a matter of safety. Brake discs and calipers are highly susceptible to corrosion when a vehicle is stored for prolonged periods, so the buyer should inspect for surface rust, binding calipers, and seized handbrake mechanisms, and listen on a test drive for any scraping, grinding, or uneven braking effort. The 12-volt battery, if fitted to original specification or otherwise, will require verification of its state of charge and date of manufacture, as batteries left standing discharge rapidly and suffer permanent capacity loss. Coolant, engine oil, and any other hydraulic fluids should be checked for time-based degradation, as fluids left unchanged for years lose their protective and lubricating properties even if the vehicle has covered minimal mileage. Further inspection points appropriate to a car of this vintage include a close examination of the chassis, structural members, and suspension components for corrosion, particularly in mud-trap areas, box sections, and around the spring mounting points, where rust can compromise integrity without being immediately visible. All suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and king pins should be checked for perished rubber and play, as these items stiffen and crack with age rather than mileage. Any wood-framed components, fabric hoods, leather upholstery, and brightwork should be assessed for their cosmetic and structural condition. It is strongly advisable that any prospective buyer arrange a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with pre-war Bentleys, given the unique engineering, the rarity of correct parts, and the considerable values typically commanded by such vehicles, ensuring that the supporting service history, previous ownership records, and provenance documentation are thoroughly verified before committing to purchase.