1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 6.8L Petrol · KNH 49V

A low‑mileage, largely trouble‑free MOT history defines this 1979 Mercedes‑Benz 450, with eight consecutive tests showing only a single advisory for a modest oil leak and the most recent inspection on 20 October 2026 recorded a clean pass. The absence of any recorded failures across more than two decades suggests that the fundamental safety‑critical systems – brakes, lights, tyres and emissions – have consistently met the statutory standards, while the lone advisory points to a minor, isolated issue rather than a systemic problem. Recorded at 53,041 mi after 47 years, the vehicle averages just over 1,100 mi per annum, a figure markedly below typical usage for a car of this age. Such low annual mileage often reflects prolonged periods of inactivity, which can preserve wear‑items like clutch plates, brake discs and tyre tread, but it also allows seals, hoses and rubber bushings to age without the benefit of regular movement. The MOT chronology shows regular annual testing apart from the expected 2020 gap, indicating the car has been kept on the road enough to be presented for inspection, yet the sparse mileage warrants a focused check on components that deteriorate with time rather than use. The oil‑leak advisory noted in the March 2023 test should be examined closely before purchase. Inspect the engine bay for fresh oil drips on the valve‑cover gasket, oil‑pan gasket and any surrounding hoses; verify that the oil level remains stable over a few days of normal operation and that no oil is seen on the exhaust tip or under the vehicle after a short drive. During a test drive, listen for any ticking or splashing sounds that could indicate oil escaping onto moving parts, and watch for smoke or a distinct oily film on the spark plugs after the engine has warmed up. Given the car’s age, a thorough appraisal of the suspension and steering assemblies is advisable: probe the front and rear suspension bushes, ball joints and shock absorbers for excessive play, creaking or uneven bounce, and feel for any steering pull or vibration at higher speeds that might signal worn bushings or degraded steering linkage. Examine the brake system for consistent pedal feel, absence of pulsation, and uniform disc thickness, and look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around wheel arches and underbody panels, which can compromise structural integrity over time. These targeted checks will confirm whether the vehicle’s historically clean MOT record translates into current roadworthiness.