1926 Bentley Tourer Saloon 4.6L Petrol · KU 7592

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 28 May 2026, resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the vehicle was presented in sound roadworthy condition at the point of examination. When reviewing the broader test history, the trend appears broadly stable, with a prior pass recorded on 17 July 2024 accompanied only by minor advisories rather than failures or dangerous defects. The absence of any recorded failures, dangerous defects, or major items across the visible history is a positive indicator, suggesting the vehicle has been conscientiously maintained. However, the advisory items logged at the 2024 test warrant attention, as they highlight wear-related issues on consumable and suspension components that are typical of a working classic and which would benefit from verification prior to purchase. With a recorded mileage of 44,894 miles spread across approximately one hundred years of nominal age, the annual average works out at roughly 449 miles per year, which is exceptionally low and strongly indicative of either very limited use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage raises specific mechanical considerations distinct from those of a regularly driven vehicle. Long periods of inactivity can lead to degraded engine and gearbox oil, moisture accumulation in brake hydraulic fluid, oxidation inside the fuel system, dried and cracked rubber gaiters and seals, and gradual discharge of the battery. Equally, components that rely on regular motion, such as the brake calipers, can suffer from corrosion and seizure, suspension bushes and shock absorbers can deteriorate through age rather than wear, and tyre sidewalls can perish through ozone exposure even when tread depth remains adequate. Conversely, the powertrain will have experienced relatively little mechanical fatigue, so internal engine, transmission, and differential wear is likely minimal provided the fluids have been refreshed on a calendar basis. Regarding the advisory items recorded at the 2024 test, the near side front tyre, off side rear tyre, and near side rear tyre were all flagged as worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge, which is consistent with a combination of age-related perishing and uneven wear, often linked to tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak dampers. A prospective buyer should inspect all four tyres closely for both tread depth and, more critically, any signs of sidewall cracking, bulging, or age-related degradation, replacing them as a complete set if any such defects are apparent. The off side front steering linkage ball joint was also noted as having slight play, which suggests initial wear in the steering or suspension joint; on a test drive, this may manifest as a slight knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces, vague or wandering steering response, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. Any play in steering joints should be investigated by a specialist familiar with pre-war Bentley running gear, as the components may be obsolete pattern parts and the cost of proper replacement is non-trivial. Given the vehicle's age and very low annual mileage, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should go well beyond the MOT record. The buyer should verify the service history in detail, confirming that engine oil, gearbox oil, final drive lubricant, coolant, brake fluid, and fuel have all been refreshed on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage intervals, and that the 6-volt or 12-volt electrical system, including battery, dynamator, and starter motor, has been recently serviced. Brake components should be examined for disc or drum corrosion and for seized or binding calipers resulting from standing, with a road test confirming firm pedal response and balanced braking without pulling. The cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, and water pump, is particularly vulnerable to internal corrosion and perished hoses on a vehicle of this era, and the chassis, bulkhead, and structural members should be inspected for the corrosion that pre-war vehicles are renowned for. A hydraulic system pressure test and a specialist pre-war marque inspection would be highly advisable before committing to purchase, as the MOT record alone, while reassuring, cannot speak to the deeper mechanical and structural condition of a hundred-year-old motor car.