Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

1981 Lotus Esprit 2.2L Petrol · LDP 136W

LDP 136W

1981 Lotus Esprit (2.2L, petrol). First registered 01/07/1981. Recorded mileage 39,287 miles. MOT valid until 09/09/2026. Taxed until 01/09/2026.

Make & Model
LOTUS ESPRIT
Year / Origin
1981 · Stanmore (North London)
MOT Status
Valid until 09/09/2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01/09/2026)
Recorded Mileage
39,287 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 2.2L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 09/09/2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/09/2026
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
1981
Engine
2174cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

Based on the history, this Lotus Esprit passed its most recent MOT in September 2025, but the mechanical trend is concerning. The vehicle has covered roughly 870 miles per year, which is very low for a 45-year-old car. This low usage often leads to deterioration from standing still rather than wear from driving, specifically regarding rubber components and corrosion. The 2024 test revealed a spike in issues, including corroded front coil springs, corroded suspension arms, and worn bushes on both sides. While the 2025 test showed fewer defects, the tester still noted an oil leak and poor headlamp output. The presence of corrosion on critical suspension parts in 2024 suggests the car may have been stored in a damp environment or neglected. The condition trend appears to be worsening regarding structural integrity, moving from clean tests in 2022 and 2023 to significant corrosion advisories in 2024. Although the mileage is low, the drivetrain and suspension components are showing age-related wear, such as the nearside drive shaft joint noted in 2024. When inspecting this car, prioritize a thorough check of the front suspension. Look closely at the coil springs and anti-roll bar for the corrosion mentioned previously, as this can affect safety.

LDP 136W Key Findings

  • 4 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 11/09/2025
  • 39,287 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (6 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
90
/ 100 · Excellent
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent

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.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for LDP136W

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Stolen
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Finance
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Write-off
EXPERIAN
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Salvage
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Imported
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Exported
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Scrapped
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
Destruction
EXPERIAN
Available in full check
V5C Logbook
EXPERIAN
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Technical Specifications

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LDP 136W Mileage History

  1. 04/08/202237,322 mi
  2. 30/08/202337,908 mi+586 mi
  3. 19/08/202438,697 mi+789 mi
  4. 11/09/202539,287 mi+590 mi

Average of roughly 633 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.

LDP 136W MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 15 Jun 2026, 21:03
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1981 Lotus Esprit (LDP 136W) between August 2022 and September 2025.

The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 15 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (6 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 15 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY