1989 Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0L Petrol · PRU 357W

This Alfa Romeo Spider’s most recent MOT test, conducted on 24 December 2021 at exactly 14,611 miles, remains the sole entry in the DVSA record—an unusual and concerning omission of any subsequent testing. The vehicle passed the test without defects, yet the duplicate entry (both marked as passed) suggests either an administrative error or a deliberate attempt to obscure a failure. No further testing has occurred since, meaning the vehicle has been off-roadworthiness testing for nearly five years, a period far exceeding the standard three-year MOT cycle. This absence of recent inspection data introduces significant uncertainty, particularly given the car’s age and the lack of any documented maintenance or fault rectification. The recorded mileage of 14,611 miles over approximately 37 years equates to an average of just 395 miles annually, a figure far below typical usage patterns for a classic vehicle. Such low mileage could indicate prolonged periods of storage, which may have accelerated deterioration of non-driven components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and electrical systems. The lack of intermediate mileage readings or additional MOT entries makes it impossible to determine whether the vehicle was ever moved regularly or if the odometer has been tampered with. Without corroborating evidence—such as service records or a consistent pattern of low mileage over decades—this figure warrants scrutiny, especially for critical systems like brakes and steering linkages, which degrade even when stationary. Given the absence of recent MOT testing and the sparse history, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, focusing on worn or cracked coil springs and deteriorated bushes, particularly in the rear where binding issues are common in this model. The brakes, though not explicitly failed in the 2021 test, should be scrutinised for uneven wear, glazed discs, or seized calipers—symptoms that often develop slowly over years of inactivity. Structural integrity is another critical concern; the frame and subframe should be examined for corrosion, especially around welds and wheel arches, as rust can compromise load-bearing components without obvious external signs. The electrical system, including lights and indicators, may also require thorough testing, as prolonged storage can lead to degraded wiring or corroded connections. Given the car’s age and the unexplained gap in MOT history, no component can be assumed to be in fully serviceable condition without verification.