1972 Volkswagen Motor Caravan 1.6L Petrol · SNP 491L
1972 Volkswagen Motor Caravan (1.6L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1972. Recorded mileage 83,179 miles. MOT expired on 25 May 2023. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN MOTOR CARAVAN
- Year / Origin
- 1972 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 May 2023
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 83,179 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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SNP 491L Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/05/2022
- 83,179 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SNP 491L MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1972 Volkswagen Motor Caravan (SNP 491L) between May 2022 and May 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (1 issue), Steering (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A rare 1972 blue Volkswagen Motor Carava
Focus your investigation on the advisories listed in the May 2022 MOT. You should seek evidence that the perished tyres were replaced and that the near-side rear drive shaft CV boot and offside front steering linkage dust cover were renewed. If these items remain unaddressed, they represent immediate maintenance requirements that should be used in price negotiations.
As this is a 1972 model, request any available documentation regarding the 1588cc engine's service history. Because MOT records only provide a snapshot of roadworthiness, a specialist classic vehicle inspection is highly recommended to assess the overall structural integrity and mechanical state of the caravan.
Running costs for a 1.6L air-cooled petrol engine in a heavy camper body are typically higher than modern equivalents due to lower fuel efficiency. However, as a vehicle first registered in 1973, it may qualify for historic vehicle tax exemptions, significantly reducing annual fixed costs.
Insurance groups for classic campers vary widely based on the provider and the vehicle's modified state. Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than a standard car, as parts for a 1972 model may require specialist sourcing. Estimated annual costs will be heavily influenced by how often the vehicle is driven and the frequency of preventative maintenance.
Carefully inspect the rear wheel bearings for play and the near-side rear drive shaft CV boot for deterioration, as both were flagged in the 2022 MOT. Check all tyres for the cracking and perishing noted in the records; tyres on classic vehicles can degrade even if the mileage remains low.
Additionally, examine the offside front steering linkage ball joint dust cover. Beyond the MOT data, check the bodywork for corrosion, particularly in the seams and floor areas common to these caravans, and ensure the 1588cc engine starts and idles consistently without excessive smoke.
This blue 1588cc petrol camper recorded 83,179 miles at its last MOT in May 2022. While the vehicle passed that inspection, the record included several advisories concerning rubber components and wheel bearings. Given the vehicle's age and the time elapsed since the last recorded test, a comprehensive mechanical review is necessary.
No aggregate MOT data is available for the Volkswagen Motor Caravan, though it utilizes the 1588cc petrol engine typical of the era.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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