1962 Vanden Plas Princess 4.0L Petrol · TFF 231

The most recent MOT on 30 July 2026 was passed, but it carried three advisories: a non‑excessive oil leak, corrosion of the off‑side centre body mounting and a note that the service brakes are binding on the nearside and off‑side rear wheels. Over the last eight years the vehicle has consistently passed its test, with the oil‑leak advisory appearing each year and intermittent brake‑binding advisories emerging from 2023 onward. This pattern indicates a generally stable maintenance record – the car has not failed any safety items – yet the recurrence of the same leak and the gradual appearance of brake‑binding and body‑mounting corrosion suggest a slow deterioration that is not yet critical but warrants close monitoring. At 98 658 mi recorded for a 1962 Vanden Plas Princess the average annual mileage works out to roughly 1 540 mi, well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of storage or very gentle driving, which reduces wear on consumables but does not arrest age‑related decay. The modest mileage means that components such as the engine, transmission and suspension are unlikely to be near the end of their mechanical life, but the 64‑year calendar age means rubber, metal and fluid systems have been exposed to time‑related degradation regardless of how few miles have been logged. When you inspect the car, focus first on the source of the oil leak. Look for fresh oil around the valve cover gasket, oil pump seal or rear main seal, and check the exhaust for any oily deposits that could indicate a leak onto hot surfaces. Verify that the oil level remains stable between fill‑ups and that there is no blue‑tinted smoke on acceleration, which would signal a more serious breach. The brake‑binding advisories require a thorough check of the service brakes: feel the pedal for any sponginess or a high, firm bite, listen for any dragging or uneven squeal when the vehicle is coasting, and examine the rear discs and pads for uneven wear or corrosion on the caliper pistons. If the brakes are indeed binding, the likely cause is rusted or seized caliper pins, aged brake fluid losing its hydraulic efficiency, or warped discs that need resurfacing or replacement. Given the car’s age, inspect the body and chassis for rust beyond the noted off‑side centre mounting, paying particular attention to wheel arches, sills and the under‑tray where standing water can accelerate corrosion. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening; even if the tread depth is acceptable, tyres older than ten years should be considered for replacement. Test the 12‑volt battery’s cranking power and voltage, as prolonged storage can cause sulfation and loss of capacity. Finally, confirm that all time‑based fluids – coolant, brake fluid, gearbox oil and steering fluid – have been refreshed within the last two to three years, and that the suspension bushings, coil springs and shock absorbers show no signs of fatigue, excessive play or leaking oil. A comprehensive visual and road‑test appraisal addressing these points will give you a realistic picture of the car’s roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.