1925 Citroen Clover Leaf 0.9L Petrol · TW 113

The most recent DVSA examination on 12 June 2025 returned a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this outcome is consistent with the three prior tests in June 2024, June 2023 and June 2022, each of which also passed cleanly. Four consecutive advisories-free examinations strongly suggest a stable and well-maintained maintenance profile rather than any deteriorating trend, as there are no minor defects noted that would otherwise serve as early indicators of developing wear on suspension, braking or steering components. While the absence of advisories is reassuring, it is worth noting that the MOT only assesses roadworthiness to a minimum standard at the time of test and does not guarantee the condition of items that may be approaching the end of their service life, particularly on a vehicle of this exceptional age. Recorded mileage stands at 37,258 miles against an approximate vehicle age of 101 years, which equates to an average annual accumulation of around 369 miles per year. This figure is extraordinarily low and indicates either very occasional use, prolonged periods of standing, or significant undocumented history prior to the digital record. Such low usage carries its own mechanical implications: prolonged standing can lead to moisture accumulation in the brake hydraulic system, internal corrosion of brake discs and callipers, drying and cracking of rubber components throughout the suspension and drivetrain, and degradation of lubricants and coolants well before they would otherwise require replacement by mileage. Conversely, the very limited annual mileage means that wear-related consumable replacement is unlikely to have been driven by mileage thresholds, placing greater emphasis on calendar-based servicing discipline which should be verified through supporting documentation. From a practical inspection standpoint, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to age-related deterioration rather than purely mileage-related wear. Tyre sidewalls should be carefully examined for perishing, cracking and ozone damage, as old rubber can fail flexing tests and lose adhesion even when tread depth remains adequate. The braking system warrants close scrutiny for seized or binding calipers, surface corrosion on the brake discs that may have become excessive from standing, and the condition of flexible brake hoses and hydraulic fluid, the latter of which degrades hygroscopically over time and should have been renewed on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. The 12 volt electrical system should be tested for battery health and charge retention, particularly if the vehicle has been used only intermittently, and all fluid reservoirs should be checked for contamination and date of last renewal, with particular attention to engine oil, coolant and any gearbox or differential lubricants which will have degraded through oxidation rather than mileage depletion. Finally, the structural integrity, underbody and suspension components should be physically inspected for standing corrosion, seized bushes and dampers that may have failed internally rather than through use. A thorough road test should focus on detecting any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, any pulling or uneven braking response that might indicate a binding caliper, and any unusual noises from the drivetrain that could signify dried or perished internal rubber components. The exhaust system, given its age, should be checked for internal corrosion and security of mounting, and evidence of recent professional servicing, including timing component replacement where applicable for an engine of this era, should be sought to corroborate the clean MOT history. Overall, the unblemished DVSA record is a positive indicator, but on a vehicle of this vintage the prospective buyer should prioritise age-appropriate inspection and documentation verification over reliance on recent test outcomes alone.