You will not get an MOT on that in the UK ! It has a hydraulic handbrake. That would need to be put back to cable operated. Where has it been for 8 years and wouldn't you think he would try starting the engine. Smells a bit fishy.
Lots of people have hydraulic hand brakes. Can even be hydraulic only if on a seperate circuit as long. It just can't share the footbrake circuit.
Even easier with a tame MOT inspector. Sounds tidy to me, old rally cars turn up in barns and sheds all the time. Finished campaigning, or had to give up due to ill health, planned to fix it up to sell, never got round to it, died/dumped it and left country, found by new owner of house etc.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.