am looking at an 86 v12 with record of a distributor replacement in 2004. the job was done by a local import shop.

considering that it was done in 2004, what is the likelihood the job was done in such a way that the seizing issue for the original lucas distributors wouldn't be a problem?

i haven't seen the car in person so can't look at it physically.

 

I wouldn't be concerned about it if proper repair or replacement was made 7-8 years ago. The symptoms would be loss of power or engine overheating. Not a complicated to check and see the condition of the centrifugal advance mechanism, but you would need to have the car in your possession to do it or someone there to check for you.