Description
Austin Allegro vanden plas just 57, 000 miles. An immaculate example still contains its original number plates and dealer sticker in rear window. Just 5 former keepers from 1978 this is a blemish free example from top to bottom all straight door shuts in perfect line fantastic chrome all-round bumpers, front grills handles, etc. Has a squeaky clean engine bay. The interior and headlining is in superb order which is all original including carpets. The wooden dashboard and fold out tables are all exceptional condition. The seating position is very comfortable with its plush leather interior. the driving experience of the 1500cc automobile is second to none its has a very tight feel to the driving quality. Its five speed gearbox is a smooth as the day it was made. This automobile is show standard with thousands of these being produced and very few have survived in this condition a very rare car to find.
The words ‘Vanden Plas’ are not generally associated with ‘bread and butter’ saloon cars produced by the British motor corporation during the 1970’s and 80’s. ‘Vanden Plas’, prior to W. W. 2, were associated with such prestige car makers such as Alvis, Armstrong Siddeley, Daimler and Bentley, for whom they supplied coach built bodies. However, B. M. C wanted to give their range of saloons a more prestigious ‘TOP END’ and labelled them with the ‘Vanden Plas’ name. Although the basic body and running gear remained the same, the ‘Vanden Plas’ models offered a level of luxury and finish not normally associated with B. M. C. products. Externally the allegro body shape remains almost the same as the standard allegro but looking closer at the car there are marked differences, for instance the quality of the car’s finish is far better than the normal B. M. C paint shop output. The wheel caps are very special as they have raised the V. P. logo in the centre with a black surround. Where a major difference lies is to the allegros, frontal area, where the is a substantial chromed radiator with square inset headlamps giving the car a far more impressive and prestigious appearance. As mentioned before, the car internally has a high level of luxury not seen before on B. M. C. products. The carpets throughout are of high quality Axminster which shows little sign of wear after all these years. Both the front and rear seats are finished in leather and a unique feature of the front seats is that located in the back of them are two concealed picnic tables which flap out for the rear passenger to use. Each table is made of solid wood and has provision for cup holder. Surely a first for an average British saloon car? All four doors have walnut inserts and, to complete the impression of luxury, the driver and front seat passenger have a walnut dashboard to admire which contain the usual B. M. C. instruments. Finally, this particular allegro has only had 5 owners from new and came with a complete service history and still has its original book packs in its original case. The automobile comes with a huge binder of paperwork with magazines receipts and old mots. A very exceptional automobile.
