With the Vanden Plas version of the 1300 saloon – the British Motor Corporation (later British Leyland) took the concept of badge engineering to new levels, creating a new small car that had levels of luxury associated with much bigger models, such as Jaguars and Rovers.
The logic was that the car would appeal to motorists wishing to downsize but not give up the accoutrements of a more expensive car, perhaps recently retired folk who were used to a larger car for business.
It worked, too. Despite being the most expensive variant of the ADO16 1300 model range, at almost 40% more cost than the basis Austin 1300, the Vanden Plas Princess had a loyal following. Today, it’s a real curio. A fascinating little car that is unlike anything else.
The Vanden Plas was originally registered in 1970 to an owner in St Lawrence, Jersey, having been supplied new by Cleveland Garages of St Helier. It remained in his custody until he passed away in 2006 and the car was inherited by his daughter, who sold it to a classic car specialist in Wiltshire a decade later.
The owner collects Vanden Plas and is only selling due to loss of storage space. He loves the car and has looked after it during his own period of ownership.
The car comes with its original Jersey paperwork and UK registration documents and proof of import, as well as a British Leyland ‘Passport to Service’ book which is stamped all the way to the late 1990s. A British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate is also included. wTx5zZoQxXvawRIKxabRivMeLcwsioFCYgTG0Z9l.jpeg924.66 KB
THE INTERIOR
Blue leather trim
Walnut picnic tables
Wood veneers
New carpet set included but not fitted
The interior is incredible, as you’d expect from such a low mileage car. The pale blue leather seats are firm and unspoilt, the wood veneers and wooden dash are in excellent order and the door cards, headlining and mats are in decent condition.
There’s some slight wear and discolouration to the carpets and a brand-new set of carpets in the original colours is included in the boot – but the owner would rather leave it to the next keeper to decide whether to replace them or if they prefer the authenticity and gentle patina of the originals. fwa6Yy5tI3DLsALkQ5Cytq9AiHkuyRfnSf08PV0g.jpeg1.24 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Glacier White
Unrestored and original
Factory sunroof
Solid and very good order
The Vanden Plas is in excellent, solid condition but it’s also 100% original and unrestored, so isn’t perfect. All of the chrome and trim is in good order. UtBzOI8DVG0h0Sb9EewcQhtOGa9WbseTAu9UPEcC.jpeg1.44 MB
THE MECHANICS
1275cc A-Series
Four-speed AP automatic gearbox
New tyres and brakes
Runs and drives well
As is typical of a BMC/BL A-Series, the 1275cc fires into life instantly with only a little bit of choke and soon settles to a steady idle. This one features the AP automatic transmissions – one of the very first four-speeders and the first to appear in such a small car.
It appears to run really well and engages all gears smoothly. The engine is also well presented, with a stainless steel rocker cover and ‘Princess’ badging to remind you it’s posher than the norm…ThM81Y4y3IpJFKSi1UkD1jj2x3gfUZdKCcLP62OJ.jpeg1.2 MB
SUMMARY
This is a lovely example of a cherished, original and low mileage classic that’s like no other of its type on the market – its history, its originality and its super-low mileage are all incredible. It’s now ready to be loved and cherished by a new owner who will continue to cherish it in the manner to which it has become accustomed.
Notice to bidders
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