Vanden Plas Princess 4-litre limousine

History

The first Austin Princess was launched in 1947 as the flagship model in the Austin range. Based on the Austin Sheerline and sharing its 120bhp 4-litre straight-six engine, it featured an imposing body by the coachbuilder Vanden Plas with a large upright radiator and separate front wings. Available as a large saloon or as a longer wheelbase limousine, most were bought for civic ceremonial duties or by the limo hire trade.

The model was slightly updated over the years through MkI, MkII and MkIII versions, before it was replaced in 1956 by a new Princess MkIV with more modern integrated front wings. However, the limousine version continued to be made by hand in small numbers at the Vanden Plas Kingsbury works, and from 1960 onwards was known simply as the Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre Limousine.

The Royal Mews took delivery of several over the years, one of which hit the headlines in March 1974 when it was ambushed by a lone gunman and riddled with bullets in a failed attempt to kidnap its occupants, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. Production finally ceased in 1968 when it was replaced by the Daimler DS420.

This particular car is most unusual in that it was declared manufactured in 1972, four years after production officially ceased. The current vendor was told that it was made to special order at this time but there is no firm evidence to substantiate this. It was first registered for the road in January 1973.

Another very unusual (possibly unique) feature is that the car is fitted with opening quarter-lights in the rearmost windows. The bodywork is all aluminium from the windscreen back and is said to be in good condition throughout with no evidence of any previous repairs or restoration. The sumptuous interior is also wholly original  and features a sliding glass division and footrests that convert into occasional seats in the rear, making this a true 7-seater if desired.

The car is also fitted with the rare and desirable power steering option and a fully functioning electro-hydraulic jacking system that raises all four wheels clear of the ground. The gearbox is of the 4-speed manual column change type and is said to work well. With just four owners from new, the car was used as a funeral and wedding hire vehicle in Gloucestershire from 1984 to 2000. Although it is said to run and drive well, it has been off the road since 2002 so some precautionary recommissioning will be required before it is pressed back into use. An original driver's handbook is included in the sale.

Altogether a most original and interesting vehicle that would merit further investigation.