Lot 257 - 1966 Vanden Plas Princess

The Vanden Plas Princess 4.0 R with its Rolls-Royce, all-aluminium, 175bhp engine was announced in August 1964. An unusually high power to weight ratio enabled the car to cruise at 90mph and was capable of 112mph. Under the bonnet was a result of more than two years technical collaboration between BMC and Rolls-Royce. Twin SU carburettors were fitted, both the cylinder block and head were aluminium, tappets were hydraulic self-adjusting operating on overhead valves configuration and the counter-balanced crankshaft ran in seven main bearings, reducing vibration. The Princess was priced on a par with a Jaguar Mk. X; it was a major change of market positioning aimed at the growing prestige and executive market in Europe and the United States. The 4.0 R was luxurious with polished walnut fascia, padded top and bottom, fully reclinable leather seats and polished picnic tables for the rear passengers. A new automatic transmission was provided by Borg-Warner; its first use in a British car, and Hydrosteer variable ratio power steering accompanied wider tyres.

Despatched by Vanden Plas on 16th February 1966, this example was classed as a luxurious car in its day. This Princess is finished in two-tone paintwork, peat over stone with champagne leather trim. Offered with V5 registration document and given the estimate, this is a fantastic classic for a modest investment.

Guide Price £6,000 - £9,000