Lot 138 - 1967 Vanden Plas Princess R (4 litre)
| Lot Number | 138 |
| Registration | UK Taxes Paid |
| Odometer reading | 42,324 miles |
| Result | Sold - £4,928 |
One of Britain's most illustrious coachbuilders, chiefly remembered for its sublime vintage Bentleys, the firm of Vanden Plas was acquired by Austin in 1946 and re-invented as a marque in its own right some years later. From the late 1940s onwards Vanden Plas engaged in bodying top-of-the-line Austins, most notably the A135 Princess Limousine, before marque status arrived for 1960. When the Austin A99 was upgraded to A110 specification in 1961, gaining a longer wheelbase and more power, the Princess followed suit, becoming the 'Mk. II'. Over 50% more expensive than its three-litre predecessor, the Vanden Plas 4-Litre Princess R (as it was officially known) justified its price and its rather grand demeanour on the grounds of its parentage – it was the offspring of a somewhat unlikely liaison between BMC and Rolls-Royce. The Princess R was offered with the aluminium six-cylinder Rolls-Royce FB60 engine: a short-stroke 3,909cc variant of that used in the Silver Cloud. Extensive revisions were made to accommodate the Rolls-Royce engine. The new model, which could cruise happily at 90mph with enough left over to get it to a top speed of 112mph, was most enthusiastically received. Sadly, after the initial enthusiasm wore off, sales slowed to a trickle and only 6,555 cars had been built when the model was withdrawn in 1968.
Imported this year from a private middle eastern collection this example is believed to have belonged to the Governor of Barbados. In good order throughout the interior and paintwork present very well and show little sign of age. Recently treated to a thorough recommissioning carried out by renowned classic car and race specialists Alan Mann Racing, the Vanden Plas is offered with a foreign title and Nova document. A lovely Princess Vanden Plas with power provided by a Rolls-Royce unit. Ready to be registered here in the UK and enjoyed in summer months ahead!
We are advised by the vendor that the Vanden Plas has been recommissioned and drives well with the beautiful and silent Rolls Royce engine, however further recommissioning is recommended. The UK taxes have been paid and it comes with its Nova reference number.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.