Description
This is my 1977 Princess 1800HL, not long out of 27 years in a barn. I've spent the last 12 months getting it mechanically sorted and have now got it to a point where it is a reliable daily driver. Although it has been a lot of fun, with a lack of space and a house to renovate it's time it went to someone who can keep preserving and improving it.
In summary:
* It runs and drives well, and has just completed a 160 mile round trip with zero issues - it has the simple, reliable 1800 B-series shared with the MGB so it has decent power and torque, plus most mechanical bits are cheap and easy to find. The 4 speed gearbox works fine.
* It has about 81, 600 miles on the clock and to my knowledge has never been restored
* It was parked up in a shed from 1992 to 2019, it had the same owner from 1979 to 2019.
* Undersealed from new and remarkably solid and original underneath
* In the last two years it has had new brakes throughout, new tyres and all service parts replaced plus a carb rebuild
* The hydragas system was completed rebuilt by Ian and Dawn Kennedy last August at no small expense and as a result the ride is back to its original superb quality.
* In the last 12 months it's had various new and rebuilt parts including a new alternator, NOS radiator and new radiator hoses and fuel lines
* It doesn't noticeably leak any fluids on the ground when parked, gets up to and holds temperature nicely
* MOT and tax exempt
* It has a boot full of spares and any stainless steel trim pieces missing in the photos (e. g. wheelarch and vinyl edge trim) are in the boot in OK condition
* It had a brand new windscreen seal from the owner's club last year
* Upgraded halogen headlights
* The paintwork is rough - very, very rough. The bonnet was resprayed last year but has not taken very well. I like the shabby look but really it needs a respray.
* The bodywork isn't too bad for 44 years old in general but not great in places, both rear doors are rusty at the bottom, the front valance needs welding repairs and so does the O/ S rear sill area as well as some bits on the rear valance and front wings
In addition the C pillars have some rust holes at the bottom, as does the bootlid, hence the gaffer tape.
* All vinyl was removed as it was in poor condition and partially responsible for the rust.
* If you wanted to get it to MOT standard it would need 2 rear wheel bearings and 2 CV joints as they're not great plus some minor bits like the wipers are the wrong type - they work but are a bit wobbly.
* The wiper motor is not the original and only works on single speed or mist, doesn't self-park. Indicators work most of the time, sometimes need a waggle of the stalk - a spare unit is in the boot
* The exhaust blows a bit from the joins despite my best efforts to seal it up.
* The fuel gauge doesn't work
* It is running an electric fuel pump, it works fine so I have left it alone. The mechanical one isn't connected.
* The interior is usable but a bit tatty in places, the dashboard has a split, the sill carpet is in very poor condition where it hasn't gone altogether, the main floor carpet is OK bar a tear in the passenger footwell. The front seats are OK, the rear has sun damage on the top hence the blanket and the door cards are faded.
* The clock doesn't work - I know, deal breaker. Sorry. It's always 11 o'clock but you can chose your own permanent time if you like.
That all said, it's a 44 year old unrestored British Leyland product that spent 27 years in an open shed, so it's quite amazing it still exists at all. It's definitely a survivor but now needs to go to someone who can sort out some of its bodywork and keep enjoying it. I get a lot of positive comments and attention with this car, there are so few left now but everyone remembers them.
I will miss it, it's been a lot of fun but it's time to hand it over to someone else now. Please do get in touch if you have any questions, I am happy to provide more photos, videos and information if needed.
