Description
This is rare and so endearing. The subject of a full body and interior restoration in 1991, this stunning VDP Princess in Midnight Blue with Blue leather has covered just 1100 miles since and in so many ways is THE perfect family classic. Iconic BMC styling and a superbly appointed interior matched with an almost Cooper-spec 1275cc and smooth 4-speed automatic gearbox makes for the perfect combination of comfort and performance. Currently my daily driver, this little car is huge fun and promotes a genuine smile on the face of both driver and passer-by. Not expensive either.
Launched in 1962, the ADO16 designation from BMC was a range of small family cars that became best sellers throughout the 1960`s, principally under the Morris and Austin badges. Within a few months of introduction, badge-engineered versions appeared carrying the company-owned brands of MG, Wolseley, Riley and Vanden Plas. Initially, cars came with an 1100cc engine (hence were known as “1100”s) with the larger 1275cc featuring in the Mk. II from 1967 onwards (known as the “1300”). Distinctive in the use of Hydolastic suspension and front wheel drive, the range was very different to anything else seen in Britain at the time and was considered revolutionary in terms of space, comfort and overall performance. Indeed, the clever use of in-house brands gave something for everyone within the range. Vanden Plas had been acquired by BMC in 1946 and had an enviable reputation as a coachbuilder chiefly known for its work with Bentley, Lagonda and Rolls Royce. Bringing the name to the ADO16 meant full leather interiors, deep Wilton carpets, acres of highly polished wood, a thin-rimmed sports steering wheel (taking from the Triumph 2500), full-depth radiator grille, wing-mounted race-style wing mirrors and plenty of chrome-plated brightwork. It really was a “compact executive” by modern standards and in Mk. II form had the power to really perform too with the ability to cruise at 75MPH where permitted (a top speed of 90MPH was claimed!). Records suggest that only around 60 VDP 1300 Automatics remain today and I strongly believe it`s a car that everyone should experience at some point.
Our car was registered in August 1971 making it one of the very last Mk. II models and was supplied new to a couple in Derbyshire. Thereafter, the trail goes cold with the Princess resurfacing in the late 1980`s residing near Taunton in Somerset. In January 1989, a mechanic and car restorer provided a quotation to bring the car “up to A1 condition”. Later that year, the car was collected and seemingly underwent a comprehensive 2-year restoration that went some way beyond the initial quotation! The car was stripped down to a bare shell only to find that the shell itself was incapable of economic repair. A new shell was found and subsequently sand-blasted, prepared and painted in the original British Leyland colour of Midnight Blue with all cavities filled with Waxoil in the process. Engine and gearbox were installed - after a full service - together with driveshafts, subframes, a new loom and all ancillaries. The interior was then reinstated with new headlining, new front and rear windscreens with new rubbers, new sound-proofing and new Navy carpets. All leather seating to front and rear was properly treated and fitted, whilst doors were rehung with new cards and original fittings. All woodwork was cleaned and polished whilst all instruments were checked (it was noted that the clock wasn`t functioning). Original wheels were painted and reshod with radial tyres whilst new bumpers to both front and rear completed the look. The Princess was subsequently fitted with a new battery, filled up with petrol and taken for a fresh MoT inspection. With a recorded 77, 043 miles, the restorer then provided a professional valuation for Footman James (dated June 1991) in the sum of £2, 500. The trail goes cold again for the next 16 years when the very same MoT station in Monkton Heathfield were to see the car again; the Princess having covered just 16 miles in the intervening period! This MoT Certificate from June 2007 portrays a car that had been genuinely laid-up with square tyres, electrical niggles and binding brakes. We would love to know more of the story here but it would seem that post restoration, the Princess was simply garaged and forgotten about. In 2011, the car moved to Kent, where it stayed in the hands of 2 keepers until just last Summer, covering less than 100 miles a year mainly to and from the MoT Station. The last recorded inspection was undertaken in May 2017 at 77, 753 miles. That and all 5 previous inspections (2012-2017) presented no Advisory Notes. During the Summer of 2022, the Princess was acquired by a respected classic car dealer, Pioneer Automobiles, of Chieveley who in turn sold it to a local classic car collector in the September. Whilst in his care, various nuts and bolts have been tightened up (after a shakedown from the historic rebuild), the cooling system overhauled and a new battery fitted. The car has only come for sale owing to a consolidation of his collection.
The Princess today presents just as seen in the photographs. Excellent bodywork and very good older paintwork shows a few age-related blemishes and touch-ins but the overall presentation is still very pleasing. Good chrome and tidy wheels complete the package whilst internally, the refreshed cabin is still excellent with almost perfect headlining, very good door cards, carpets and trim. The original Blue leather seats are in wonderful condition whilst polished wood dash, door cappings and rear picnic tables present well with just a little fading and cracking to the dash and some sun damage to the dash top. Turn the key and the ever-reliable “A” series fires up immediately into life settling down off-choke to a gentle burble. Select “D” and the little car glides away swiftly, the 4-speed automatic gearbox allowing smooth changes up to cruising speed in no time. On the road, the Princess is a revelation. Pin-sharp steering, fabulous balanced yet soft suspension, great brakes and more than sufficient power encourage spirited driving and I`ve enjoyed every second. It is genuinely my car of choice at the moment and I have already taken it to one show and it has another outing diarised for tomorrow. It is just so useable.
The car comes with a history file documenting the rebuild in 1990-1991 together with insurance valuation and MoT Certificate from that time, old MoT Certificates from 2007-2015, an original sales brochure, sundry bills and a current V5C. The Princess is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A rare and utterly charming British classic with interesting provenance. Great value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
