Description
THE VANDEN Plas Princess was so typical of its day in as much as it showed just how badge engineering and the "Class system" was manipulated by British car makers. The ADO 16 (commonly known as the 1100 and 1300 series) began with the somewhat spartan Austin and then moved up the line in both luxury and pricing with the Morris, Wolseley, MG, Riley and the Vanden Plas.
Here we have a top of the range Vanden Plas Princess 1100. Not many of these left nowadays. Perhaps there are a few more 1300 automatics knocking about but an early 1100 is a rare bird. The model was fitted with the high compression 1098cc twin-carb MG engine used in the Midget as well as in the MG 1100. So they motor along quite well.
Then of course came the oodles of leather and walnut with this VDP and here we have an example that shows that off to the full. The full length Webasto roof would have been a rare feature on such a model back in the day but it really sets this car off. Oh such style. Virtually open top motoring!
She starts, drives and stops and sounds ever so fit. Oil pressure remains strong even when the engine is hot. It is, in essence, an extremely original car with the bulk of the paintwork being applied at factory. It is only when you see areas that have seen some inevitable remedial work that you begin to notice fresh paint here and there. But there is not a great deal of that to be fair. I have noticed a tiny hole in the very rear of the boot floor and there is a small amount of rust at the very top of the nearside wing. These are not major concerns but all the same I point them out as I also point out that the driver's seat base could do with replacing as it has sunk. The leather is fine. The mileage of just 40, 000 would appear to be correct from what I have gleaned and read about the car from its history. So, some areas could be improved and I am calling it a project. But is is drivable as is all the same. The underside appears to be strong and the engine healthy. It's a hell of a lot of motor car for the asking price.
I am Martin (Martin Howey Classics Est. 26 years) and I can also assist with delivery and so please contact me for a quote. Thanks, Martin the details below).
