Description
1977 Vanden Plas 1500 - Russet Brown - 6 Owners from new - Just 33, 000 Miles
The Vanden Plas 1500 is a luxury compact saloon produced by the British Leyland Motor Corporation between 1974 and 1980, representing the marque’s traditional blend of craftsmanship, refinement, and understated prestige. Combining the familiar engineering of the Austin Allegro with the bespoke trim and hand-finished interiors synonymous with Vanden Plas, the model offered a level of comfort and presentation far above its contemporaries in the small car segment.
First registered in September 1977, this particular example, finished in Russet Brown with a Vanden Plas chamois interior, presents a rare opportunity to acquire a remarkably original and cherished survivor from the period. Originally supplied new by Christchurch Street Motors of Somerset, the car was little used from new and meticulously garaged. According to the early MOT certificates, by 1982 it had covered a mere 10, 951 miles from new. Remaining in Somerset, it subsequently passed to its second owner—a friend of the original—who continued the tradition of careful use and regular maintenance.
The accompanying comprehensive history file contains numerous MOT certificates, clearly documenting the car’s steady and minimal mileage progression through the decades. By 1990, the odometer recorded just over 23, 000 miles, and during the following decade, under its third custodian, fewer than 10, 000 miles were added—testament to the car’s gentle life and careful ownership. When the third owner retired from driving, the Vanden Plas saw less than 100 miles per year before being sold to a collector in Cornwall, who stored it within a purpose-built facility and is believed never to have used it on the public road.
In 2014, its fifth owner recorded the mileage at 32, 868 miles, which was confirmed again under the current and sixth owner, who reports a modest increase of just 174 trouble-free miles during their tenure. Throughout its life, the car has evidently been cherished, showing no signs of corrosion or previous welding at the time of its last purchase.
Under current ownership, a programme of sympathetic maintenance has been carried out to ensure continued reliability, including a new steering rack, brake servo, master cylinder, overhauled front calipers, new brake pads, replacement rear wheel cylinders, four new tyres, and a new battery.
Accompanying the car is a wealth of original documentation, including the original Vanden Plas owner’s handbook, period sales brochure, old V5 registration documents, and a collection of old tax discs. The car’s interior features the hallmark walnut dashboard and luxurious Vanden Plas trim, both beautifully preserved. Having been a proud member of the Vanden Plas Owners Club, this example has won numerous competitions and accolades for its condition and authenticity.
Presented today as a beautifully preserved and gently matured example of British motoring elegance, this 1977 Vanden Plas 1500 offers a rare combination of originality, history, and charm. A true credit to its six careful owners, this car stands as one of the finest surviving examples of its type—an ideal candidate for continued show success or refined classic motoring enjoyment.
