1972 Vanden Plas 1300 Princess

Registration No: LMF 780K
Chassis No: VAS230773M
MOT: September 2021

Motor Car Location: County Durham

• 2 former keepers, the first of which for 46 years
• Extensive restoration works during the current owners 6-month custodianship
• Offered with a fresh MOT with no advisories

Acquired by BMC in 1946 the firm of Vanden Plas, which could trace its roots back as far as 1870, had earned an enviable reputation as a coachbuilder chiefly known for its work on Bentley, Lagonda and Rolls-Royce chassis prior the Second World War. By the late 1950s the company was engaged in adding luxury fittings to a range of Austin-Morris models produced by BMC. In 1963, the ADO16 range of saloons began to be upgraded culminating in the lavishly equipped Vanden Plas 1300 Princess as offered here. Leather upholstery, wood veneer, a distinctive radiator grille and special badging distinguished these VDP examples, whilst the 1.3-litre twin carburettor engine shared with the MG models developed some 65bhp, resulting in a 90mph top speed.

This automatic transmission example is showing a credible but not warranted odometer reading of 65,410 miles, having been in long-term storage for most of the duration of the second ownership, it has a total of only three total keepers from new, with the first having the 1300 for 46 years. Finished attractively in Blue with complementary Blue interior, 'LMF 780K' comes with current V5 document, and a fresh MOT until September 2021 with no advisories. Arguably the most desirable model variation of its type, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a recently recommissioned example. The final photograph shows the extensive list of parts and items replaced as stated by the vendor during the works completed.

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Excellent'
Engine: 'Excellent'
Electrical Equipment: 'Very Good'
Paintwork: 'Very Good'
Gearbox: 'Very Good'
Interior Trim: 'Very Good'