Vanden plas 4.0 princess limousine

A 1967 Vanden Plas Princess 4 litre limousine Registration SMT619F. Black.

Austins flagship range of Princess models were launched in 1947. based on the previous Sheerline. They shared the outgoing Sheerlines 120 bhp 4 litre straight six engine and came in either large saloon or seven seat limousine body styles by the coach builder Vanden Plas.

During the twenty one year production run. the model was slightly revised and updated in Mark 1. Mark 11. and Mark 111 versions. before it was replaced in 1956 by the new Princess Mark 1V with more modern coachwork incorporating integral front wings. However the limousine version continued to be hand made by Vanden Plas at the Kingsbury Works. in and increasingly small numbers. and from 1960 onwards was simply known as the Vanden Plas Princess 4 litre limousine.

A firm favourite with civic dignitaries and captains of industry . Austin's large and imposing Princess also received Royal patronage with several models being delivered to the Royal Mews. This actual limousine was first registered to The Department of the environment on 24. 11. 67  with the taxation class ‘Crown Vehicle' I have a copy of the V5.

 A BL Heritage certificate dated 29th January 1981. states that the date of build was 18th August 1967 . the date of despatch being 22nd October 1967 and was originally intended for export but supplied direct to the Ministry of Defence. I presume for a few modifications. I note there is still the original MOD fire extinguisher fitted.

The present owner purchased the car on 11. 8. 1976 and with it comes nine MOT's dating from 21st May 1975 to 24th October 1991 where the mileage is shown as 45192 on 25th October 1990. There are old Tax discs from 1979 through to 1990 when we believe the car was in commission as a wedding / limo hire vehicle and was then in dry storage for the past 23 years to date. The car has a current MOT dated 04/02/2013 and the odometer reading is shown as 45381 which does appear to validate the mileage. also comes with a year road tax.

Inside the car under the spare wheel were some number plates which are QN 11 which again ties in with this being a car used within the Royal Fleet . the owner believes that it was used in the procession for the Investiture of Prince Charles. I have looked at footage myself and yes there is a Limo exactly like this one but to date have not found any footage showing the registration number to confirm this. I am sure with further time to watch more footage it will be confirmed.

The number plates are in very original condition.

The Car is finished in Black with gold coach lines and is very good condition but with a little TLC will be brought back to a superb standard. The interior is trimmed in West of England cloth to the rear passenger compartment which incorporates two folding occasional seats. a charming original radio and controls are incorporated into one of the passenger arm rests. A partition separates the passengers from the driver. who sits on a velour covered bench seat.  

This is a very original and interesting car and when valued by an auction house they put the value at £7. 00-20. 00 purely because of the Royal connection . we are hoping to fetch somewhere in the middle.

I hope that this is of interest for you. but if you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me via email or on 07865 083097

Note the current registration number is SMT619F. the number plates found under the spare wheel do defiantly Not come with the vehicle.

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