VdP Princess Auto

ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 60bhp@5250rpm TORQUE 70lb ft@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 88mph 0-60MPH 17.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 26-32mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 62,454 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

BMC’s familiar A-series starts instantly from cold with 70psi oil pressure. This drops to a healthy 60psi when warm. The automatic gearbox delivers a smooth change of ratios through to fourth and even reverse selection is reasonably calm. The unassisted steering is superb and the recent replenishing of the Hydrolastic suspension ensures a relaxed ride. The brakes work well – the servo is a recent replacement.

BODYWORK CHECK

The floorpans and wheel arches on this older restoration are corrosion-free, but two small outward dents suggest that the boot lid has been accidentally slammed onto something. The rear chrome has some pitting, but the grille, bumper and headlight rims are unmarked. The Fawn Brown paint is largely unblemished, with just two small chips on the roof plus another touched-in chip on the bonnet slam panel, and the correct handpainted ‘Ochre’ side stripes are still present. The car wears new tyres.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

There’s no shortage of veneer or leather inside this Princess, but there’s room for improvement. The lacquer is parting company with the door trims, though the base walnut is in great condition. The ivory seat covers show little sign of damage but would benefit from some leather feed to clean and soften the centre sections and the carpets are sufficiently threadbare in a couple of areas to warrant replacement. All the switches and dials work correctly – even the original square-fronted Smiths dash clock – but there’s not even a crackle from the Radiomobile AM/LW radio.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay has enjoyed every service item available, plus replacement water pump, drive shafts, wheel bearings and much more during the last owner’s care. The engine still has its BMC greenpainted block and original chrome rocker cover. It’s free from fluid leaks with several new parts fitted. The alternator and radiator are recent, while the air filter housing and splash card appear new. Small sections of the bay adjacent to the battery and radiator have been hand-painted in the original brown, but a localised respray would improve matters. The history file confirms a series of three long-term owners over the past 32 years – one of whom had it for 18 years – and old invoices and MoTs that date back to 1981. It’s covered just 7000 miles in the last 17 years.

THE CCW VIEW

Few ADO16s sold new were luxury Vanden Plas models, so if they were uncommon then, they’re extremely rare now. Putting a bit of restorative effort into the complete interior would surely bring rewards but any new owner should be able to enjoy the above-average drive that complements the Kingsbury Plant craftsmen’s assembly unique to the VdP Princess. Attend to the minor issues, and enjoy come spring 2019.