1969 VANDEN PLAS PRINCESS 1300
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Big fun, once its A-series has warmed up. It fires up without hesitation and the four-speed automatic slips between ratios with no jolts or hesitation. There are no misfires, tappet noises or signs of rough running from the engine and oil pressure is an indicated 50psi at cruising speeds. The Hydrolastic suspension soaks up the bumps with no knocks or shudders, and feedback through the two-spoke steering wheel is still as fingertiplight and pin-sharp as only an AD016 can be. A slight tendency to pull to the left under hard braking may indicate a tracking issue, however.
BODYWORK CHECK
It’s not unusual to see AD016s with bubbling paintwork and signs of corrosion around the seams on the front wings, along the sills and the bottom of the doors, but there are no such afflictions on this car. Parts of the Midnight Blue paintwork do have a noticeable ‘orange peel’ eff ect and minor signs of paint run, although this doesn’t detract from its overall appearance. There’s some minor pitting on the rear bumper and the finish on both of the front indicators has tarnished over time. Tyres – a mixture of Nankangs at the front and budget tyres at the rear – are all in good order.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The recently refurbished cabin is delightfully sumptuous, with the wood dashboard veneer, door trim and carpets in particular in very good condition. All the instruments work as Smiths intended, but while both of the folding rear tables are in good condition, the one behind the driver’s seat is reluctant to fold out fully. The leather seats have been well looked-after, with no marks or rips, and we reckon that the minor creasing only adds to the car’s pleasing innate character. The seatbelts all operate correctly.
UNDER THE BONNET
The A-series engine is painted the period-correct shade of BMC green, and while it’s a little grubby there are no signs of recent oil leaks, with the area around the rocker cover in particular showing no cause for concern. The dipstick shows the oil to be at the correct level and a healthy shade of golden brown and there are no signs of any residue on the oil filler cap or previous leaks from the healthylooking side-mounted radiator. There’s also no evidence of any rot on the inner wings or around the bulkhead and the Princess Cars-branded VIN plates are present and correct. There are also plenty of bills for recent work in the car’s paperwork, including a new oil filter, fan belt and brake hoses.
THE CCW VIEW
This older restoration still has plenty of life left in it and doesn’t seem excessively priced. It’s previous owner has clearly cherished it, so it’s well worth closer inspection.