‘Good breeding that is unmistakably British’ – more motors from the Leyland catalogue
Styles of the Seventies, when vinyl seats were the hottest thing in cars
HOT on the heels of last week’s look through an old Leyland brochure at the Mini and Maxi models, here is another glimpse at what Britain’s biggest car maker had to offer in 1977.
That distinctive wedge-shape, above, can only be the Princess ... “Descended from a truly noble line of Princessses, this latest holder of the title is also a car of fine distinction,” the brochure enthuses.
“In its lithe and purposeful appearance, the roominess and all-embracing comfort of its five-seater coachwork, in the manner of its going and the interest it attracts everywhere, this Princess is perhaps the most distinguished of them all. It is very much a car of our time, uncompromising and built to a high standard.”
There were four models with two engines: an 1800cc with basic and HL models, and a more powerful 2200cc with either HL or top-spec HLS. The 1800s featured expanded vinyl seats, while the 2200HL had ‘cropped vinyl facings’ on theirs, which doesn’t sound like the height of luxury to modern ears. The top of the range HLS featured upholstery in soft velour plush, and even included a radio.
The chubby little Austin Allegro was never going to win any awards for style, and even the brochure begins its pitch with an underwhelming line: “Economy motoring in the grand manner just about sums up what ownership of an Allegro means.”
It went on to describe its “attractive styling that cannot be mistaken for any other make.” The last bit at least was spot on.
Nevertheless, the Allegro was a popular car, at least in Britain. In 1977 there were nine models on offer; the 1100 deluxe, with two or four doors; the 1300 Super Saloon and Estate; the 1500 Super Saloon and Estate, and Allegro 1500 Special and 1750 HL. The latter may not have been much more stylish than its siblings, but it could certainly shift.
What do you get if you stick what’s basically a Jaguar grille onto an Allegro? The answer is the Vanden Plas 1500 ...
“The famous coachbuilding firm of Vanden Plas have been practising their craft for many generations. Their list of past and present customers reads like a Who’s Who and
includes some of the world’s Heads of State and other Very Important People. Current production centres around the majestic Daimler and the Allegro-based 1500.”
The efforts to convince continue ... “So you will be in illustrious company with your Vanden Plas model and among the comparatively few motorists who can claim to own an authentic product of the coachbuilder’s art. The car is totally international in concept – it would look equally right in Rome, Paris, Vienna or any other of the great capitals – yet its traditional good looks are unmistakeably British.
“That remarkably compact exterior makes for extreme ease of handling in city traffic or down winding country lanes, but there’s ample room inside to make touring pleasurable and relaxing.”
The VP’S fitted carpets were laid over felt for extra sound-proofing, and the seats covered in knit-backed expanded vinyl, and fluted hide. The front seats were recliners with arm rests, and the fascia was made from walnut, which was mirrored in the door trim.
And in the back were two walnut ‘picnic tables’ which could be pulled down from the rear of the front seats, along with a pull-down armrest for the rear passengers.