Vanden Plas 1300
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? Anyone unfamilair with these cars will be surprised at how refined they are compared to the standard BMC ADO16 1100/1300 upon on which it’s based. This one starts instantly and ticks over evenly – the engine note sounds almost muted, even at higher speeds. The fine ride from the Hydrolastic suspension leaves you wafting along in luxury and considerable investment in sound deadening has paid off with this car, too. It’s more than happy in modern urban conditions and can tolerate motorways. The gears change smoothly enough and the gearbox doesn’t keep the driver waiting too long between second and third. It corners well, the steering feels fingerlight and the brakes are good.
BODYWORK CHECK
This car presents itself well and there are no major bodywork issues. The panels are all good, with no rust bubbles or major dents and much of the Harvest Gold paint looks original. Some welding has been carried out around the subframe mountings and passenger footwell, but it appears to have been done to a high standard. The sills have been treated with Hammerite or similar and painted over, but there are no signs of rot or repair. The front valance has had some work done to it, but the chrome, lights and windows are all in good, serviceable condition and the Nankang tyres have plenty of tread.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
No Vanden Plas skips on interior luxury and everything on this car is complete and presentable. There are no signs of major wear on the leather seats and could easily be brought up to show condition with the help of hide food. There is some crazing in the varnish on the wooden dashboard and door cappings, but it looks like it could be rectified. There are a few chips in the steering wheel, but the headlining, carpets and door trims are good. All the instruments are present and appear to be doing their job correctly. The Webasto sunroof works as it should and shows no sign of leaking.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is extremely clean and the cylinder head has been converted to run on unleaded fuel. There are no signs of leaks or wear, the fluids are to the correct levels and look clean and none of the hoses or cables are cracked.
THE CCW VIEW
This is not an over-restored showpiece, nor is it an expensive timewarp – it’s an honest and low-mileage Vanden Plas with history and nothing sufficiently amiss to let the car down in any way. Anyone seeking show wins could spend time bringing the seats and interior woodwork up to top standard, but you could just as easily leave everything as it is and enjoy it for what it is.
Nick Larkin