1971model Vanden Plas Princess 1300 Mk-II

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1971model

Vanden Plas Princess 1300 Mk-II

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The interior exudes a "rich fragrance..." that is reminiscent of a 1960s Rolls-Royce! The Vanden Plas Princess, draped in the elegance rooted in British automotive history, carries the kind of refinement and distinction that only the genuine can convey. It was a car that embodied the owner's taste—a true "baby Rolls," reflecting the epitome of class and sophistication.

The intense summer heat has finally passed, and the trees on the mountains have started to show their vibrant autumn colors. During this time, I had the pleasure of seeing the 1971 Mk-II Vanden Plas Princess 1300. This black princess blended perfectly into the scenic, historic, and picturesque landscape of Karuizawa, a charming resort area. The atmosphere she exuded was that of an authentic British car, overflowing with refinement and elegance. I couldn’t help but mutter, “This is magnificent…”

Despite being a 1971 model, a car from over half a century ago, the deep black body of the Princess 1300 Mk-II did not show its age. From the chrome-plated accents to the hand-drawn coachlines, every detail was flawlessly beautiful, a testament to the care and attention given by each of its previous owners. The vehicle has been lavished with investments and meticulous refinishing, conveying a “rich depth” that only comes with proper care over time.

The 1275cc British Leyland A-series engine, now producing 65 horsepower, was overhauled 8 years ago by the current owner, with work carried out at a specialist internal combustion engine shop, including piston and piston ring replacement, cylinder honing, and reassembly. The engine’s beauty, combined with the familiar sound of that engine, echoed magnificently on winding roads far from civilization.

The clear glass of the time reveals the rich red Connolly leather seats, hand-stitched with care, the original ebonite steering wheel, the thick mahogany bases mounted throughout the car, and the walnut wood panels. The charming picnic table, a subtle yet delightful feature, adds to the genuine, timeless elegance of the interior.

This car was chosen by the British gentry, those who knew how to discern true class, not for its superficial image but for its genuine beauty. Although more expensive than other ADO16 models, it was selected as a second car for those who typically rode in the back seats of chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces. Yet, on weekends, they would take the wheel themselves, enjoying leisurely drives around their vast estates. The story of this car is full of such history.

When stepping inside, one is immediately struck by the “rich fragrance…” The unmistakable scent of Connolly leather mixed with oils, a fragrance that resonates with the soul, was just as it would be in a 1960s Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud or Corniche. It’s a scent that lingers, a testament to the car’s authenticity and luxury.

The luxury extends to the thick mahogany wood panels that have been tastefully accented with walnut, a rich texture that reflects a bygone era of craftsmanship. The vintage Smiths instruments, with their classical fonts, and the toggle switches create a sense of nostalgia that’s nothing short of moving.

Despite its compact size, the car’s trunk is surprisingly roomy, and when seated in the driver’s seat—an extraordinarily comfortable sofa-like position—the large steering wheel beckons. The original ebonite steering wheel, with its small marks from years of use, offers a patina that only time can bestow.

As the 1275cc engine, now equipped with twin SU carburetors from the Mk-II onwards, is awakened with the choke, and the engine warms up, the car begins its journey. The evolution of the Mini, improved upon with the introduction of the ADO16, reveals itself with a smooth, surprisingly spacious ride thanks to the hydrolastic suspension designed by Alex Moulton. The compact size of the car belies its ability to provide a luxurious driving experience, with every detail designed to deliver driving pleasure.

This 1971 Mk-II Vanden Plas Princess 1300 is essentially in its original form. Stored in a fully sealed garage by its current owner, it has been maintained with the utmost care, preserving its original beauty. The engine has been overhauled, and the original Connolly leather seats are still in great condition, offering a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy. However, there are some signs of aging in the walnut wood panels, including cracks and peeling. The current owner has kept the wood panels in their original condition for the past 8 years, hoping to preserve their authenticity. The next owner can choose whether to restore these panels or continue to enjoy the car with its historical charm intact. This presents a great opportunity for those who appreciate the joy of “finishing” a classic car.

Once a symbol of chic style, loved by famous actresses and prominent figures, the Vanden Plas Princess is now appreciated by true enthusiasts who understand its essence. Through this article and my research, I’ve come to realize that this is a car worth preserving and passing on to future generations. It is, indeed, a car that speaks to the heart of any true car lover.

At a prestigious British five-star hotel, the doorman's priority for opening car doors was as follows: "Rolls-Royce," followed by "Bentley," and then, surprisingly, not "Mercedes-Benz," but the "Vanden Plas Princess." This charming princess was born out of badge engineering under the ADO16 platform, crafted by Vanden Plas. What is the fascinating history behind her birth?

The “Mini,” Sir Alec Issigonis’ great invention, was developed during the energy crisis of the first oil shock in 1959 by BMC. Its packaging not only had a significant impact within the UK but also around the world, making it a pivotal model in automotive history. After the success of the Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis took his remarkable packaging even further, commissioning Alex Moulton of BMC to design a new Hydrolastic suspension system. Additionally, the sleek and forward-thinking design was entrusted to Italy’s Pininfarina. This collaboration led to the development of the ADO16, which was officially released in 1964 under the BMC umbrella brands: Austin, MG, Morris, Riley, Wolseley, and Vanden Plas.

Interestingly, Vanden Plas’ highest luxury variation, the Princess, was only put into mass production after confirming positive customer reactions. Originally a Belgian coachbuilder specializing in custom-made carriages for royalty and nobility, Vanden Plas was acquired by Austin shortly after WWII and started producing “Princess” limousines. By the late 1950s, these limousines were no longer badged as Austin but were reintroduced as a new luxury brand under Vanden Plas.

Following the mass-market release of the Morris 1100 and the sporty MG version of the ADO16, the Vanden Plas Princess was unveiled at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in the UK. Handcrafted and featuring the finest luxury available, it quickly captured the attention of British aristocrats and royalty. After another year of development using high-quality Connolly leather, British wool carpets, and advanced soundproofing materials, the Princess model was launched as a top-tier luxury compact sedan. Despite its high cost compared to other models, it appealed to exclusive customers, establishing itself as a premium variant of the ADO16.

The ADO16 series, produced by BMC and later by British Leyland after 1968, became a massive hit, with the “Car of the Year” award from Wheels magazine in 1964. It dominated the UK market for much of its production period, holding about 15% of the new car market.

BMC, later British Leyland, produced 2,365,420 ADO16 units by the summer of 1974. However, the highest-specification Vanden Plas Princess was much rarer, with only 39,741 units built. Of those, 36,610 were registered in the UK, making it a model almost exclusively loved within the UK. Only 3,131 units were exported, and most models imported to Japan were parallel imports.

Even the final version of the Vanden Plas Princess, now over fifty years old, is incredibly rare. As of 2024, only 237 licensed models remain in the UK, with 159 vehicles marked as “SORN” (off the road), showing a dramatic decrease in the survival rate. This trend is also evident in Japan, where well-preserved examples are almost impossible to find, leaving enthusiasts to “wait for the right opportunity.”

The Vanden Plas Princess 1300’s luxury can be described as a “miniature limousine.” Small and economical yet high-end, this model’s parts remain readily available due to its British origin, making it relatively easy to maintain as a classic car and even upgrade over time. Owning and preserving such a rare, endangered classic car offers an opportunity to enjoy and pass on a unique piece of automotive history to future generations.

"Emotional Impact of the Interior's Aroma…": After-Visit Notes on the 1971 Vanden Plas Princess 1300 Mk-II

“The joy of experiencing the unique character that only a classic car, aged with time, can offer”

It’s always possible to restore a car to a pristine condition with substantial investment. But for a classic car that has aged, the true enjoyment lies in savoring the unique charm that time bestows upon it.

The owner of this Vanden Plas Princess 1300 Mk-II had worked in Germany for many years before returning to Japan. After countless 1,000 km day trips on the Autobahn, the owner, who seemed like a die-hard German car enthusiast, surprised me by revealing a love for British classics in his personal life. Over the years, he had owned several British classics, from an Austin A30 to a Cab Cooper 1000, and for the past 8 years, he has enjoyed a lifestyle centered around this very Vanden Plas Princess.

This particular Vanden Plas Princess was found after years of searching, and it was at a British car specialist shop that the long-awaited model was finally located. After an engine overhaul, the only issue in the past 8 years has been a fuel pump failure. The car has always been carefully stored during the colder months, connected to a float charger through the freezing season and kept dormant until the long spring rains washed away the salt. It’s equipped with a hanging air conditioner, but during the extreme summer heat, it was allowed to rest. When the weather was pleasant, the owner would take it out and enjoy the winding roads of Karuizawa.

The owner, with many hobbies including DIY, has shown tremendous love for this car. He even built a fully sealed garage for it himself. Even on days when he couldn’t drive it, the mere act of owning it was a “vitamin” for his soul, as he so charmingly put it. Even the worn wooden panels were viewed positively, embraced as a feature of this unique example of the Princess.

When I asked, “Why are you letting go of such a beautiful, late-model Vanden Plas Princess Mk-II?” the owner smiled and replied, “It’s a change of life stage that we all go through… it’s with a heavy heart.” His words conveyed a sense of deep sentiment, a reflection of his love and care for this rare classic.

I’m sure many of you who have read this story, fellow enthusiasts, can relate. It’s a painful decision to part with a cherished vintage car, something you’ve cared for and nurtured through the years. But with time, the right next owner will come along—someone whom the current owner can trust to continue the legacy, and with that, the decision to pass on the car will come with a sense of peace and trust in the future.

The "rich fragrance" inside this car evokes the very essence of a 1960s Rolls-Royce! The Vanden Plas Princess, draped in the elegance backed by the history of British automobiles, exudes a level of refinement and grace that only true classics can embody. This car is a true reflection of its owner's exquisite taste—a true "baby Rolls" in every sense of the word.

What a truly wonderful car it is…! I highly recommend visiting to witness the enchanting Princess yourself. Please come to Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, to experience it in person!

The 1971 Vanden Plas Princess 1300 Mk-II is currently located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.

As this is a private sale, there are no consumption taxes or additional fees involved. However, the buyer will be responsible for the prorated automobile tax (¥34,500 per year) and the recycling deposit (¥11,410). Also, the buyer is asked to arrange for transportation; however, if desired, I can assist with classic car transportation through my company, which owns a dedicated carrier vehicle. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in this service.

For Inquiries: This vehicle is listed on the classic car and collectible car cross-border EC site “Estate Sale Supremacy®.”

The “Supreme Estate Sale” is a unique way of presenting cars that carry the owner’s story, with written profiles and videos based on interviews. This is a Japanese version of North American estate sales, which help organize both material possessions and sentimental values. Unlike low-value buyouts that leave no trace, we ensure that the owner’s feelings are expressed and the memories are preserved while facilitating the vehicle’s transition to the next owner.

Detailed interviews, including past maintenance records and repair history, have been conducted with the current owner. Any major accidents or extremely short ownership periods are taken into consideration. If there is uncertainty regarding the vehicle’s history, we will not proceed with the sale, ensuring peace of mind for the next buyer.

This article was written based on a 3-hour interview conducted with the current owner on November 1, 2024, at 1 PM under cloudy skies. Due to the limited time for verification, it may not reflect the 100% exact condition of the vehicle. Please be aware that comments regarding the vehicle’s condition are based on the situation at the time of the interview and the writer’s personal impressions.

If you have any questions or wish to arrange for a vehicle inspection, please contact me via the link at the bottom of this page. As this is a private sale, only customers who are genuinely considering purchasing the vehicle will be permitted to inspect it to prevent time-wasting inquiries.

Thank you for your consideration.