VANDEN PLAS PRINCESS 1.3, 1971 Bentley luxury... Lot 32

VANDEN PLAS PRINCESS 1.3, 1971 Bentley luxury for the legendary Austin Chassis: 61RM019556 Mileage counter reading: 68243 km. Unobtainable and coveted Austin Vanden Plas version. Restored Luxurious leather and burl interior Right-hand drive Italian papers. Vehicle of historic collector's interest with transcript on vehicle registration Remembered as the result of one of Britain's most distinguished coachbuilders, remembered mainly for his sublime vintage Bentleys, the Vanden Plas company was acquired by BMC in 1946 and offered as a brand a few years later. In the 1960s and 1970s the name was used for top-of-the-line versions of Austin-Morris models, particularly the 1100 and 1300. Vanden Plas in London enhanced the car with a luxurious interior long associated with the company, using abundant wood veneer trim and leather upholstery. He also fitted a distinctive grille in front and his own badge. The specified engine was the same twin-carburetor one fitted to the MG 1100/1300. The 65-hp 1.3 version was capable of a top speed of 145 mph. Today the Vanden Plas is by far one of the most collectible British cars in the 1100/1300 family and is highly sought after. In particular, the finish of the model offered here is two-tone in Teal Blue and white with a matching white interior. This example appears to have covered 68,243 km, as shown on the odometer. It has Italian papers with historical certification. Described by the private seller as being in excellent condition, it benefits from a good old restoration VANDEN PLAS PRINCESS 1.3, 1971 Unobtainable and coveted Austin Vanden Plas version Restored Luxurious leather and burl interior One of the most illustrious of Britain's coachbuilders, chiefly remembered for its sublime vintage Bentleys, the firm of Vanden Plas was acquired by BMC in 1946 and re-invented as a marque some years later. In the 1960s and '70s the name was applied to top-of-the-range versions of Austin-Morris models, most notably the 1100/1300. Vanden Plas in London re-equipped the car with the kind of luxurious interior long associated with the firm, using plentiful wood-veneer trim and leather upholstery, and fitted a distinctive grille and their own badging. The engine specified was the same twin-carburettor unit fitted to the MG 1100/1300, the 1.3-liter 65bhp version being good enough for a top speed of 145 km/h. Today the Vanden Plas is by far the most collectible of the 1100/1300 family and is highly sought after. Finished bicolor in Teal Blue and white with white interior, this example has covered 68,243 kms, as we can read on the clock. It has Italian papers with historical certification. Described by the private vendor as in very good condition, it benefits an old restoration