Beschreibung:

The Vanden Plas Princess 4.0 R with its Rolls-Royce all-aluminium 175bhp engine was announced in August 1964. An unusually high power to weight ratio enabled the car to cruise at 90mph and was capable of 112mph. Under the bonnet was a result of more than two years technical collaboration between BMC and Rolls-Royce. Twin SU carburettors were fitted, both the cylinder block and head were aluminium, tappets were hydraulic self-adjusting operating on overhead valves configuration and the counter-balanced crankshaft ran in seven main bearings, reducing vibration. The Princess was priced on a par with a Jaguar Mk. X; it was a major change of market positioning aimed at the growing prestige and executive market in Europe and the United States. The 4.0 R was luxurious with polished walnut fascia, padded top and bottom, fully reclinable leather seats and polished picnic tables for the rear passengers. A new automatic transmission was provided by Borg-Warner; its first use in a British car, and Hydrosteer variable ratio power steering accompanied wider tyres. Despatched by Vanden Plas at Kingsbury on 14 th February 1965, this Princess 4.0 R was originally registered on 3 rd March 1965. Classed as a luxurious car in its day, this Princess is finished in two-tone paintwork, peat over stone, with champagne leather trim. The wood veneers have recently been restored and the car benefits from sustained investment resulting in one of the finest Vanden Plas Princess 4.0 R's available today. A comprehensive history file dating back to 1988 is supplied with GPK884C together with a V5 registration document and an MoT test certificate valid until 9 th December 2013. Given the estimate, this is a fascinating classic for a modest investment.