Vanden Plas Princess

Princess 3-litre (1959–1960) Vanden Plas Princess 3-litre (1960–1964)
1961 Vanden Plas Princess 3-litre
Overview
Manufacturer	BMC
Production	1959–1964
Designer	Pininfarina
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Austin Westminster Wolseley 6/99
Powertrain
Engine	2.9 L C-Series I6 (1959-1964)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	84 in (2,134 mm) 1959–1961 86 in (2,184 mm) 1961–1964
Length	187.75 in (4,769 mm)
Width	68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Height	59 in (1,499 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Austin A105 Vanden Plas
Successor	Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre R

Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre R (1964-1968)
1967 Vanden Plas Princess 4-litre R
Overview
Manufacturer	BMC
Production	1964–1968
Designer	Pininfarina
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size car
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Austin Westminster Wolseley 6/110
Powertrain
Engine	3.9 L Rolls-Royce IOE I6 (1964-1968)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	84 in (2,134 mm) 1959–1961 86 in (2,184 mm) 1961–1964
Length	187.75 in (4,769 mm)
Width	68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Height	59 in (1,499 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Vanden Plas Princess 3-Litre
Successor	None

The Princess was a version of the Austin A99 Westminster produced by BMC from 1959–1964, latterly under the Vanden Plas marque.

The model was launched in October 1959 under the name Princess 3-litre. From July 1960, these vehicles bore the Vanden Plas name which became a badge-engineered brand in its own right instead of being known as a coachbuilder for cars of other manufacturers. The new Princess was a great deal smaller and less than 44 per cent of the price of the older Princess IV Saloon, which was to continue until 1968.

The 3-Litre was largely identical to the Pininfarina-designed Austin A99 Westminster and Wolseley 6/99 which used the same chassis and body. The Princess was given its own identity with a special Vanden Plas grille (fairly square, with a thick surround and vertical slats), round headlamps, and horn grilles on the front. The interior was lavish in typical Vanden Plas style, featuring burr walnut wood trim, leather seats and panels, and high-quality carpeting. A division between the driver and the rear compartment was an optional extra. Initially, it was powered by BMC's 3-litre C-Series engine, developing 108 hp (81 kW).

A Vanden Plas Princess 3-Litre with automatic transmission was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1961 and had a top speed of 99.3 mph (159.8 km/h). It could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 16.1 seconds while fuel consumption of 21.1 miles per imperial gallon (13.4 L/100 km; 17.6 mpg_‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1,467 including taxes.

This model was replaced in 1961 by the Vanden Plas Princess 3-litre Mark II. Styling was similar but the wheelbase was two inches (5 cm) longer and anti-roll bars were added to the suspension at both ends of the car. The engine was uprated to 120 hp (89 kW). Better brakes were fitted, and interior improvements included built-in drop-down "picnic tables" for the rear seat passengers. Options now included "Smith's air-conditioning".

This model was discontinued in 1964 an replaced by a new Rolls-Royce powered model.

Vanden Plas Princess 3-litre Mark II

...
Wikipedia