Vanden Plas 1500

SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED

The most gracious Allegro, a Vanden Plas 1500 with only 8,426 miles.

EQUIPMENT
All steel unitary construction, underbody protection, wax injected body sills, sill protectors, twin door mirrors, tinted window glass, flush fitting door handles, anti-burst door locks, trimmed parcel shelf, reclining front seats with armrest, full-width veneered walnut fascia, face-level fresh air vents, twin sun-visors with vanity mirror on passenger, front and rear ashtrays, coat hooks, picnic tables, cigar lighter, lockable glovebox, electric washers, two-speed wipers, flick wipe, twin horns, hazard warning lamps, twin fog lamps, three courtesy lights, boot light. Optional Extras; Automatic gearbox, Radiomobile.

EXTERIOR
‘That look of distinction’ as the original sales brochure boasts is certainly the case with this period Russet Brown phenomenally low mileage example! With the traditional Vanden Plas radiator grille and all mirror bright chrome enhancements, it really does look distinctive! The unique trim is in amazing condition and even the front screen still has the Unipart anti-freeze sticker still attached! The supplying dealer rear screen sticker is present along with original number plates. Structural integrity is assured and all wheel-arch apertures, door shuts and underside areas are in remarkable preserved condition. Due to some storage damage there is a tiny rub to one bumper corner and some panels have been painted. The gold coachline and all badges are present. An almost inconceivable rare survivor against unfavourable odds, very special.

INTERIOR
The Vanden Plas 1500 is totally luxurious. The sumptuous fully reclining front seats are upholstered in knit-backed expanded vinyl with fluted hide panels and the matching deep-pile wall-to-wall carpets are spotless. Extra sound-proofing, armrests for everyone and rear seat picnic tables all add to the sense of a special occasion. Traditional British craftsmanship is evident with the handsome finish of the walnut facia showing a few minor lines and the stitched handbrake gaiter and stainless sill trims. The nylon cloth head lining has loosened slightly in areas but in no way distracts from the opulent surroundings. All gauges function including the electric clock and an ambient mood is created thanks to three working courtesy lights! The boot area is factory perfect with jack, handle and wheel brace all in the black plastic bag.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Powered by the British Leyland ‘E’ Series 1485cc overhead camshaft engine fitted with a single SU HS6 carburettor producing 68bhp at 5500rpm, the mechanics are simple and cost effective to run and maintain. Electronic ignition has been added. All stickers, plates and stampings are clearly visible, even the Hydragas sticker on the sphere is still attached! A very clean and presentable engine bay. The optional 4-speed AP automatic gearbox suits the car perfectly with relaxed, smooth changes. Wonderful.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Full width wheel rim embellishers finished in bright chrome with the distinctive VP signature shine brightly and have some light markings. Firestone 155/80 R13 tyres with ample tread replaced the original Dunlop SP4 items. The spare is still unused and factory fresh. The braking system with discs upfront have a relocated new servo and the Hydrogas suspension system is free from leaks and allows the car to sit level and cushion all occupants admirably.

HISTORY FILE
The Vanden Plas 1500 was bought by a small number of loyal customers wanting the epitome of luxury where cost was a secondary consideration. One such customer was Mr and Mrs Roberts of Bideford, Devon. Supplied by local dealer, Elliott & Sons (Motors) Ltd, also of Bideford, on the 17 November 1977 this car remained in their care until 1997 whereby it had covered just 1,738 miles! A letter at the time of the sale from the original supplying dealer and Director Barbara Blight confirms that, ‘the speedometer reading on this car is the true and authentic reading endorsed by the management and employees who have worked at Elliotts for the duration.’ Owned and cherished by a handful of enthusiasts since, the car has covered just 8,426 miles. A detailed log of each owner is provided including dates and prices paid for the car and a neat folder of MOT certificates, invoices, tax discs is included. Sales brochures, handbooks and period literature is also present along with two sets of keys. The current owner Mr Shepard has doubled the cars mileage since purchasing the car in 2018 attending club events and classic car shows and has thoroughly enjoyed every mile! The acquisition of an Austin A40 Farina is now the reason for the sale and he hopes a new owner will continue to enjoy the car and not hide it away! An unrepeatable opportunity to buy surely one of the best unrestored examples of British Leyland motoring history…….

HPI clear.

Vanden Plas Princess 3-Litre

SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED

A magnificent and luxurious Vanden Plas Princess 3-Litre Saloon

EQUIPMENT
Coachwork by Vanden Plas, toughened glass, Lucus driving lamps, chrome badge bar, chrome wing mirrors, foot operated dip switch, interior lamps, 2-speed self-parking windscreen wipers, twin windtone horns, rheostat switchable instrument lighting, ammeter, oil pressure and water temperature gauges, cigar lighter,  polished walnut fascia and door waist panels, recessed ashtray, tinted sun visors, front and rear centre armrests, picnic tables, ventilator louvres, door companion pockets, lockable glovebox.  Optional Extras: Radio.

EXTERIOR
This specialist-built and elegant Vanden Plas Princess suits its name so regal is the appearance finished in factory Sherwood Green.  A gold single coachline, mirror finish chromium plated enhancements and stainless window surrounds leave no doubt that this car is built in the finest traditions of British craftsmanship and was enjoyed by the most particular of people.  A front badge bar proudly displays the Vanden Plas Owners Club membership as is an indication to the enthusiast owned nature of this prime example.  A small touched in bonnet mark can be seen in an otherwise flawless highly polished paint finish.  A detailed engine bay is ready to wow onlookers and owners enjoying the classic car show scene.  A true spectacle and one of the best.

INTERIOR
The resplendent interior of this gracious Princess is deeply upholstered in the finest English cream vaumol leather.  Polished walnut fascia, door waist panels and picnic tables for the rear passengers impart the right air of luxury to a car of this class and deep pile carpets with thick felt underlay are perfectly clean.  All the Smiths gauges function other than the analogue clock and display healthy readings.  Matching door cards and headlining is fabulously appointed and the contrast to the exterior paint colour is just perfect.  A car for the connoisseur.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Under the spotless bonnet is the six-cylinder 3 litre C–Series engine with a four-bearing counterbalanced crankshaft for smooth power delivery.  A top speed of 102mph is quoted from the 108bhp in-line engine.  The column mounted three-speed fully automatic gearbox with hydraulic convertor coupling is smooth and well suited to the engine.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Pressed steel wheels graced with immaculate chrome hubcaps proudly display the VP logo, slightly weathered on two wheels.  Tyres are Nankang 185/80 R14 with masses of tread.  Disc brakes up front and drums at rear are vacuum servo assisted and do a fine job of stopping such a substantial car.

HISTORY FILE
Registered on the 11th May 1964 this Vanden Plas Princess has been subject to a complete bare shell restoration by Classic Vehicle Restoration Specialists in Bourne.  A catalogue of photos is included showing the amazing level of work carried out to produce a real collectors item.  Featured in Classic Car Weekly this luxury machine will provide its new owner with a touch of class and a show winner!

HPI clear.