VANDEN PLAS PRINCESS

A touch of class is with us now at RFH Classics in the form of this beautifully restored 1966 (D) Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre R finished in the elegant shade of Sherwood Green and trimmed in sumptuous Light Green Connolly leather with rich burr walnut cabinetry. A truly exceptional car, this example has had just three registered owners from new. Records show the first owner cherished the Princess for an incredible 58 years before passing to its second keeper who undertook an extensive restoration. As part of our preparation, we have had the automatic gearbox professionally stripped and rebuilt and the seats expertly re-prepared ensuring the car presents and drives exactly as such a distinguished model should.

A rare car to see on the road today, the Princess 4-Litre R owes its existence to one of the most unusual engineering partnerships in British motoring history. In 1962, Rolls-Royce and BMC announced a technical collaboration which led to the “Java” project being developed using a BMC body. A Princess 3 Litre Mk II was sent to Crewe where it was fitted with a prototype Rolls-Royce F-60 aluminium straight-six and Rolls automatic gearbox. Although the Java project never reached production, it directly inspired what would become the Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre R, launched in August 1964.

Vanden Plas were already planning a modernised successor to their 3 Litre model and the lessons learned from the Rolls-Royce trials were incorporated into a thoroughly re-engineered design. While retaining the distinguished Princess silhouette, the body received a raised roofline for improved headroom, the front and rear screen peaks were removed, new horizontal rear lamps, recessed front fog lamps and a strengthened rear structure were introduced. The result was a cleaner, more refined and more contemporary interpretation of the Kingsbury flagship.

Where the 4-Litre R truly set itself apart was under the bonnet. It became the only production car ever sold outside the Rolls-Royce family to be fitted with a Rolls-Royce engine—the FB60, a lightweight 3,909cc alloy straight-six producing 175 bhp. This was paired to a Borg-Warner Type D8 automatic gearbox, notable for being the first time this transmission was standard equipment on a British-built car. Power steering via a Cam Gears Hydrosteer system completed the mechanical package, creating the smooth, limousine-like driving experience that defined the model.

Inside as you can see craftsmanship was of the highest order. Connolly leather, deep pile carpets, hand polished walnut fascias, picnic tables and beautifully finished luggage compartments all reflected the meticulous work undertaken at the Vanden Plas Kingsbury works. Updates over the earlier 3 Litre included a safety padded dashboard, soft sunvisors and a dedicated rear compartment heater. The result was one of the most finely appointed British saloons of its era quiet, refined and unmistakably luxurious.

At launch, the press response was enthusiastic and BMC forecast sales of 100 units per week however in reality demand never reached those heights. Production continued until May 1968, during which 6,687 cars were produced at Kingsbury, alongside 312 CKD kits exported to South Africa—just 6,999 cars in total. Today, it is believed that fewer than 150 Princess 4-Litre R models remain on UK roads, making this a rare survivor of an already limited production run. This car represents a historic milestone as it is the only non-Rolls-Royce production car ever to use a Rolls-Royce engine and represented the final chapter in Vanden Plas’s tradition of hand-finished luxury saloons built on BMC mechanicals.

RFH Classics are proud to be Bedfordshire's largest independent classic car dealer with over 35 years of experience supplying quality vehicles you can buy with confidence. Our reputation is built on trust, excellent customer service and glowing reviews. This car qualifies for zero rated Historic Road tax and is a ULEZ exempt vehicle helping to make it a great and cost effective classic to own and maintain. As a classic it is eligible for low cost classic car insurance and comes with the benefit of a 3 month major mechanical warranty.

Our vehicles are sold clear of finance or insurance damage with a certificate of provided at handover, we do recommend using premium unleaded fuel for all our classic vehicles. If you are unable to visit our showroom, UK delivery is available as are export services, please ask for a quote. Our website has a walk around video of every vehicle in stock. Ready to find out more about this car? Book your viewing today, we look forward to hearing from you.

Call: 01462 338755
Email: sales@rfhclassics.co.uk

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