1967 Austin

Sedan

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

VR53L5641

Gasoline

This is a very unusual British luxury saloon from the mid-sixties. There were only about 6,000 made and very few exported to the United States, a 1967 Austin Princess Vanden Plas Type 'R', the 'R' designates its powered by a 4L Roll Royce six cylinder alloy engine and although badged as an Austin, also came with the 'R' logo on the front fenders and crown on the grill. With a reputable Borg Warner 3 speed automatic transmission and left hand drive (United States steering position),  this car was sold new in New Jersey. Full documents, factory workshop manual, owner's manual, and service receipts indicate three former owners, motor vehicle registration through the mid-eighties, and historic vehicle registration circa 1999.  The factory workshop manual covers the entire car including the a/c and transmission. Power brakes are disc in front, drum in rear. Dash and door caps are wood, with rear folding tea tables typical for this era big English saloon.  This Princess is extremely complete and exceptionally solid. It runs, drives and stops but is not considered road worthy on account of having been stored (indoors) for the last 10 or so years. The fuel system was recently flushed with a temporary but functional electric fuel pump added in the trunk, the pump should be relocated to its factory position underneath the car. The brakes feel surprisingly hard, which is good. However due to its long term storage, I would expect the new owner to transport the car home.  The interior carpet was lifted to examine the condition of and ensure dry floors, which are solid. I have the carpet which can be reused or used for a pattern. The leather front seats were reupholstered in vinyl, a satisfactory job. This was done by a previous owner. All wood is in good condition and should not need refinishing unless you're going concours. The electrical systems seams fine. All lights and signals work. The radio plays.  The body is in good shape because it was stored indoors. Glass is good. The headliner is missing, but there is a roll of new headliner material. The A/C is complete but not working. The compressor seems fine and the evaporator fan works. The compressor was removed to replace the belts on the engine. Power steering works, as does the charging system. There was apparently a kit installed to covert the former generator system to a modern alternator, all work was done very well.  The original generator remains to run the power steering system. Bodywise, the original paint is presentable, the car has a normal amount of small dings or scratches as can be expected for a car this age. The car is very solid, as can be seen in the pictures. Mileage is just over 43K, original. Service receipts show a full brake job and replaced a/c mechanisms in 1981, rebuilt carbs in 1980, and new axle bearings in 81. Work then accomplished at Imported Motor Car Co., Montclair, NJ with parts coming from Princess Services in the UK. Brakes again serviced in 1998, and then again upon my purchase. I purchased this car about 3 years ago. My intent was to have it restored locally. Overall its not a big project, but I unexpectedly acquired a very sharp Jaguar MK IX, and have no need for two big English saloons, hence this sale.  Clear title in my own name, otherwise sold as is. Pictures here and more available on photobucket.com. Search for user id dnaj11. I will attempt to add more pix later. You can also email me for an appointment to see the car. Thank you. On Sep-03-10 at 18:34:37 PDT, seller added the following information:All, I went to add more information, and a bid was placed. So I must add to the description rather than revise the description. The A/C compressor was reinstalled after changing the belts, and only the front carpet was removed. It is probably reusable, I just wanted to make sure the floors are solid. The rear seat leather is old but may use conditioner is all. This car is over 40 years old, quite good for its age. More pix are being added now on photobucket. Thank you for looking.On Sep-03-10 at 19:11:07 PDT, seller added the following information:I do have the trim piece for the lower driver's side, which is not shown on the pix. Near as I can tell, the car is absolutely complete.On Sep-05-10 at 11:15:10 PDT, seller added the following information: All, I noticed the upper section of the rear seat by the sill area is torn. On Sep-05-10 at 11:24:54 PDT, seller added the following information: I am lifting the reserve on the next bid, so it sells to the highest bidder. Frankly, I could use the extra space and $$.