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Description

ECA 944D left the Austin factory in Longbridge on the 27th October 1965 in Carlton Grey with Grey interior and arrives with us as one of the most original examples we’ve ever seen. With just 22,000 miles covered from new, and 61 years old, the Princess presents beautifully with its largely original paint and bodywork following a careful, sympathetic and comprehensive restoration in the mid-2000s. Since its restoration, the Vanden Plas Princess took home 1st prize in the Concours d’Elegance in Petwood along with best in show at a local event.

Delivered in January of 1966 to Prof. D.E Littlewood, a prestigious algebraist and Chair of Mathematics at the University of Bangor. The Professor owned the car until his passing in 1978 when the car had amassed just 17,000 miles. From 1978, the car was stored on blocks for 26 years and belonged to his partner. The time in storage had taken its toll on the Vanden Plas with most rubber components being rendered unserviceable and though the glean of the paintwork diminished, the chassis remained free of corrosion. In 2004, the Vanden Plas fell into the hands of its third owner, Mr. Ernie Smith who was to be responsible for the careful restoration and re-commissioning of the car. Following its thorough inspection with the interior, and subframes removed, it became apparent how beautifully preserved the structure of the car was, so the brief of the restoration was to retain as much originality as possible.The original paintwork was set to be preserved therefore a careful flat and polish was commenced. Both valances and bottoms of the sills had been subject to a lot of stone chipping from general road use, therefore these areas were locally taken to bare metal, and repainted to match the original paintwork. The suspension, steering, cooling, and braking system were all stripped back, inspected, and recommissioned accordingly. Although originality was at the forefront throughout this restoration, there was a balance between reliability and derivability. In turn, a MKII Gearbox was purchased, and fully rebuilt to assist with fuel economy and with the 3.65:1 axle ratio, made the national speed limit less cumbersome on the engine. The seized engine was carefully stripped inspected, and recommissioned to factory specification with new main bearings, big end bearings, oil pump, cam followers, timing chain, timing gear, and pistons. When the engine was reunited with the gearbox, the complete clutch assembly was renewed.

Following its comprehensive restoration, the car was taken to events and truly cherished by Mr and Mrs Smith. In 2013, the couple enjoyed a weekend at Petwood Hall where the Princess won 1st class in the Concours d'Elegance. Latterly, the Vanden Plas took home best in show at the Scothern classic car show in 2023. After 21 years with its second owners the car came into the hands of a regular customer of ours who has enjoyed a season of local trips and weekend use.

Recently, ECA 944D has been through our Malton Coachworks garage for an MOT, a full service which included gearbox, axle and brake fluid changes, and a strip and adjustment of the braking system. Following its service, the underside was de-scaled and protected with underseal. In its beautiful and very original presentation, this superb driving Vanden Plas 1100 princess is a true collector's piece and would be at home at local shows and events.

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Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make: Vanden Plas
Model series: Princess
Model name: 1100/1275
First registration date: Not provided
Year of manufacture: 1966
Mileage (read)
Chassis number: Not provided
Engine number: Not provided
Gearbox number: Not provided
Matching numbers: Not provided
Number of owners: Not provided

Technical details

Body style: Saloon
Power (kW/hp): 40/55
Cubic capacity (cm³): 1098
Cylinders: 4
Doors: Not provided
Steering: Not specified
Gearbox: Manual
Gears: Not provided
Transmission: Rear
Front brakes: Not provided
Rear brakes: Not provided
Fuel type: Petrol

1966 | Vanden Plas 1100/1275

Description

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Inspection Report

Technical Details

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Technical details

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