British Leyland Princess classic cars for sale

History of the British Leyland Princess

Launched in March 1975, the British Leyland Princess emerged as a bold departure from conventional saloon car design. Conceived during an era marked by radical styling choices, the Princess became quickly recognised for its pronounced wedge profile, penned by Harris Mann. Born from the earlier Austin/Morris 18-22 Series, the Princess was a product of British Leyland’s efforts to rationalise its mid-range offering after forming from a merger of several British carmakers. Manufactured at Cowley, Oxford, the Princess took its place as a spacious, front-wheel-drive saloon, intended to showcase advanced suspension comfort and practicality. It represented British Leyland’s answer to family motoring needs of the mid-to-late 1970s, marking its place in the shifting British automotive landscape.

Model Series Evolution

The model series began as the Austin, Morris and Wolseley 18-22 Series before being unified and rebadged as the Princess in 1975. Key changes over time included updates to badging and the addition of higher-spec HLS and Special Six models. The Princess continued until 1981, when it evolved into the Austin Ambassador, which adopted a hatchback layout and further design refinements. Notably, the Princess did not directly replace a predecessor—rather, it redefined the segment after the end of Austin/Morris 1800 production, representing a step forward in British Leyland’s product lineup.

Highlights and Notable Features

Distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette, Hydragas suspension system for enhanced ride comfort, spacious interior and boot, and unique Harris Mann design language stand out. Early models were available under Austin, Morris and Wolseley badges, making badge spotting a hobby among enthusiasts. The Princess attracted attention for its advanced engineering approach within the British Leyland range during the 1970s.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Princess HLS (High Line Specification) and the 2200 HLS models are especially sought-after due to their upmarket trim and the smoother six-cylinder engine. The Wolseley-badged early versions, featuring higher equipment levels and more distinctive styling, are also appreciated by collectors for their rarity.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Potential owners should watch for corrosion issues in the sills, door bottoms, and rear arches. Hydragas suspension spheres can lose pressure or leak fluid, requiring attention for optimal ride quality. Electrical gremlins and water ingress are also reported on older examples, so inspection of wiring and body seals is recommended. Parts for the Princess are generally available, though trim pieces and specific badges may require specialist sourcing.

Engine, Drive and Handling

All Princess models prioritised comfort with their Hydragas suspension and light steering. The 1.8 engines provide adequate cruising power, while the 2.2-litre six delivers smoother performance, best suited for motorway driving. Gear changes on manuals are straightforward, though automatics are practical for relaxed touring. The Princess offers a soft ride and reasonable handling for its era, outperforming several period rivals in terms of driver comfort and interior space. - Princess 2200 HLS: 2.2-litre E-Series six-cylinder engine, upmarket equipment.

• Princess 1800 HL: Reliable B-Series power unit, widely available, great for projects.

Design, Interior, Comfort and Accessories

Harris Mann’s daring wedge design ensures the Princess stands out, with sharp lines and a distinctive grille. Inside, generous space and a broad dashboard characterise the cabin. HLS versions featured upgraded materials, plush seating and wood-effect finishes. Uniquely for the segment, the Princess incorporated Hydragas suspension, which maximises comfort. Special colours included period browns, blues and greens – often paired with matching interiors. Available accessories ranged from factory-fitted radios to rare vinyl roof coverings and twin headlamp configurations on upper trims.

Other Noteworthy Features

Some Princess models were equipped with power steering, especially welcome on six-cylinder versions. Early versions with bilingual badging (Austin, Morris, Wolseley) add collecting intrigue, as does the rare use of factory alloy wheels on some HLS examples. A rich club scene and online support make ownership practical for hands-on enthusiasts.

Summary

The British Leyland Princess represents 1970s British engineering at its most ambitious, offering a roomy saloon with innovative suspension, advanced styling and a dedicated following. For those seeking a distinctive classic that stands apart from more mainstream classics and offers comfort and character, the Princess remains an appealing and rewarding choice.