5 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

Classics World Group Editor Paul Wager road tests and reviews a recently restored 1971 Vanden Plas Princess on sale with Brightwells auction house.

"The Vanden Plas-badged version of the humble Austin ADO16 1100/1300 may have been faintly ridiculed at the time by some for having ideas above its station but with the benefit of hindsight it was an idea well ahead of its time. Indeed, if it was revealed one day that the marketing chiefs of BMW’s MINI brand had taken inspiration from the smallest VdP model to create the ‘premium small car’ sector then nobody would be too surprised."
"Until recently the ADO16 hasn’t commanded values high enough to make expensive restoration financially worthwhile, but interest in the Vanden Plas models is picking up and to restore one to this very high standard yourself would cost far more than the £14,000-£16,000 estimate Brightwells has placed on this example. If you want a way to stand out in the classic crowd and you do a lot of city travel then you won’t get better."
The full article and photos here:-
https://classicsworl...-plas-princess/

 

[Stevie W]

Thanks for sharing this mab01uk, a very interesting article for those of us with a soft spot for ADO16’s!

It certainly brings back happy memories of owning 3 of these fab cars. I passed my driving test in a Mk1 Austin 1100 then went on to an Austin 1300 gt in blaze red and my 3rd one was a late Mk3 Austin 1300.

All succumbed to the dreaded tin worm in the end, but now I wish I’d kept hold of the 1300 gt! One of my teachers at primary school used to run a vdp 1300 and a mates mum later in life had a very early vdp, waxoyled from new...superb car to ride in too.

Cheers, Steve.

[Cooperman]

There is an immaculate 1975 model for sale at West End Classics in Somersham, Cambs., for £10995.

[hhhh]

I owned several 1100s and always found them quite under-powered. I blew the gearbox within months on my first one 38 years ago trying to make it go faster, but the Americas (rebadged version of the 1300 here in Canada) were much better. Especially once a 12G940 big valve ported hi comp head was bolted on with high lift rockers, LCB etc. I was able to bury the 100 mph "thermometer" speedo with that setup which is quite impressive for the added weight and frontal area over a Mini.

[mab01uk]

The Mk1 Forum now has a section dedicated to ADO16's (link below but it may only be visible if you register as a member) :-

http://mk1-forum.net...5c305ead0a9a960

[mab01uk]

I owned several 1100s and always found them quite under-powered. I blew the gearbox within months on my first one 38 years ago trying to make it go faster, but the Americas (rebadged version of the 1300 here in Canada) were much better. Especially once a 12G940 big valve ported hi comp head was bolted on with high lift rockers, LCB etc. I was able to bury the 100 mph "thermometer" speedo with that setup which is quite impressive for the added weight and frontal area over a Mini.

 

Lots of info on the 'Austin America' version of ADO16 here:-

http://members.tripo...rica/index.html