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Made by Austin & Vanden Plas from 1947 to 1968. These cars were large, elegant, and known for their high-end craftsmanship. Over time, the Princess name also appeared on deluxe versions of other British cars. These included the Austin Westminster, the Morris 1300, and later, the Leyland 1800 and 2200.
Austin Princess A120 was launched in 1947 as Austin’s most expensive and luxurious model. Developed alongside the Austin Sheerline, which had a similar design and shared the same chassis. However, the Princess offered a more refined experience, thanks to its coachbuilt body by Vanden Plas.
The Austin Princess Hire came in two main versions. The “DS” was a saloon, while the “DM” was a limousine. Notably, the limousine included a glass divider, picnic tables, and fold-down seats. Both models featured a formal, stately appearance. As a result, they became popular among executives and were often used for ceremonial events.
At first, the Princess was powered by a 3.5-litre straight-six engine. Later versions featured a 4.0-litre upgrade. Customers could choose between single or triple carburettors, depending on performance preferences. As a result, the car reached speeds of up to 90 mph and went from 0–60 mph in about 20 seconds.
Although powerful, the Princess was not known for great fuel economy. Typically, it delivered between 12 and 15 miles per gallon. However, for such a large luxury vehicle, this was considered acceptable. In 1952, a long-wheelbase version was introduced, offering more rear cabin space. This made it an ideal choice for chauffeur-driven use.
As the model evolved, so did its branding. In 1957, the “Austin” badge was dropped, and the car was sold simply as the “Princess.” Then in 1960, the model became the “Vanden Plas Princess.” These changes allowed the car to be sold in more dealerships and reach new customers. Although Austin princess hire built the main structure, Vanden Plas added the finishing luxury touches.
One of the Princess’s strengths was its customisation options. Buyers could choose from various colors, fabrics, and luxury extras. Options included radios, monograms, and even flagpoles. The driver’s seat was typically trimmed in leather, while the rear seats often used soft wool cloth. This material was preferred because it was gentler on formal clothing.
In 1956, new features became available, including automatic transmission and power steering. These options made the ride even more comfortable and effortless. Additionally, the Princess had coil spring front suspension and rear leaf springs, which provided a balanced and smooth driving experience.
Beyond luxury, the Princess became part of several iconic cultural moments. For example, the Beatles used Princess cars during their rise to fame. The wide doors helped them escape crowds more easily. In 1971, John Lennon bought a used Princess hearse and modified it with airline seats in the back. He famously used it in the “Imagine” film.
Another historic moment came in 1965. A 1964 Princess hearse was used to carry Winston Churchill’s coffin during his state funeral. The same car still exists today and continues to serve in funeral processions. In 1974, Princess Anne survived a kidnapping attempt while riding in a 1969 Vanden Plas Princess. Her chauffeur and bodyguard were shot, but she escaped unharmed.
The final Princess limousines were delivered in 1969. A year earlier, production officially ended. The Daimler DS420, based on the Jaguar Mark X, replaced it. This marked the close of the Princess era.
Although no longer in production, the Austin Princess continues to be a symbol of British elegance and prestige. Its rich history, timeless design, and connection to major events secure its place in automotive history.
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