Rolls Royce Van Der Plas???
Hello, new member here from the Northeastern USA. Not really well versed in British cars but I recently found a project car, (its been sitting for years in a local driveway), that seems quite an odd ball. Its clearly showing Rolls Royce badging on the trunklid, the hood ornament, the steering wheel and wheel covers but its a Van-Der Plas model. My research shows these were a joint built car between BMC and Austin using a RR engine but I can find no evidence of a version specifically badged as a Rolls. Anyone have any knowledge of a RRoyce version sold as a RRoyce?
It seems factory produced, the trunk lid, for example has a rectangular RR badge and lacks the Austin handle in the center. Everything Labeling RR seems factory installed and not added on after original purchase. Thank you all for any info regarding this vehicle. |
kerbau53 Geoff Morton Naples, FL (109 posts) Registered: 08/09/2010 10:27PM Main British Car: 78 MGB Ford 5L |
Re: Rolls Royce Van Der Plas???
I believe you are looking at a Vanden Plas Princess 4 litre R. Basically an Austin Princess with a RR 6 cyl OHV engine sourced from a British Army jeep as I recall. My dad bought one in 1966 and drove it for 30+ years. I can't speak to rust issues as the car was garaged it's whole life. It can easily keep up with modern traffic although the auto box is a bit clunky by todays standards. Suspension is lever damper front and rear. Leaf spring rear. Lower wishbones require MGB V8 bushes with the steel sleeve removed. Interior would be a bit pricey to redo properly.
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Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: Rolls Royce Van Der Plas???
Much of the history of the Vanden Plas company and its associations with Austin and with Rolls Royce is contained in this article about a later model in the series: The Vanden Plas Princess 3-litre MkII
These two paragraphs are especially relevant: Quote: Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/29/2010 11:04AM by Moderator. |