LOT 105

1973 Austin 1300 Princess Vanden Plas Chassis no. AA4DA27195B Engine no. 12H/298F/64745

Estimate: US$12,000 - US$18,000

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Lot 105

1973 Austin 1300 Princess Vanden Plas

Quail Motorcar Auction|14 August 2020, 11:00 PDT|Los Angeles

1973 Austin 1300 Princess Vanden Plas
Chassis no. AA4DA27195B
Engine no. 12H/298F/64745

1275c OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Transverse-Mounted Engine
Single SU Carburetor
56bhp at 5,250rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Hydrolastic Gas Springs
Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes

*Single family ownership from new
*Left-hand drive example originally delivered to Paris, France
*Always garage kept and maintained
*Rolls-Royce comfort in Mini proportions

Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Launched in Morris form in 1962 (the Austin equivalent did not appear until the following year) the Pininfarina-styled 1100 was the second BMC model to embody Alec Issigonis' masterpiece of automotive packaging first seen on the Mini. The 1100's transverse engine/front-wheel-drive layout enabled it to offer interior space approaching that of an A60 Cambridge in a bodyshell little larger than an A40's, while the comparatively long wheelbase and inter-connected Hydrolastic suspension made for a ride quality unapproachable by a conventionally suspended car. Not only that, but the 1100 boasted front disc brakes as standard at a time when almost all its rivals made do with drums. A 1300 version arrived in 1967, at which time the range was face-lifted, enjoying the status of Britain's best-selling car for many years.

This motorcar is the top-of-the-line 1300 Princess Vanden Plas. Belying its compact stature, this elegant machine is fully kitted out as if it were an easy to park Rolls-Royce. Better yet, it has been in single family ownership from new. Originally purchased by the seller's father from the Austin dealer in Paris, France, it was an export model outfitted in left hand drive and with legally mandated French yellow headlights. According to a copy of the original Certificat de Garantie that is still with the car, it was delivered new on October 7, 1972 to an address right next to Les Halles. Garaged in Paris—next to a Rolls-Royce Corniche that was also in the family's collection—it was lovingly maintained and enjoy in France until coming to the United States in 2008. Domiciled on the West Coast, it has continued to be garaged and maintained.

Finished in its original color scheme of two-tone tan over tan leather, the exterior is rife with chrome finishes while inside a burl walnut dash and trim look like they were plucked from a Silver Shadow. Rarely seen on either side of the Atlantic, this easy-to-park luxury car is ready to motor to its second owner in nearly 50 years.

Saleroom notices

This Austin is fitted with dual SU carburetors.

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