1972 Austin Vanden Plas 1300

Registration no. EOX 333L Chassis no. VAS233253M

Odometer reading: 52,768
MOT: 26/04/2022


*Collectible top-of-the-range Vanden Plas model
*Automatic transmission
*Low mileage


One of the most illustrious of Britain's coachbuilders, chiefly remembered for its sublime Vintage-era Bentleys, the firm of Vanden Plas was acquired by BMC in 1946 and reinvented as a marque in its own right some years later. In the 1960s and '70s the name was applied to top-of-the-range versions of Austin/Morris models, most notably the front-wheel drive 1100/1300. Vanden Plas in Kingsbury, Northwest London re-equipped the car with the kind of luxurious interior long associated with the firm, using plentiful wood veneer interior trim and leather upholstery, and fitted a distinctive grille and their own badging. The engine specified was the same twin-carburettor unit fitted to the MG 1100/1300, the 1.3-litre 65bhp version being good enough for a top speed of 90mph. The optional automatic transmission was impressive for a small car, boasting four speeds rather than the three commonly found in larger models, though examples so equipped came with a slightly less powerful (60bhp) single-carburettor engine. Today the Vanden Plas is by far the most collectible of the 1100/1300 family and is highly sought after.
The car is finished in harvest gold and olive green leather, and of course features the usual luxury features associated with the model, including pinic tables and wood door capings. One of the most impressive features is the voluminous history, clearly showing the car has been in the hands of enthusiastic owners. Offered with a current Mot until April 2022, this is a charming example of a thoroughly useable classic.