Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
The most gracious Allegro, a Vanden Plas 1500 with only 8,426 miles.
EQUIPMENT
All steel unitary construction, underbody protection, wax injected body sills, sill protectors, twin door mirrors, tinted window glass, flush fitting door handles, anti-burst door locks, trimmed parcel shelf, reclining front seats with armrest, full-width veneered walnut fascia, face-level fresh air vents, twin sun-visors with vanity mirror on passenger, front and rear ashtrays, coat hooks, picnic tables, cigar lighter, lockable glovebox, electric washers, two-speed wipers, flick wipe, twin horns, hazard warning lamps, twin fog lamps, three courtesy lights, boot light. Optional Extras; Automatic gearbox, Radiomobile.
EXTERIOR
‘That look of distinction’ as the original sales brochure boasts is certainly the case with this period Russet Brown phenomenally low mileage example! With the traditional Vanden Plas radiator grille and all mirror bright chrome enhancements, it really does look distinctive! The unique trim is in amazing condition and even the front screen still has the Unipart anti-freeze sticker still attached! The supplying dealer rear screen sticker is present along with original number plates. Structural integrity is assured and all wheel-arch apertures, door shuts and underside areas are in remarkable preserved condition. Due to some storage damage there is a tiny rub to one bumper corner and some panels have been painted. The gold coachline and all badges are present. An almost inconceivable rare survivor against unfavourable odds, very special.
INTERIOR
The Vanden Plas 1500 is totally luxurious. The sumptuous fully reclining front seats are upholstered in knit-backed expanded vinyl with fluted hide panels and the matching deep-pile wall-to-wall carpets are spotless. Extra sound-proofing, armrests for everyone and rear seat picnic tables all add to the sense of a special occasion. Traditional British craftsmanship is evident with the handsome finish of the walnut facia showing a few minor lines and the stitched handbrake gaiter and stainless sill trims. The nylon cloth head lining has loosened slightly in areas but in no way distracts from the opulent surroundings. All gauges function including the electric clock and an ambient mood is created thanks to three working courtesy lights! The boot area is factory perfect with jack, handle and wheel brace all in the black plastic bag.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Powered by the British Leyland ‘E’ Series 1485cc overhead camshaft engine fitted with a single SU HS6 carburettor producing 68bhp at 5500rpm, the mechanics are simple and cost effective to run and maintain. Electronic ignition has been added. All stickers, plates and stampings are clearly visible, even the Hydragas sticker on the sphere is still attached! A very clean and presentable engine bay. The optional 4-speed AP automatic gearbox suits the car perfectly with relaxed, smooth changes. Wonderful.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Full width wheel rim embellishers finished in bright chrome with the distinctive VP signature shine brightly and have some light markings. Firestone 155/80 R13 tyres with ample tread replaced the original Dunlop SP4 items. The spare is still unused and factory fresh. The braking system with discs upfront have a relocated new servo and the Hydrogas suspension system is free from leaks and allows the car to sit level and cushion all occupants admirably.
HISTORY FILE
The Vanden Plas 1500 was bought by a small number of loyal customers wanting the epitome of luxury where cost was a secondary consideration. One such customer was Mr and Mrs Roberts of Bideford, Devon. Supplied by local dealer, Elliott & Sons (Motors) Ltd, also of Bideford, on the 17 November 1977 this car remained in their care until 1997 whereby it had covered just 1,738 miles! A letter at the time of the sale from the original supplying dealer and Director Barbara Blight confirms that, ‘the speedometer reading on this car is the true and authentic reading endorsed by the management and employees who have worked at Elliotts for the duration.’ Owned and cherished by a handful of enthusiasts since, the car has covered just 8,426 miles. A detailed log of each owner is provided including dates and prices paid for the car and a neat folder of MOT certificates, invoices, tax discs is included. Sales brochures, handbooks and period literature is also present along with two sets of keys. The current owner Mr Shepard has doubled the cars mileage since purchasing the car in 2018 attending club events and classic car shows and has thoroughly enjoyed every mile! The acquisition of an Austin A40 Farina is now the reason for the sale and he hopes a new owner will continue to enjoy the car and not hide it away! An unrepeatable opportunity to buy surely one of the best unrestored examples of British Leyland motoring history…….
HPI clear.
