Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A quirky British Leyland Austin Morris 1700HL Princess 2 Wedge with 52,828 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Twin circular tungsten headlamps, full length coachline, Triplex 10/20 windscreen, recessed instruments with adjustable lighting, padded armrest on all doors, clock with sweeping second hand, battery condition gauge, front and rear cigar lighter, vanity mirror, air re-circulation, soft leather steering wheel, heated rear window, courtesy lamp, glovebox lamp, boot lamp, radio with loudspeaker in each front door, child safety locks on rear doors. Optional Accessories; Tailored vinyl-coloured roof and quarter panel, bright wheel rim embellishers, mud flaps, tow bar, padded front and rear headrests, rear central armrest.
EXTERIOR
This sleek-styling aerodynamic Princess looks fabulous finished in Champagne Beige, (Code LMK). A wonderful deep gloss shine and uniform colour matches the optional vinyl-covered roof and quarter panel lowering the appearance and emphasising the long rakish lines. All the chrome has a mirror finish and being the HL model it has a striking full length coachline to accentuate the cars dramatic shape. Additional British Leyland badges to the front wings and ‘Princess’ badges to the grille and rear quarters, (all removable), were fitted as a preference of the previous enthusiast. The rare bright wheel arch mouldings are undamaged. The glass is the original Triplex Syndym and the front screen Triplex 10/20. The underside and wheel arch apertures are very clean. A truly outstanding example.
INTERIOR
The deeply padded seating in rich Brown fabric, (Code HMH) is spacious for five and shows no damage. Being the HL model it offers elegant luxury with thick moulded carpeting all spotlessly clean and retaining full colour. The seating is immensely comfortable and the sales literature still with the car claims the driver’s seat adjusts to 240 positions! The black finish facia panel and woodgrain framing the recessed easy to read instruments are all perfect. All gauges and fibre optic illumination for the switches function correctly. Padded headrests have been fitted as per the HLS model and the spacious boot area is very clean. Perfect for retro family motoring!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The ‘O’ series 1700cc four-cylinder O.H.V. engine with single overhead camshaft produces 87bhp and runs beautifully have just had a major service. The front wheel drive configuration with independent Hydragas suspension offers a smooth driving experience easily changing gear through the four-speed all synchromesh gearbox. The clutch action is light and positive with the fitment of a new clutch in September 2018.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Pressed steel wheels with unmarked distinctive plastic wheel trims are correct HL fitment. In addition, removable bright rim finishers as per the HLS model are fitted and shod in branded tyres. Dual line, ‘L’ split hydraulically operated with servo assisted brakes have 10.6in discs to the front and drums to the rear. They stop the car safely.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on the 1st September 1980 this fabulous Austin Morris Princess 2 has only had three former keepers from new. Purchased in September 2007 by Kevin Smith from long term owner Mr William Sommerfield, the previous owner since 1985! Mr Smith searched relentlessly for an original Austin Princess and was delighted to have acquired this example seemingly needing very little work to be a show car. Unfortunately the reality was very different and although completely original, expert restorers quoted an eye watering amount spanning six pages, to make the car a show piece. Mr Smith, exhausted with searching agreed to all works and the end result is stunning. On receiving the car back it was quickly booked into some shows and on its first two outings broke down each time. Mr Smith’s wife vowed never to set foot in the car again and not wishing to embark on weekends away alone, the car remained in the garage unused until acquired by KGF Classic Cars. Now recommissioned and ready for its next adventure this iconic British Leyland Wedge is ready for an appreciative new owner.
HPI clear.
