1967 Vanden Plas Princess 4 ltr R

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £7,000, then £350 is added, making the total amount payable of £7,350. A company buying the car will pay duty + VAT as well as VAT on the hammer price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £250 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

With the proviso that we haven’t tried to start or drive this car and can therefore only attest to its cosmetic condition, we think this Vanden Plas 4-Litre Princess R (VIN: VRS36510) has to be one of the very best out there.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, the car comes with very little history or background information.

We know that the car was first registered new in the UK on 9.6.67.

We know that on the occasion of its 2007 MoT, its mileage was recorded as 32,799.

We know that its last MoT was on the 27.4.15, when the mileage was 35,091.

We know that, today, the odometer reads 35,104 miles.

We understand that it entered the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles in 2015 and we know it’s barely turned a wheel since.

And we believe, from a Vanden Plas Owners’ Club document accompanying the car that it was supplied new in two-tone, ‘Black over Carlton Grey’ paint to Wadham Stringer Ltd of Reigate.

The bodywork is remarkably true, the panels are straight, the shut-lines are consistent and even, and there are no dinks, dents, creases, folds, nicks or scrapes of any note to report.

The black paintwork has plenty of shine and lustre to it and looks very good pretty much everywhere you look, save for a few minor scratches and scuffs on the n/s/f wing.

The wheels look to be in fine condition, as is much of the chrome work. The exceptions are on the rear bumper and above the rear light clusters, where there is a little foxing and pitting in evidence.

All the badging is present and correct. All lights and lenses look good. Even the exterior rubber trim has been granted a stay of execution from cracking or perishing.

There is no rust or bubbling anywhere on the bodywork that we can see.

The interior condition is broadly in keeping with its exterior counterpart.

In other words, it’s very good indeed.

Everything inside is impressively original, authentic and very well preserved.

The ‘Vanden Plas Blue’ leather front seats are comfortable, supportive and free of any holes or rips. There’s not even much creasing to speak of.

The same glowing condition report applies to the rear seats.

The carpets have survived the passage of time with commendable fortitude, as have the door cards.

The headlining, though mostly good, is a little saggy in places.

Most of this grand vehicle’s sumptuous wood veneers have held their condition remarkably well – particularly on the door cappings and the rear picnic tables.

The veneers on the dashboard, however, have developed a few cracks under the lacquer – mainly on the passenger side.

The instruments, gear selector and steering wheel are very much of their era and are in good condition.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start the vehicle.

The boot looks solid and is in fine fettle.

Lifting up the carpets here or elsewhere in the car reveals the odd spot of rust dust but nothing to raise an eyebrow or prompt a tut.

The undersides look as solid, honest and strong as the rest of this time-warp vehicle.

The engine and engine bay look clean, dry and almost showroom-fresh.

Remarkable.

The car doesn’t come with a continuous service history or comprehensive records of maintenance.

But it does have a record of work done in 2014, just before it entered a static display collection.

It also comes with an original manual, a few bills and invoices, some certification of authenticity from The Vanden Plas Owners’ Club, and plenty of old MoT certifcates and tax discs.

Currently, it doesn’t have an MoT certificate.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

Provided the car’s engine and mechanicals prove to be in proper working order and are a match for the rest of this exceptional vehicle, then the next owner is in for a treat.

Frankly, we’re struggling to imagine how and where you might find a better example.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £7,000 - £10,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £250 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.