19th Jul, 2025 11:00

The July 2025 Car Auction

1974 Vanden Plas Princess 1300
Absolutely stunning and possibly the best in the country

 Estimate
£15,000 - £17,000

 Lot details

Registration: VPE804M
Chassis: VAS239097M
Odometer: 5,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• A never to be repeated opportunity
• Stunning in every way
• Low ownership
• Would grace any collection

It’s a very rare thing to find a car like this for a number of reasons; one is what it is, a very rare Vanden Plas Princess; two is the mileage, which the vendor guarantees as correct; and three is simply the condition, it’s better than it ever could have been when it was new - we are talking near perfect, even the underside is as new. This really is a unicorn, and never to be repeated.

Supplied by Manns Garage Ltd of Chiddingfold, Surrey, 'VPE804M' was first registered on 22nd March 1974 to Dunbar Wharf Ltd of London. Although it remained with the same owner, it was re-registered to another company within the same group on 1st November 1998 following a change in company registered office. Placed into dry storage in 1981, it remained unused until being unearthed and treated to a service in 2017. Currently displaying just under 6,000 miles on the odometer, the accompanying service book stamps appear to verify its low overall mileage, following a speedo change in 1975. The Princess is finished in possibly the best colour for it, Damask red with black leather and the very special Vanden Plas wood interior. It comes with a heritage certificate from the Vanden Plas Owner’s Club which tells us all we need to know when it was new. It even tells us that it is still on its original registration number. This is followed up with its original hand and service book, containing 5 stamps - amazing history! We also have some older V5s detailing the ownership, which tells us that it has only had 3 previous owners, two of which are the same company.

Going back to the condition, where the real treat is, it is just unbelievable and is possibly the best available. Everything is just perfect, and it is even sat on a correct set of Michelin tyres. When you look it, you will understand where we are coming from, every part is as new. Even if you don’t want to buy it, if you are a petrol head you just need to look at it. We are delighted to offer this amazing piece of history, words cannot do it justice, we promise you.