Fancy big tailfins? A 3 litre engine, RWD and a manual gearbox? Two tone paint, leather and wood interior? Picnic tables? Something a bit different,very British and very solid?
How about my 1961 Princess 3litre. Basically an Austin Westminster, the luxury six cylinder Farina saloon with the same engine family as a Healey 3000, coupled to a three speed manual box with Borg Warner overdrive.
This is a family friendly classic, space for five people and five seatbelts to suit. It was restored about ten years ago. A floor change gearbox was fitted, the engine was rebored and converted to unleaded.
Reclining seats from a later model were fitted along with new carpets and headlining and it was resprayed in black over green. The green is a standard late fifties BMC Austin colour. Underneath is solid.The big six cylinder C series engine is smooth and powerful, does about 20MPG, and is cheap to insure .The number plate is transferable and is included in the price , It is a valuable number. Most Westminsters were killed off banger racing due to their solid design and powerful engines This one has survived, but how many do you see on the road?
Disadvantages? Getting old duffers come up to you at shows asking if it is the Rolls engined one (.Its not. the 4litre R is totally different with miserable little tailfins) The steering is not PAS and takes a bit of effort at parking speeds, but is fine when rolling.There are a few blemishes like most old cars. Brakes are fine and the performance is able to keep up with modern traffic with no problems. It is MOT exempt and Tax exempt, though I have always had it MOTd for peace of mind. In all, a sound and unusual classic that is still practical and usable. . £6000. Near Dereham in Norfolk.Phone 01362 858122.
Trying to add pictures on here is not working- please email me on jimpol@talktalk.net and I can then try and send you some pictures.
Thanks,
Jim.
