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Austin Princess 2 HL, 1981
Price: 8,500 NZD
Engine Size: 1994
Transmission: Manual
Colour: Exterior Green. Interior Brown.
Odometer: 55,951 Kilometers
Registration expires: Aug 2012
WOF expires: Apr 2012
Location: Rangiora, Waimakariri, South Island New Zealand
Comments
This Nelson assembled wedge car has to be one of the BEST KEPT SECRETS in New Zealand. It was not owned - it was treasured.
The Princess is a family car that was produced in the United Kingdom by British Leyland from 1975 until 1981. The car inherited a front wheel drive / transverse engine configuration from its predecessor, the BMC ADO17 range. This was still unusual in Europe for full-sized family cars and gave the Princess a cabin space advantage when compared with similarly sized cars from competing manufacturers.
The car was originally marketed as the Austin / Wolseley / Morris 18–22 series. In 1975 the range was renamed "Princess". This was a new marque created by British Leyland although it had previously been used as a model name on the Austin Princess limousine from 1947 to 1956. The Princess is often referred to as the Austin Princess, but this name was not used in the UK market.
It was, however, used in New Zealand. NZ assembly stopped in 1982 after 1908 of the 2Ltr model (mixed auto and manual) had been assembled. The car later appeared in revamped form as the Austin Ambassador, which was produced from 1982 until 1984 and only ever sold in Britain.
In July 1978, the Princess was given a revamp and renamed the Princess 2. The main change was the replacement of the old 1800 cc B Series engine with the new O Series engine. This car has a single SU carburettor; Brakes are four pot discs at front and drum at rear. ‘HL’ denotes ‘highline’ with vinyl roof and higher specifications.
This ORIGINAL and now RARE car literally drives just like it did when it was brand new. It will be close to impossible to find a better example.
In the last month, suspension fluid was replaced, the cooling system was fully serviced and all hoses replaced and the lower coolant pipe under the radiator and the thermo fan switch are new. Rear suspension rubber check straps are new. An oil and filter change brought all up to date (even used a genuine dealer "Frontline" service label).
Body is perfect save one tiny supermarket trolley dent, as can be seen on third photo. Paint is VERY GOOD. Engine bay looks like the car has never worked. Interior is LIKE NEW.
A spares collection is available BUT ONLY to be sold together with the car. Thereby making it easy for any future caretaker to keep it in top notch condition. A new suspension pump is available amongst these parts, which is the most costly item at NZ$1418 landed here from Scotland.
Most parts are new, which include exhaust, starter(rebuilt), alternator , suspension knuckles & balljoints, brake hoses, brakes shoes & pads, tie rod ends, radiator hoses(new), some new wiring harness, ignition switch(new), just to begin. A full list will be made available to the Buyer but there is about 5 boxes of stuff.
PRICE FIRM. If you’re looking for a piece of British Leyland ’70s kitsch, now is the time to buy, as there are few good ones left. They are distinctive cars with looks you cannot escape, whether you like it or not. I’m unsure as to what kind of statement you would be making owning and driving an Austin Princess, but you would be making a big statement of some sort.
SHIPPING / TRANSPORT CAN BE ORGANISED ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.
At Waimak Classic Cars, we have been privately collecting classic cars and memorabilia for the last 8 years.
Our contacts extend throughout New Zealand, Australia, the UK and in various parts of the world. If you have anything to sell or if you are looking for that something special, we're always happy to talk cars!
Contact Jesmond on +64 (0) 3 3106485 / +64 (0) 274990020 or info@waimakclassiccars.co.nz.
Serious enquiries only please and NO TEXTS.
NOTE: We do not do Trades, Swaps or Finance.
Viewing STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT only.
