Vanden Plas Princess R 1964–1968 car dimensions: 4775 mm long, 1740 mm wide and 1499 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,590 kg.
The cabin has a polished walnut fascia with padding top and bottom, leather upholstery on seats with fully reclining backs, deep carpeting and chromed switchgear. Rear passengers get polished picnic tables, individual reading lights and a central armrest. A rear heater is standard along with soft sunvisors. Power-assisted steering and Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission are standard. The overall feel is of high-quality traditional luxury with good space for five.
The cabin uses fine matched hide leather on seats with fully reclining front backs and separate centre armrests. Polished walnut covers the padded fascia, door cappings and fold-down rear picnic tables with cup holders. Deep carpets, West of England cloth headlining and extra sound deadening create a quiet space. Front and rear heaters are fitted, the rear unit under the driver’s seat, plus fresh-air vents, map light and individual rear reading lights. Manual fore-aft and squab adjustments suit long journeys for five.
Petrol engine runs on 98-octane fuel at around 15 mpg overall.
Fuel tank holds 16 imperial gallons.
Engine oil change every 6,000 miles. greasing at 10 points every 3,000 miles.
Servo-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes standard.
Power-assisted steering standard. seat belts optional.
The Rolls-Royce 3.9-litre six needs 98-octane petrol and returns roughly 15 mpg in mixed use. A full 16-gallon tank gives a practical range near 270 miles before the gauge reads empty.
Service follows a clear schedule: sump oil every 6,000 miles with SAE 10W-30, while chassis greasing covers ten points every 3,000 miles. Automatic gearbox and final-drive oils need no regular change.
Safety equipment centres on Lockheed servo disc/drum brakes and Hydrosteer power assistance. The facia carries safety padding all round with soft sunvisors. seat belts and a laminated screen were extras. No formal crash-test ratings appear in period data.
Keeping the car means watching the alloy engine for cooling health and attending the frequent grease points. Parts for the Borg-Warner box and FB60 engine remain obtainable through specialists, and the solid monocoque rewards careful rust prevention.
Length 4775 mm, Width 1740 mm, Height 1499 mm, Wheelbase 2794 mm (Princess R 1964–1968)
Sources: manufacturer data, Cambridge-Oxford Owners Club / Graham Robson "The Cars of BMC" and period technical data sheets, motor-car.net technical compilation.