Registration No: TPH 317F
Chassis No: VR537129
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 6,555 examples made
• Current ownership since 2016 with a recorded mileage of c.52,000 miles
• Understood to have been subject to mechanical fettling by the previous (retired engineer) owner
• An older restoration presented in a genuine colour scheme for the model

Announced in August 1964, the Princess 4-Litre R featured a Rolls-Royce, all-aluminium, 175bhp engine enabling an unusually high power to weight ratio enabling cruising at 90mph and a top speed in period of 112mph. The engine was the product of over two years of technical collaboration between BMC and Rolls-Royce. Twin SU carburettors were fitted, both the cylinder block and head were aluminium, tappets were hydraulic self-adjusting operating on overhead valves configuration and the counter-balanced crankshaft ran in seven main bearings, reducing vibration. Pricing aimed at challenging the Mk. X Jaguar was a major change of market positioning, aiming at growth in the prestige and executive market segments of Europe and the United States. The 4.0 R was luxurious with polished walnut fascia, padded top and bottom, fully reclinable leather seats and polished picnic tables for the rear passengers. A new automatic transmission was provided by Borg-Warner; its first use in a British car, and Hydrosteer variable-ratio power steering accompanied wider tyres.

One of just 6,555 examples made, this 4 Litre R was manufactured in 1968 and UK-registered in March that year. Famously fitted with the aforementioned 3909cc Rolls-Royce straight-six engine mated to the Borg-Warner automatic transmission, the Princess is finished in the model colour scheme of Peat over Maltese White with Champagne leather interior upholstery. Entering into current ownership in 2016, the Vanden Plas was previously owned by a retired engineer who is understood to have provided the R with mechanical fettling and tuning. With a recorded mileage of just 51,991 miles (at time of consignment), ‘TPH 317F’ is an older restoration and is offered with a current V5C document.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452