Guide for Buying Leyland Princess Vehicles

Venture into the Lost Lanes of Classic Car History: The Tale of the Leyland Princess

📸 Courtesy of Joe Miller

Today, casting a glance back at automotive history, we find ourselves reflecting on the inauspicious journey of the BMC Landcrab, its replacement, the Leyland Princess. A classic tale of missed opportunities, missteps, and the thrill of rare finds, the Princess is a compelling study for any enthusiast.

origins weren’t rosy. Originally slated to replace the Farina Series, the Landcrab swelled in size, losing its edge as a handsome Italian-inspired saloon. With features like a bare-bones interior and an austere vibe, it didn't captivate buyers. Boasting a six-cylinder engine, it still failed to reel in customers from Ford or Vauxhall.

Ultimately, the Landcrab fractured Leyland’s mid-range offerings, leading to a lineup marred by confusion. As it became clear that a targeted market was essential, the Princess stepped onto the scene, a contemporary design that caught the eye, both in Britain and Italy's legendary designer, Giugiaro's hands.

Born as the Austin 1800/2200 in 1975, the Princess found its niche in a competitive executive car market. By the year's end, a unified Leyland Princess range emerged, encompassing Base, HL, and luxurious HLS models. In 1978, the Princess 2 was introduced, boasting new O-series engines, symbolizing a new era for this once-struggling model.

The Leyland Princess stormed through the production line, ending its run in 1981. The Austin Ambassador, a revamped Princess in many aspects, kept the legacy alive for a while until the Austin Montego ascended to the throne in 1984. In total, 278,367 Princesses and Ambassadors were produced, with a mere 75 taxed in the present day.

Rusty Rejoicings and Modern Mishaps

As a rare classic, the Leyland Princess poses its own set of challenges. Front air dams and air intakes, particularly on the Ambassador, are vulnerable to stone chips and corrosion. Rust can be found in lower front wing areas, while the Princess roof is a prime location for rot, risking costly repairs or scrapping of the vehicle.

One of the most challenging areas for the Ambassador is the roof, especially above the quarter windows. Door bottoms can loosen, requiring attention, while sill repairs need to be checked for proper reconstruction. Floor corrosion can also be a hidden concern.

Trimming the Princess proves tricky, with rare stainless wheelarch trims and even rarer Ambassador bumpers causing headaches for restorers. When it comes to bumpers, the Princess offers an easier replacement option than the Ambassador.

Under the Hood – an Engine Odyssey

Leaving the bodywork behind, we penetrate the heart of the beast, the engine. The Princess used three engine families: the 1.8-liter B-series, the 2.2-liter E6, and the 1.7 and 2-liter O-series. Spare parts availability is a deciding factor when it comes to these engines, with the B-series and the 2-liter O-series being the most common and widely accessible.

Before venturing under the hood, make sure gas struts hold the bonnet securely. Aging parts can impair performance, requiring attention. The 1800 model features adjustable tappets, while the 2200requires regular servicing. Automatic starting units, present on some Ambassadors, can fail, causing difficulty during starting and running.

Transmission-wise, the Ambassador employs the reliable BW35 automatic three-speed unit, while the Princess series bore a more complex four-speed manual system. The latter has an awkward first gear and can be noisy, but the four-speed box's strength makes up for its quirks.

The Cockpit – Leather and Lace

Inside the cabin, sagging driver's seats and broken mechanisms plague many models, especially those with the vinyl HL trim. The iconic Base and HLS interiors are hardier, but UV-resistant nylon should nevertheless be inspected on HL models to prevent deterioration of the top rear backrest.

Replacing door cards and seats is an impossible task, so securing the best available interior is crucial. The need for new parts aside, dashboard mouldings can be refurbished, with wooden inserts posing a challenge due to chipped varnish. Inspect the sound insulation foam for signs of water ingress and seek a new windscreen rubber if needed.

Electrical issues tend to be minimal on the Princess, with only fuses and corroded connections typically causing problems. Ambassadors, with features like central locking and electric windows, boast a more complex system.

A Final Verdict – The Forgotten Ferrari of the '70s

Cast aside by the classic car community, the Leyland Princess seems to be the proverbial underdog waiting for its day in the sun. An undeniably spacious, comfy five-seater with a generous boot, the Princess delivers a vintage '70s aesthetic while undercutting its competitors in costs.

With its four-cylinder models utilizing engines popular in the classic car world and Hydragas suspension presenting minimal difficulties in modern times, the Princess is a promising buy for an everyday driver. Whether you opt for a Princess or an Ambassador, you'll drive a classic that steals the spotlight every time.

And as the market lies dormant, the time to secure a fantastic Princess is now. The risk of missing the appreciation curve looms large, making it the perfect moment to own a piece of forgotten automotive history.

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