The first Austin Princess was launched in 1947 as the most expensive flagship model for the Austin range. Based on the Austin Sheerline, the Princess (model code A135) featured a body by the coachbuilder Vanden Plas and was a fairly large saloon (sedan) or limousine. Not a popular model with the general public, most Princesses (and Sheerlines, for that matter) were bought for civic ceremonial duties or by hire companies as limousines for hire.
The Princess model was updated over the years through Mk I, Mk II and Mk III versions, the variations being fairly minor; the bodywork didn't change much and neither did the 4-litre straight-6 engine. The radiator was fairly upright in old-fashioned style and the car had separate front wings (fenders).
1956 saw a new Princess Mk IV. This more modern styled car had more 'integrated' looking front wings in the modern style, but was little changed under the skin. This model lasted until 1959; subsequent limousine-only handbuilt cars were made in limited numbers as the Vanden Plas 4-Litre Princess Limousine until 1968. This formed the basis for the eventual Daimler Limousine.
In that year, new Princess models were launched. Initially badged an Austin, these vehicles were soon changed to bear the Vanden Plas name. The car was smaller than the previous Princesses and was largely identical to the Austin A99 and other models using the same Pinin Farina designed bodyshell. The car featured a Vanden Plas grille (a fairly square grille with a thick surround and vertical slats), round headlamps, and horn grilles on the front. The interior was lavish in typical Vanden Plas style, featuring burr walnut, leather, and quality carpeting. Power was by a 3 litre unit developing 108 hp.
This model was replaced in 1962 by the Vanden Plas Princess Mk II. Styling was similar but the wheelbase was longer. The engine was uprated to 120 hp. Better brakes were fitted, and interior improvements included built-in drop-down tables for the rear seat passengers. This model lasted until 1964.
1964's model was the Vanden Plas Princess 4-litre R. The biggest change was under the bonnet, where a new 4-litre Rolls Royce straight-6 engine (thus the R) was fitted. Externally, the styling was more rounded and the stubby tailfins were lost. This car is the only mass-produced vehicle ever to use a Rolls-Royce engine.
This model only lasted for 4 years, killed by BMC in 1968 after about 7000 examples had been built.
In addition, various smaller BMC cars were given a Vanden Plas treatment and named as Vanden Plas Princesses, including an uprated Austin 1100 and Austin 1300.