Austin A135 Princess
The coachbuilt flagship that brought Vanden Plas luxury to the Austin range.
- Power
- 130 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 20.0 s
- Top speed
- 90 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$25k
About the Austin A135 Princess
The Austin A135 Princess was the flagship of the Austin range, featuring bespoke coachwork by Vanden Plas to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. While it shared its chassis and 4.0-litre 'D-series' straight-six engine with the Austin Sheerline, the Princess was distinguished by its more exclusive interior trimmed in fine leather and burr walnut. The Mk III, produced from 1953, refined the design with a more modern radiator grille and improved equipment. Despite its significant weight, the engine's high torque provided the smooth, effortless progress expected of a formal state limousine or high-end executive saloon.
Austin A135 Princess specs
The Austin A135 Princess produces 130 bhp (97 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 20.0 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | A135 Princess |
| Trim | 4.0 |
| Years | 1947–1956 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 3,515 built |
| Engine | 4.0-litre inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,995 cc (4.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 130 bhp (97 kW) at 3,700 rpm |
| Torque | 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 20.0 s |
| Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,950 kg (4,299 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 67 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Austin A135 Princess worth?
A typical Austin A135 Princess is estimated to be worth $8,000 – $25,000 (about £6,000 – £19,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Austin A135 Princess rarity in CarSpot
The Austin A135 Princess is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 50 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Austin A135 Princess fun facts
- The first two long-wheelbase A135 limousines produced were purchased by the Royal Household for Queen Elizabeth II.
- Early models were available with triple SU carburettors to help the heavy car maintain performance, though this dropped fuel economy to just 12 mpg.
- John Lennon famously owned a 1956 Austin Princess, which was featured in the 1972 documentary film 'Imagine'.