Austin Princess
The bold, wedge-shaped flagship of British Leyland's 1970s family car range.
- Power
- 110 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.5 s
- Top speed
- 104 mph
- Est. value
- $5k–$11k
About the Austin Princess
The Princess, originally launched as the 18-22 Series, is one of the most distinctive British cars of the 1970s due to Harris Mann's radical 'wedge' styling. Despite its fastback profile, it was built as a saloon with a conventional boot to avoid internal competition with the Austin Maxi. The 2200 HLS was the range-topping trim, featuring the smooth E-series straight-six engine and advanced Hydragas suspension that provided a class-leading ride. While it suffered from the reliability issues typical of British Leyland at the time, it is now a sought-after classic for its unique design and exceptional interior space.
Austin Princess specs
The Austin Princess produces 110 bhp (82 kW) and 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.5 seconds and has a top speed of 104 mph (167 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | Princess |
| Trim | 2200 HLS |
| Years | 1975–1981 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 2.2-litre SOHC straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,227 cc (2.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 110 bhp (82 kW) at 5,250 rpm |
| Torque | 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 13.5 s |
| Top speed | 104 mph (167 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,215 kg (2,679 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 91 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 Princess worth?
A typical Austin Princess is estimated to be worth $4,500 – $11,000 (about £3,400 – £7,800).
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 Princess rarity in CarSpot
The Austin Princess is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 20 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 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 Princess fun facts
- The car was launched under three different brands—Austin, Morris, and Wolseley—before being unified under the 'Princess' marque just six months later.
- Designer Harris Mann originally intended the car to be a hatchback, but management insisted on a fixed rear window to protect sales of the Austin Maxi.
- The 2200 HLS featured a transverse straight-six engine, a rare configuration that allowed for a remarkably spacious cabin despite the car's compact footprint.