Morris Princess
The avant-garde 'Wedge' that redefined British Leyland's executive comfort.
- Power
- 110 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.0 s
- Top speed
- 104 mph
- Est. value
- $3k–$12k
About the Morris Princess
The Princess, originally launched as the 18-22 Series, was a bold departure for British Leyland, featuring Harris Mann's distinctive aerodynamic 'wedge' styling. The 2200 HLS sat at the top of the range, replacing the Wolseley brand and offering a smooth transverse-mounted straight-six engine—a rarity for front-wheel-drive cars of the era. It was renowned for its exceptional ride quality thanks to the interconnected Hydragas suspension system, which provided a level of comfort comparable to contemporary Citroëns. Despite its innovative packaging and space, its reputation was hampered by early reliability issues and the lack of a hatchback, a feature finally added to its successor, the Austin Ambassador.
Morris Princess specs
The Morris Princess produces 110 bhp (82 kW) and 168 Nm (124 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.0 seconds and has a top speed of 104 mph (167 km/h).
| Make | Morris |
|---|---|
| Model | Princess |
| Trim | 2200 HLS |
| Years | 1975–1981 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 2.2-litre E-series SOHC I6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,227 cc (2.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 110 bhp (82 kW) at 5,250 rpm |
| Torque | 168 Nm (124 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,750 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.0 s |
| Top speed | 104 mph (167 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,160 kg (2,557 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 95 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Morris Princess worth?
A typical Morris Princess is estimated to be worth $3,000 – $12,000 (about £2,200 – £8,900).
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
Morris Princess rarity in CarSpot
The Morris 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.
Morris Princess fun facts
- The Princess was one of the few production cars to feature a transverse-mounted straight-six engine, a layout later used by Volvo and Suzuki.
- Though it looks like a hatchback, the Princess was actually a four-door saloon with a fixed rear window and a separate boot lid.
- The 2200 HLS featured distinctive trapezoidal headlights, whereas lower-trim models often used twin circular units.