Vanden Plas Princess
The only mass-produced car powered by a Rolls-Royce engine.
- Power
- 175 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.7 s
- Top speed
- 106 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$25k
About the Vanden Plas Princess
The Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre R was the result of a short-lived technical collaboration between BMC and Rolls-Royce. It features the all-alloy FB60 engine, a short-stroke version of the Rolls-Royce B-series military unit, providing exceptional smoothness and refinement for its class. The body, based on the Pininfarina-styled Austin A110 Westminster, was modified with a new roofline and shorn tailfins to distinguish it as a flagship luxury saloon. Despite its prestigious powerplant and high-quality Connolly leather interior, sales were hampered by its high price and competition from Jaguar.
Vanden Plas Princess specs
The Vanden Plas Princess produces 175 bhp (130 kW) and 296 Nm (218 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h).
| Make | Vanden Plas |
|---|---|
| Model | Princess |
| Trim | 4-Litre R |
| Years | 1964–1968 |
| Type | Luxury |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 6,555 built |
| Engine | 4.0-litre Rolls-Royce FB60 inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,909 cc (3.9 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 175 bhp (130 kW) at 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 296 Nm (218 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.7 s |
| Top speed | 106 mph (171 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,575 kg (3,472 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 111 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Vanden Plas Princess worth?
A typical Vanden Plas 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
Vanden Plas Princess rarity in CarSpot
The Vanden Plas Princess is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 47 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.
Vanden Plas Princess fun facts
- The 'R' in the name was widely rumoured to stand for 'Royal', though BMC officially maintained it simply denoted the Rolls-Royce engine.
- Queen Elizabeth II owned a bespoke estate version of the 4-Litre R, coachbuilt by Harold Radford.
- The Rolls-Royce FB60 engine was so quiet that contemporary reviewers often compared its idle to the sound of a dynamo.
