In <199511062143.NAA15517@nic.cerf.net>, Ernest E. Gilbert wrote:
>A friend has recently acquired and wants to sell me a '51 Austin Princes. I
>think he thought it was a Bently when the seller got him. It is right hand
>drive, runs and drives somewhat, but needs paint(bare metal now) and
>upholstry. Price is $1500. I have 2 questions:
>1)Does anyone know anything about these cars and where to get parts, and
>2)Will I have to leave the list if I buy it.
These cars were essentially hand-built by Austin to provide a
limo-type car for much less than a Roller or Bentley. They came in a
number of configurations. Engines were usually an Austin 6, but some
can be found with the Rolls 6 as well. In this country, parts will be
very hard to come by and extremely dear when available. To do the
cosmetic resto correctly will cost a small fortune. When you are done
you will have a second-class limo, RHD, that is slow and handles badly
and for which there is little market. You would be much wiser to put
your money into a Mark VI Bentley, which can be had still for less
than $10,000, and which will be worth something when you are done.
IMO, YMMV A. B. Bonds
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