📚 Vehicle Manual Information

PRINCESS Vanden Plas 1100 & 1300 Mark 1 & 2 Workshop Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMC (British Motor Corporation) / Austin / Morris / Princess

Model:

Princess Vanden Plas 1100 & 1300 Mark 1 & 2

Model Codes Common:

ADO16 platform variants

Applicable Years:

1962-1971

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners of Princess Vanden Plas 1100/1300 Mark 1 & 2 seeking to maintain, repair, or restore their vehicles

Value Proposition:

The most comprehensive factory-authorized resource, offering a significant advantage over generic aftermarket guides

Navigability:

Fully bookmarked for ease of navigation and quick access to specific sections

Instruction Style:

Easy, step-by-step instructions suitable for all skill levels

📋 Manual Details

Manual Scope:

Comprehensive factory service and workshop repair

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 200-300 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, requires Adobe Reader)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine overhaul, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, clutch, transmission

Chassis:

Drive shafts, steering gear, suspension, braking system, wheels & tyres

Electrical:

Electrical system (wiring diagrams, components, troubleshooting)

Body And Interior:

Body, Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning Servicing:

Details on the A/C system, likely focusing on component identification, refrigerant types (for the era), and basic maintenance or troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, lubrication, fluid checks and changes

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and major overhaul

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures and fault finding for various systems

Bodywork Repair:

Guidance on panel alignment, door/bonnet/boot adjustments, and potentially minor body repair techniques relevant to the era.

Depth:

Suitable for home mechanics and professional technicians; covers maintenance to full rebuilds

Engine Rebuild Scope:

Includes specifications for piston ring gap, bearing clearance, cylinder head removal/refitting, valve seat grinding, crankshaft grinding, camshaft wear assessment.

Transmission Repair:

Details on gearbox synchromesh inspection, gear replacement, clutch assembly removal and installation, and driveshaft U-joint servicing.

Suspension Servicing:

Instructions for checking and replacing suspension arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, and servicing the Hydrolastic displacers (if applicable).

Electrical Diagnostics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting charts for common electrical faults (lighting, ignition, starting, charging), and component testing procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (requires Adobe Reader)

Clarity:

Assumed to be good to excellent for factory documentation, enabling clear comprehension of text and diagrams

Original Binding:

Likely a durable hardcover or spiral-bound for workshop use (digital conversion may vary)

Original Paper Quality:

Heavy-duty paper stock suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

BMC E-Series Inline 4-cylinder OHV (Overhead Valve)

1100Cc Variant:

1098 cc (67.1 cu in)

1300Cc Variant:

1275 cc (77.8 cu in)

1100 Horsepower Approx:

Approximately 55-60 bhp

1300 Horsepower Approx:

Approximately 65-70 bhp

Carburetion:

Single or twin SU carburetors (e.g., HS2, HS4)

Type:

Water-cooled, pressurized system

Type:

Lucas ignition system (coil, distributor, points, condenser)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

4-speed manual transaxle (integrated engine and gearbox)

Automatic Transmission:

Optional: 4-speed Automatic (likely BMC/Dunlop Hydrolastic or similar for some models/markets)

Drive Layout:

Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Gearbox Oil:

Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, likely SAE 80W-90 or similar

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 83.5 inches (2121 mm)

Overall Length:

Approximately 153 inches (3886 mm)

Overall Width:

Approximately 61.5 inches (1562 mm)

Overall Height:

Approximately 53 inches (1346 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2000-2150 lbs (907-975 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited formal crash test data available from this era by modern standards; focus on structural integrity and passive safety features of the time.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (typically Dunlop or Girling).

Seatbelts:

Provision for seatbelts (front seatbelts often standard, rear optional or dealer-fit at the time).

Body Construction:

Monocoque construction with integrated safety cage elements (typical of ADO16 design).

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional period-appropriate radio systems, typically AM or AM/FM.

ABS:

Not applicable for this model year.

Usb Bluetooth:

Not applicable for this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-6,000 miles (or 6 months), refer to manual for precise intervals.

Tune Up Interval:

Periodic checks of ignition timing, carburetor settings, and valve clearances recommended annually or every 12,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 20W-50, 20W-40) and API service classification (e.g., SE/SF).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (ensure compatibility with seals).

Rust Corrosion:

Common issue in older vehicles, particularly wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.

Hydrolastic Suspension:

Can require topping up or fluid replacement/recharging; potential for seal leaks.

Ignition Components:

Points, condenser, and distributor wear can affect performance; requires regular adjustment/replacement.

Carburetor Tuning:

SU carburetors require periodic adjustment and rebuilding due to wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

British Motor Corporation (BMC), later part of British Leyland.

Platform:

Part of the ADO16 family, which also included Austin/Morris 1100/1300, MG 1100/1300, Riley Kestrel, and Wolseley variants.

Vanden Plas Positioning:

The Vanden Plas models were the luxury variants, featuring enhanced trim, appointments, and often superior materials.

Production Period:

The ADO16 platform spanned from 1962 to 1971 for the 1100/1300 models, with Vanden Plas variants introduced shortly after the initial launch.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Acclaim:

The ADO16 platform was critically acclaimed upon its introduction for its innovative front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout, and Hydrolastic suspension (on some variants), setting a benchmark for compact car design.