🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Austin / Morris (BMC) Model: Princess Vanden Plas 4 Litre Limousine Alternative Model Designations: Vanden Plas Princess 4 Litre Limousine Generation Production Years Covered: 1957-1968 Codes Engine Code Prefix: BMC 'E' Series 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Luxury Saloon / Limousine, representing the pinnacle of BMC's automotive offerings during its production run Competitive Analysis Primary Competitors: Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Bentley S-Type, Jaguar Mark IX/420G, Rover P5 Key Features Vehicle Selling Points: Spacious interior, luxurious appointments, powerful engine, smooth ride, refined handling for its era Manual Value Proposition Target User: Home mechanics, professional technicians, classic car restorers, and owners seeking to maintain their Vanden Plas Manual Advantage: Official BMC factory documentation, offering accuracy and completeness beyond aftermarket manuals 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive workshop service and repair for Vanden Plas Princess 4 Litre Limousine Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, troubleshooting, restoration, technical data, component overhaul Page Count Estimated Page Count: Undetermined (Manual provides comprehensive sections, not a fixed page count) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed overhaul and adjustment procedures for the BMC 4-litre 'E' Series engine Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, maintenance Fuel System: Carburettor (likely SU type), fuel pump, fuel lines, tank, filter maintenance and tuning Ignition Equipment: Distributor, coil, spark plugs, ignition timing, maintenance and troubleshooting Clutch: Operation, adjustment, service, and potential repair of the clutch mechanism Gearbox: Manual transmission overhaul, fluid specifications, and maintenance Automatic Transmission: Detailed coverage for the factory-fitted automatic transmission option Propeller Shaft: Universal joints, driveshaft balancing and maintenance Rear Axle And Rear Suspension: Differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings, leaf springs, shock absorbers Front Suspension: Wishbones, kingpins, ball joints, spring units, and related components Steering Gear: Steering box, linkages, column, and adjustment procedures Power Assisted Steering: Specific details for the hydraulic power steering system Hydraulic Dampers: Shock absorber service and maintenance (likely lever arm type) Braking System: Hydraulic system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes/pads, drums/discs, hydraulic fluid specifications Electrical Equipment: Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, starter motor, generator/alternator, battery, fuses Wheels And Tyres: Specifications, pressures, fitment, and maintenance Lubrication: Lubrication points, fluid types, capacities, and recommended change intervals Body: Panel repair, door mechanisms, trim, glass, and general bodywork maintenance Air Conditioning System: Specific coverage for the Normalair air conditioning system Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Regular servicing, tune-ups, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacement Repair Procedures: Step-by-step guides for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation Troubleshooting: Diagnostic guides for identifying and rectifying common problems Adjustment Procedures: Precise instructions for setting ignition timing, carburettor mixture, valve clearances, etc. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for full engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complete chassis work Diagnostics Coverage: Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-to-cause correlation Manual Features Navigation: Fully bookmarked and interactive index for efficient navigation 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Readability Requirement: Adobe Reader (free download) Print Quality Print Quality Assessment: Assumed high quality as a BMC Factory Service Manual, suitable for professional printing Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: BMC 'E' Series Inline-6 (OHV) Displacement: 3.95 liters (241 cubic inches) Bore X Stroke: 83.4 mm x 74.5 mm (3.28 in x 2.93 in) Compression Ratio: Approximately 7.2:1 (early models) to 8.0:1 (later models) Performance Horsepower Approx: 108-112 bhp @ 3,500-4,000 RPM Torque Approx: 170-180 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM Fuel System Carburettion: Typically twin SU carburetors (e.g., HS6 or HD6) Fuel Type: Leaded gasoline (90-95 octane recommended for modern equivalents) Lubrication Oil Capacity Approx: 7 pints (3.9 litres) including filter Ignition Ignition System: Positive earth, coil ignition 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 3-speed manual (optional) Optional Optional Transmission Type: Borg-Warner Model 71C 3-speed automatic transmission Features Automatic Transmission Features: Selectable drive ranges (e.g., D1, D2, L, R, N) Maintenance Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron-II or equivalent (check manual for exact specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Approx: 116 inches (2946 mm) Length Approx: 197 inches (5004 mm) Width Approx: 70 inches (1778 mm) Height Approx: 60 inches (1524 mm) Weights Kerb Weight Approx: 3,700 - 3,900 lbs (1678 - 1769 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Rating Era: Pre-modern safety standards; emphasis on passive safety features of the era Active Features Active Safety: Powerful hydraulic braking system, stable chassis design, positive steering feel Passive Features Passive Safety: Robust body construction, padded dashboard (early models), safety belts (optional/later fitment) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Era: Period-appropriate; likely AM/FM radio, often with a separate speaker Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: Power-assisted steering for reduced steering effort Connectivity Connectivity: N/A (No modern electronic connectivity features) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Recommended every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (check manual for specific...