Hello from Rossendale

[Steven allcock]

Afternoon club members,
Just coming up to a year into the ownership of a Princess 1800HL reg KMG538P. Bought from a chap called Matt Holden who had owned the car since 2006. Apparently it is 'well known in club circles' according to the previous owner so some of you may know more about the car than I do.
For those who don't its a 1975 manual, no power steering with 48000 miles from new, in Damask Red. This mileage seems to be supported by previous MOTs going back all the way to 1979! Its never been restored but is in good original condition with no rot.
In the last year the head gasket has been replaced with new valve seats added to the head, the front displacers have been reconditioned with a fresh charge of nitrogen and lovely new Schrader valves and a few minor bits for the MOT. It has also been Zeibarted from new complete with black engine bay and multiple yellow plugs where box sections have been treated. In addition it has an interior which I don't remember from my younger days which is a herring bone design in what I think is a vinyl material.
Not sure what the etiquette is for introductions on forums so rather than go on I'll leave it there.

[Gasman]

Welcome to the forum and to the club Steven.

The vinyl upholstery in KMG was called Amblair.

As the club's self-appointed archivist I believe KMG538P has a chassis number 18,595 which is interesting as production of the Princess did not start until number 19,239. The car wasn't registered until 23rd December 1975 so had been hanging around the dealership for a few months since the introduction of the Princess in September 1975. The car must be one of the so-called crossover models whereby the dealers re-badged cars built as an Austin or a Morris as the then-new Princess.

[rovamota]

Hi Steven and welcome.

The previous owner was the events organiser for the PAOC a few years ago but I think he had to give it all up for personal reasons. That is a nice car, though and it does indeed appear to be one of those fabled 'rebadged' wedges that were hanging around the dealers lots.

I have a photo of that car taken at a show a few years ago. I'll post it up later.

[Gasman]

I found this in my archives. It's got HLS wheel trims at this time as well as, dare I mention it, a PAOC membership badge but don't know the vintage

KMG538P_1_800.jpg (200.14 KiB) Viewed 5117 times

From Steven this is a current photo
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KMG538P_2.jpg (99.11 KiB) Viewed 5117 times

[Vulgalour]

Welcome to the club. Hopefully you'll be able and willing to share more info on the car, it's always good to read ownership/build threads on cars, whether it's just to admire a nice one or to find out how to fix problems.

[rovamota]

Here it is at the BL Day in 2011.

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[Princess1800s]

What a lovely car you have there! Identical to the one I owned briefly around 2006/7 - NGT 964P - which hasn't been taxed since 2010 or so, hopefully it's tucked away safe and sound somewhere as that too was in excellent condition for its age.

[Steven allcock]

Thanks for the comments about the car and the photographs.
I have refitted the original chrome hub caps due to personal preference and am once again stunned at the difference the regassed displacers have made to the ride quality.
Look forward to seeing other members cars in the future. Some very impressive restorations catalogued on the forum.

[VR520CYM]

Princess1800s I still own NGT964P, collected this from you in West London. It’s safely garaged and awaiting recommissioning. I’ve acquired a lot of spares for it over the years, including two matching front headreasts.

[rovamota]

Any photos of NGT?

[VR520CYM]

7539873E-7AA6-4258-B84B-76B66642749C.jpeg (169.14 KiB) Viewed 2791 times

Not recent but from before I bought it. I have a photo of it outside Longbridge, will try and find it!

[rovamota]

How would you feel about displaying your lovely 1800HL on our stand at the NEC at the end of March?

[Princess1800s]

7539873E-7AA6-4258-B84B-76B66642749C.jpeg Not recent but from before I bought it. I have a photo of it outside Longbridge, will try and find it!

Oh wow, that’s it on my parents’ drive! I recall you came down to Ealing with at least one child in tow from somewhere west I believe? And the electronic ignition kit I fitted to it gave out just up the north circular due to an ill fitting trigger!

I picked her up from Brixham in Devon, Central Garages (I think) was selling her as they’d looked after it for many years for its previous elderly owner and it had been gifted to them when the owner either passed or at least gave up driving.

I’m overjoyed to hear she’s still alive, please do post some recent pics in a new thread!

(Sorry to the OP for hijacking the thread!)

[VR520CYM]

Sorry for the delay in replying, couldn’t find the thread and log in. That’s right, up from South Wales on the train! The tow boys are nearly 17 and 21 now! Yes it did fail, but made it back to Merthyr Tydfil after some adjustments. Hope to recommission it shortly and will post some pics.