Description
The Austin A135 Princess Mk IV was the final evolution of the A135 series, produced in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It represented the pinnacle of Austin’s luxury lineup before the transition to the Vanden Plas brand. The Mk IV maintained the stately elegance and high-quality craftsmanship of its predecessors while incorporating refinements to enhance performance and passenger comfort.
Powering the A135 Princess Mk IV was the well-established 4.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering smooth and reliable performance. It was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, and later models offered an automatic gearbox for improved ease of driving. The car’s suspension system was further refined, providing an exceptionally smooth ride, making it a favored choice for chauffeur-driven use.
Externally, the Mk IV retained the dignified styling of the Princess range, with an imposing front grille, flowing body lines, and elegant chrome accents. The limousine variant featured an extended wheelbase, allowing for a spacious rear cabin equipped with high-quality leather upholstery, polished walnut trim, and thick carpeting. A partition window and fold-out jump seats were available, catering to official and diplomatic transport needs.
The A135 Princess Mk IV was widely used by government officials, royalty, and dignitaries, solidifying its reputation as a luxury vehicle of distinction. It marked the final chapter of Austin’s standalone luxury cars before the Princess series was fully integrated into the Vanden Plas marque, where the tradition of hand-crafted British luxury continued.