1966 Austin Princess Landaulette by Vanden Plas

This special Austin Princess Landaulette was specially ordered by the Crown Agents in preparation for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II in Jamaica in 1966. Manufactured in 1965 by Vanden Plas Works in Kingsbury, London, it is 1 of just 10 custom-built cars for the Queen — the Royal Mews retained 9 of the cars, and this Princess is the 10th and last custom-built vehicle. Period video shows the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh waving to the crowd from the back of this Landaulette both in the stadium and on the streets.

After the Queen's royal visit, this example stayed on the island and Sir Clifford Campbell, the first Jamaican Governor-General of Jamaica, used this Austin as the official State vehicle for subsequent royal visits. Well documented by a copy of the British Motor Industries Heritage Trust Certificate, a letter from Buckingham Palace, a copy of the build sheet, and a copy of the bill of lading from Jamaica to the United States. Beautifully restored by vintage British motorcar experts, it now wears a lavish two-tone black and silver color scheme.

During the restoration, it retained its original Austin six-cylinder engine, which was mechanically gone through like the rest of the vehicle. Other features include air conditioning with front and rear controls, power steering, newer brakes, new wiring, an electric fuel pump, and a new 12-volt system. A vehicle quite literally fit for a Queen.