1980 Austin Vanden Plas | Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan

A 1980 Austin Vanden Plas 1500, the upmarket version of the Allegro. It is known for its tall grille that tilts forward and for a cabin trimmed by hand at Kingsbury, with extra sound insulation. Motor Sport reported that each car took two days to trim. This car is brown with a cream interior, a warm and understated pairing. The panels are clean, the structure is solid and the chrome is bright. Inside are good upholstery, deep carpet and a wood-trimmed dashboard with a polished finish, all in very good condition. The 1500cc engine is smooth and willing, the gearbox shifts cleanly and the car has been well maintained. It seats four. The forward-tilting grille and 1970s-era shape suit period adverts, film and TV, and photography set in Britain of that decade. The brown and cream palette works for fashion and editorial shoots, and the wood and carpet interior gives close-up work plenty to frame. Weddings and personal hires are open to it as a quietly formal car. It is based in Cardiff, in the Vale of Glamorgan.