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In
the early part of 1975, the British Leyland Motor Corporation
introduced the new 1800-2200 range of cars. At the time, they looked
very different from the Maxi, Marina, and Mark 2 Cortina cars which
were around, and the 1800-2200 Landcrab range which they replaced.
My earliest recollection was having to drive twenty-seven miles
in my Morris Minor to collect a colleague who's two day old 1800 had
broken down and had been taken by trailer to the Austin dealership
in Wolverhampton. During the following twelve months, there were
frequent reports about these new cars which at best were unreliable,
and at worst - dangerous. Poor build quality: Not a good start
for such an advanced motor car. However, things must have
improved, as over the next nine years, 186,000 Princesses, and 43,500
Ambassadors were manufactured and sold
into many countries worldwide. We have no idea how many cars are
still in existence - it seems that there are still a couple in
most towns. Most of the cars owned by club members are still in daily use.
Construction:
All models are
of steel - welded construction, with front and rear sections of the body
designed as energy absorbing zones to reduce the likely-hood of injury to
driver and passengers upon impact. All 1800, 2200, Princess, and Princess2
cars have four doors, and a large rear luggage boot. Ambassadors are
slightly longer than Princesses, they have extra side windows behind the
rear doors, and have folding rear seats with a tailgate, which gives
masses of space to carry goods. (Great for shifting furniture). All
models are just under fifteen feet long, five feet nine inches wide, and
weigh a little under one and a quarter tons. The use of
transversely mounted engines reduces the length of the engine compartment,
leading to a very spacious interior which will seat five adults in
comfort, with ample leg space for front and rear passengers. All
this space and comfort in a medium size car: To add
to the comfort, the drivers and passenger front seats are fully adjustable
to suite the shape of any driver or passenger. Trim levels vary with the
model, from basic nice cars, to very plush. Some top of the range cars
have central locking, electric front windows, sun roofs, alloy wheels, and
good quality (for those days) radio/cassette players.
Suspension:
Another important
feature of the cars is the suspension system, which is generally similar
to that used on earlier 1100, Maxi, and Landcrabs, but with a number of
improvements. All four wheels are independently sprung, and the
front and rear suspension units are inter-connected on each side of
the car. The front upper and lower suspension arms, and the
rear radius arms, pivot on rubber bushes, and therefore, the suspension
systems require no routine maintenance. Springing is achieved by
compression of either nitrogen, or hydrogen gas which is housed in the
upper chamber of the suspension units. Damping is achieved by flow
restricting valves between the upper and lower chambers of the displacer
units. The excellent smooth ride qualities afforded by Princess and
Ambassador suspension systems are a great asset on twenty-first century
poorly maintained roads, and, when combined with comfortable seating,
plenty of leg space, and power assisted steering, makes driving long
distances
less tiring.
Engines:
It always
happens! When a new range of cars are launched, the manufactures decide to
use an engine that has been used in earlier model.
The 1800's use a four cylinder 1,798cc "B" series overhead valve engine
with five crankshaft main bearings, a single SU carburettor, and a
compression ratio of 9/1. This engine had seen earlier use in Landcrabs,
MGBs, and a number of other cars. The 2200's use a 2227cc six cylinder "E" series
engine with seven crankshaft main bearings, chain driven overhead
camshaft, twin SU carburettors, and a compression ratio of 9/1. Again,
earlier used in Landcrabs and others, and is very similar to the Maxi
engine. Most Princess 2 models and all Ambassadors use a four cylinder "0"
series engine, with five main bearing crankshaft, and belt driven overhead
camshaft. Engine capacities are 1700cc or 1994cc, with a compression
ratio of 9/1. All 1.7 and some 2.0 litre cars have a single SU
carburettor. Some Ambassador HLS and VDP cars have twin SU
carburettors, with an automatic starter unit to replace the choke.
In all cases, engines are mounted transversely over either a four speed synchro-mesh gearbox, or
automatic transmission. All three engines perform very well, and with
proper maintenance, will exceed 100,000 miles without the need for major
overhaul. Fuel consumption - about 24 mpg around town, to 30+
mpg on long journeys if driven with care.
Brakes and Wheels:
All cars have more than adequate hydraulic brakes. Front discs, with
four piston callipers, and nine inch rear drum brakes, with servo
assistance. Tyres are 185 70 14 steel braced radials which are
common to many other cars, so no difficulty getting them anywhere. The electricals are powered by a large 12volt battery with alternator, and
are well up to the job.
Harry Parker.
January 2005.
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