The '18-22' series launched in 1975, replaced the 1800/2200 range with Austin, Morris and Wolseley versions. After six months, the names were dropped and the car became plain 'Princess'. Plans were to produce an even more luxurious version, to be branded Vanden Plas, hence this prototype was created to investigate its potential.

Starting as a Morris 2200 it was re‐trimmed with hide, deep pile carpet and wooden fascia and door finishers. It had extra armrests, picnic tables, central locking and electric windows. The exterior gained a Vanden Plas radiator grille, a hand-beaten bonnet, special headlamps, new badges and unique purple paint.

One of the last projects undertaken by the Kingsbury plant, it was closed in 1979 and assembly of Vanden Plas cars was transferred to Abingdon and Coventry.