While there are several different versions of car that have gone by the name of the Austin Princess, many regard the large, luxury car that was produced by Austin and Vanden Plas between 1947 and 1968 as the classic version.

The original model was officially named the Austin Princess A120 and at the time of production was the most expensive model made by the Austin company. The huge, heavy body was designed and built by Vanden Plas who were essentially coachbuilders and the car was thus classed as something of a limousine. Indeed, the DM version of the car had a glass partition installed between the front and rear seats and even included picnic tables. The alternative version, the DS, was more of a standard saloon car, while it became popular as a top-executive vehicle.

There were actually three distinct incarnations of the original Princess, which were respectively labelled as the Mk I (A120), the Mk II (A135) and the Mk III. However, while the interiors and coachwork of the three models varied somewhat, the running gear and the engine, a straight-6, 4-litre, remained virtually unmodified. Perhaps the most characteristic features of the Austin Princess were its upright radiator and separate wings, which made it resemble a Rolls-Royce or Bentley to some extent while it remained considerably cheaper than its luxurious counterparts.

In 1956 a new version appeared, the Mk IV, which today is still regarded as one of the most handsome cars of the period. However, being over 6 times the price of the Austin A30, the car attracted very few buyers and remained in production for little over two years when it was replaced by the significantly cheaper Austin Westminster, which eventually became known as the Vanden Plas Princess.

Indeed, in 1957 the car lost its Austin designation and, until production stopped completely in 1968, the Princess was known either simply as the Princess or the Vanden Plas Princess. The various versions nonetheless remain popular among classic car enthusiasts and, the earlier models in particular, are now extremely rare.

During the 1970s, the later Vanden Plas model was revived by the British Leyland company and subsequently distributed through Austin, although it was never officially badged as the Austin Princess in the UK. Unfortunately, the British Leyland version was not particularly well received and was, in fact, regarded by many as being both ugly and rather poorly constructed.