RARE - One of only 16 made. Only one in USA!

1949 Invicta Black Prince Description

For sale is a 1949 Invicta Black Prince

inPartially Restored Condition

Only 16 ever made. This is the first one brought to the USA, there were 2 here, but the other was destroyed in a garage fire. There are believed to be 12 surviving cars. Most of the surviving are convertibles and/or two door, so there are only a few other 4 door hardtops.

It was billed as 'the world's most advanced car' due to the dual-overhead cam straight six, twin ignition system and fully automatic transmission (a first for a car maker in the UK). The £3579 price tag doomed its survival in post-war UK. One of the first was bought by the Maharaja of Mysore and is included in the book The Maharajas & Their Magnificent Motor Cars. 4 of the restored Black Princes are in museums.

This particular one was bought from the original owner in Carmel back in 1990 with its motor disassembled by a mechanic and car enthusiast. He corresponded with some experts in England about rebuilding the motor. His last letter said he got the motor running and was going to start on the cosmetic work. He died soon after and has been in his workshop for the last 22 years until his widow just passed as well. It is believed to have 9109 original miles. It now has a Jaguar gearbox. Most of these do not have the original because they were so prone to failure.

The Black Prince has many innovative features which were unseen at the time. There are many articles online about it, this is a good one:

https://www.bsmotoring.com/news/1948-invicta-black-prince-prince-of-darkness/404

I bought the car with the intention of restoring it, using it for a few years, then selling it for another project. With two young kids and my lack of car knowledge, this is way beyond my capabilities and pocketbook.

It includes a fascinatingassortment of history files including original purchase receipts, registrations, import files, owner history, maintenance reports, numerous letters regarding the motor rebuilt in the 1990's, and a scrapbook of photos.

It comes with many of the parts needed for restoration including the radio, horn, grill, rear bumper, wipers, and lights. The most notable missing parts are the front bumper, there is only one of the fog lamps, and it appears to be missing some trim features. The main body is aluminum and the wheel panels are steel. There is a bit of rust on the wheel panels but not much. Much of the chrome is in decent shape. There are various patches and Bondo areas over the body. I was going to replace the tires, but a restoration expert said that many people will likely want the old Dunlop 500's currently on it. I have inner tubes ready to make it a roller after sale. There are the other problems that come with 20+ years of storage such as battery corrosion and soured gas, but overall the engine probably doesn't need much additional attention. The interior feels like stiff vinyl, but the original advertisements says it is leather. It has a cover for the center console by the shifter, but it appears as though it is a replacement made from a Shell Oil sign and covered with the original carpet. Unfortunately, I think the mascot (hood ornament) is a replica as there are additional copies and the mold included.

I have the pink slip in my name. It is currently registered as non-op.

Please let me know if you have any more questions. I may be open to trades for a fully restored car of the same asking value. I may be able to help arrange shipping out of state or abroad, but buyer assumes responsibility after sale. I am open to offers, the only thing I have for comparison is one Black Prince in similar or worse condition that sold for around 20,000 GBP about 10 years ago (about $30,000 USD at the time) and there is currently one selling for $95,000 USD in New Zealand. Please note: the 1951 Shooting Brake "Black Prince" that sold a few years ago, was not a real Black Prince. It was essentially a leftover chassis that spare parts were put on.