1965 Austin Gipsy

Lot details
Registration No: CYY291C
Chassis No: 16116
Mot Expiry: July 2011

Introduced in 1958 as a replacement for the Champ, the Austin Gipsy was an obvious Land Rover competitor. Despite their stylistic similarities, the two rival designs were engineered rather differently. For instance, the Austin boasted a robust all-steel body and fully independent suspension utilising Flexitor rubber units developed by Alex Moulton (who was also responsible for the Mini's rubber cone suspension). Shared with the Austin A70 Hereford, the Gipsy's 2199cc OHV four-cylinder petrol engine drove all four wheels via an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox coupled to a high / low ratio transfer box - which with practice could be engaged on the move. Developing some 110lbft of torque at just 1,500rpm, the nimble off-roader would climb a 45-degree (1 in 1) slope and had a maximum payload of 0.5 ton. Arriving in mid-1960, the Series II Gipsy featured tougher trailing arms, lever-arm dampers rather than telescopics and softer Flexitor units which afforded more wheel travel. During 1962 a team of London University students climbed Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain at 4,406ft, in one. There was no Series III but at the end of 1962, the leaf-spring equipped Series IV - or G4 - appeared (though, Flexitor units were still available on the 90-inch short wheelbase version until 1965). Gipsy production ceased in 1969.

Reputedly one of the last Flexitor Gipsys, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "near new" condition with regard to its engine, transmission, electrical equipment and bodywork. Rating the paintwork as "excellent" and pointing out the presence of a fresh heavy duty battery, he adds: "This Austin Gipsy was stored with the Civil Defence and was regularly maintained for more than 30 years before disposal. It is a remarkable 'timewarp' vehicle with genuine low miles [2136] from new. It has only been used for occasional shows but is ready to take anybody around the world and back, and is twice as strong as a Land Rover". The Austin comes complete with a canvas tilt top in excellent order and Swansea V5C Registration Document. A rare opportunity to buy what sounds like a nigh-on 'as new' example of one of the few remaining Flexitor Gipsys.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has a current MOT certificate expiring July 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot has a flat battery.