Lot 386: 1962 Austin Gipsy LWB Pickup

This 2.2-litre petrol-engined Gipsy was supplied new to the Home Office and released for civilian use in 1997. Although the vehicle was in excellent condition, with only 15,000 miles covered from new, the vendor, who acquired it circa 1998 and was for many years a British Leyland franchised dealer, decided to execute a ‘ground-up’ rebuild. The latter included powder coating the chassis and carefully checking all mechanical elements, the only parts found in need of replacement being perishable items (brake/water hoses, etc). The bodywork was found to be completely corrosion free, merely requiring a re-spray, while the interior remains completely original with the exception of the centre seat base. We are advised that the only deviation from original specification is the fitting of radial tyres. Carefully stored under cover for its entire life, the vehicle has been used only sparingly since restoration, competing in a number of historic vehicle rallies and achieving some high concours placings. Five expired MoTs record the mileage in 1997 as 15,020 while the current total is a guaranteed genuine 17,158. The vehicle is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to November 2007 and Swansea V5 registration document