Old military vehicles: it’s an acquired taste. However, if you are going to dabble in slow, no-frills vehicles with gearing that makes zero sense for modern roads, it’s nice to know you have options that aren’t limited to old Jeeps. And while the Jeep may be the original, or perhaps the most durable, several other wartime manufacturers tried to mimic the Jeep’s success. Heck, I just learned the other day that even Alfa Romeo made a Jeep-like rig in the form of the AR 51 / 52. This is a 1959 Austin Gipsy G1 that, amazingly, runs and drives and appears to be in very respectable shape. Find it here on eBay for just $5,995.
Of course, if you’re a British manufacturer and you want to build a capable 4×4, perhaps your sights are not set on Jeep but the other elephant in the room, Land Rover. It’s hard to say which truck manufacturer was more in the crosshairs for Austin, but what was clear was that the Gipsy was intended to appeal to a civilian market. With four-wheel independent suspension and a box-section style chassis, Austin seemingly wanted to make its Jeep fighter more usable on a daily-driven basis (however, it’s safe to say this would still be a tough vehicle to commute in.)
Of course, like any vehicle intended for military use, things are spartan inside. Creature comforts are non-existent, as it should be for a vehicle that would otherwise be used as a soldier’s transportation around base. However, there was still a degree of luxury here that is unexpected, to say the least. The Austin featured a novel suspension design referred to as “Flexitors,” which were torsional rubber springs that gave it a surprisingly cushy ride. The listing notes that the steering has recently been rebuilt with a new drag link and other components, giving it even more sure-footed handling characteristics.
The 2.2L gas engine made around 62 horsepower and 110 lb.-ft. of torque. This is a surprisingly healthy number for a military vehicle, and combined with the softer suspension, I’m increasingly intrigued by what it’s like to drive one of these. My brother has a classic Willys Jeep and it’s not exactly pleasant to drive, based on the gearing and low output. While this isn’t a wildly different vehicle in concept, the execution seems to suggest the Austin might be more usable as an around-town driver. The seller has made numerous other improvements and it seems like a great value for the asking price.
I notice the speedometer is offset somewhat to the right. No matter, it would provide useless information. When driving one of these, just be sure you’re going forward and pointed in the right direction. This could be an interesting vehicle going to offroad parks (the easy section) , on side streets and even going to Karz and Koffee.
I have one. They are robust and geared like a farm tractor. And don’t be too tall and think you will fit in.
From the stamping, and covers on the upper and lower dash, and under the hood, it is obvious it was designed to be made with both right hand, and left hand drive versions.
Wish there was something to give the scale of how big/small it is.
If I still had my ranch, this would be mine! It costs a lot less than most 4-wheelers, is really cool, and is more capable. I am surprised no one has bought it.
I’m even tempted now, but it seems every ride on here is on the right coast, 2500 miles away.
I have one. Essentially a farm tractor for short people, but it is cool.
Bill wondering if you could expand on that , 4spd ? can it go 45mph ? how is it in any “4 wheel drive ” situations ?
Thanks
It will do 45-50 no problem. Could be a wee bit loud. It is 4 speed, the first gear is a granny gear.4 wheel is good. I’ve never been really off road, just my back acre.
Know somebody that had one. True billy goats 🐐 and capable off road. Interesting and well built vehicles.
The biggest Land Rover ripoff ever built!
One version used a Rolls-Royce 4-cylinder industrial engine. Found one lime that in a barn near Mt Hood in Oregon nearly 40 years ago.
That is probably the Austin Champ, a precursor to the Gipsy. The gas Gipsy uses a common block with the 4 cylinder Austin Healy.