At just under 12-feet in length, this 1960 Austin Gipsy 4×4 would get lost in a sea of gigantic SUVs on the road today. I think that this is about the perfect size for an off-road vehicle, or even for an on-road vehicle – giant SUVs with texting drivers notwithstanding. This tough little thing can be found here on craigslist in Fallon, Nevada with an asking price of $4,000. Thanks to Pat L. for sending in this tip!
I always wonder if anyone has done a study on whether it makes a difference in a vehicle’s selling price or the length of time that it takes to sell a vehicle when it’s shown with flat tires. If a portable air tank could be used to pump up the tires, would it sell quicker because of a perceived notion of having been taken care of a little better? Probably not, it’s just one of those things that keeps me up at night. Back to this Gipsy.
The seller says that this “vehicle had been sitting for probably 10 – 15 years maybe more before I bought it.” This is about the only pickup that I would ever need. I can’t imagine a scenario where I would need to haul a bigger pickup load than that. But, I’m not a farmer and I don’t haul an ATV or snowmobile, just a couple of minibikes and this would work for that. The good news is that this baby runs, but “The hydraulic brake and clutch reservoirs were dry, so I have not driven it, yet.” Is that a factory top? It looks homemade to me but I could be wrong.
Nobody is hauling anything with this rig until the steering wheel is changed. It looks cool as it is, sort of Jetsons-like, but that isn’t going to work. The interior doesn’t have many soft materials and what is the vacuum cleaner-looking attachment to the left of the broken steering wheel? A defroster? The company made just over 21,000 Gipsys and there aren’t many nice original or restored ones left today.
The engine should be a 2.2L inline-four with around 62 hp and 110 ft-lb of torque. That’s good for a 0-60 time of about 33 seconds, but who’s in a hurry anyway? They say that “When I checked the oil dip stick, I found the oil to be very clean (new type color) and at the top mark of the level. I started and ran it (idling) for about 15 minutes. The oil pressure holds at about 58 psi. The thermostat opened at about 180, and then went down and held at about 160 to 170 degree’s for the running time. I observed no leaks from the radiator.” So, that’s a good sign, no? Have any of you owned an Austin Gipsy?
Loving it! I can see Bugeye hop up parts in the engine bay, flush and bleed the brakes, source some correct knobby tires and toss this thing all around my farm property. Presume the engine would benefit from a pair of SU carbs, if not I would throw a 1275 in from a later MG. I think I might have an appropriate steering wheel for this being used as a doorstop at my shop. Good luck to the new owner.
Little Cars, looks to me as if the engine is a lower-displacement derivative of the unit installed in Austin A90s and early Austin-Healeys. A 1275 engine would be a big step down.
I don’t think many of these were built. Would be nice to see someone restore it.
There was a version powered by a Four banger Rolls-Royce industrial engine too. Was driving my old Bentley across Oregon once and when I stopped for gas an old farmer walked over and announced he had a “Rolls-Royce Jeep” referring to his Rolls powered Gypsy, but of course I looked up fast because I thought he said he had a “Rolls-Royce, cheap!”
The Rolls engine was used in the Champ.The Gypsy used the A70 lump,which powered the Hereford.
Your RR powered jeep was a Champ, not a Gypsy.
If you look carefully, there are indeed two “demisters” for the windscreen with a hose that attaches to the heater core below the dash. I’m sure the hoses, what’s left of them, have long ago perished. Pretty ingenious way to get the screen clean but a chemically-treated cloth would do just as well on these flat panes. Little Cars, sounds like you have the itch for this one — why don’t you go for it. You’d be the only one at Cars and Coffee with this thing.
Elastomeric suspension! I’ve worked on one of these.. it was an army truck. Definitely a cool alternative to a Land Rover
@LittleCars.
The 4-cylinder motor in this car has little commonality with the A-series. it pre-dates the A-series and B-series engine. It is a much older design dating from early post-war years…though similar family to what was originally used in the 4-cylinder Healy 100. Pretty ancient engineering, though probably perfectly adequate in this vehicle. Low-revving and torquey. These vehicles weren’t built for speed but were pretty competent off-road. If you’ve ever driven an early series LandRover these would be comparable.
It would make a simple restoration project and a fun car to own and drive as long as you are not expecting much open road speed. Not much to this mechanically – though parts supply might be a little more tricky than the ubiquitous A-series and B-series. (though I guess there is a healthy enthusiast scene for the Healey 100 so some engine parts are probably available)
I’ve reached out to the seller. Fingers crossed I can cut a deal. A little concerned about the untested gearbox and transfer case… and suspension if it is the same used on the Mini (???). I have a good support group of Brit car people, with access to NOS and good used stuff from A-30 all the way up to the Marina. Shame we’re tripping over A and B series engines between our multiple farms, barns and shops.
Flexitor: http://www.austinmemories.com/styled-69/index.html
Don’t think that the suspension uses any Mini parts.
The early 100-4 AH’s had a 4 speed transmission with low ( A grandma gear which was locked out) I “converted” several to four speed, by removing the internal lock out plate. First gear was so low, as to be mostly useless. The shift knob, with a backward pattern, listed the gears as low, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Rumor was that is was used as a truck transmission. Here it is in its intended home.
Useful information, Ben. As much as I love little British (or big British) sports cars, I can’t help but think this Gipsy would be far more practical in use on my horse farm/automotive amusement park. LOL
Never saw many of these when they were new in the UK.Think they also had a diesel option?
Think so; think the TX3 engine’s about the right thing as it was Austin-derived, wasn’t it?
These are roughly the same size as a short series 1 Landy.
Should someone dive into this project, I have a mint cond parts book for a Gypsy available.
Hi Rob,
I bought the Gypsy last night! I’d be interested in your manual. .?$$?
Thx, jaxtrax
Jack Wells – Congrats on getting the Gypsy! I’ll put my hands on it tomorrow and let you know.
What’s your contact info?
Jack Wells! You dog…you got your check in the mail before I could get out to look at the Gipsy. Best of luck to you –will you be reviving this one to drive, or full on restoration? I’m sure we’d love to see photos of the progress after you pick it up.
Hi Jack, I have a ‘service parts list’ book, and a ‘body service parts’ book. Very good blow up diagrams of everything. Cover’s slightly grubby on the service book but they’re both minty inside. You can reach me at tinbox1380@gmail.com.
Luke, they did in later years. Great fan website I’ve just found showing the evolution of the thing, along with photos of each mark. Also a results recap of a HUGE auction of these by the UK civil service about ten years ago. Close to 100 of them, new, stored in underground bunkers set up in case of a nuclear attack.
Been for sale for a long time (maybe a year?) although I thought out of eastern oregon when I saw it. I was looking at Series 1 Land Rovers so the ad drew me in. Maybe the ask is too high? I don’t know this market but it was too much of a project for me. Probably a great conversation car at a British show.
Heard back from the seller. Not willing to budge on the price or consider partial trades. Has multiple British vehicles along with over 400 vintage motorcycles he’s trying to unload. The top on this Barn Find appears to be factory, although you’d be hard pressed to find a period photo with that cab style removable roof. Most were full roof over the bed. Soft and hard top. I now have something else to keep my eyes peeled for. Yes I got the itch and Spring is here!
That’s a bummer, Little Cars! Thanks for checking it out and letting us know what you found. I wish it could have worked out.
Gotta give props to this seller…he just reached out in an email to tell me the Gipsy is sold but is keeping my info for some of the other British tin in his stash. Seems like a solid guy, even if it took a while to move this Gipsy into the SOLD column.
cool….
Hi Rob, I Hope I’m getting this to you. This site is VERY confusing!!
My contact information is JackWells
Jaxtrax@comcast.net 386 623 2202. I would really appreciate getting the parts book on the Gypsy. Let me know what you want for it, and where to send it.
I hope you get this! Thx, Jack