Descripción
This Gipsy is unique, the only original vehicle of its specification left in existence . It was originally a command and control vehicle for the British Civil defence 'Police Mobile column' The columns were formed to control the UK in the even of an atomic attack and where up to 180 vehicles strong including the AFS ( green goddesses ) Ambulances, etc. They were designed to be self sufficient (see Police Mobile column on YOU TUBE).
This particular vehicle was delivered to the home office in 1966, Harold Wilson (then Prime Minister) disbanded the CDF in January of 1968. This particular Gipsy, still new, was transferred to Hampshire Police (based at Whitchurch), shortly after which Ford introduced the Transit van. The Transit was the Polices preferred option and the Gipsy was then stored locally until the garage owner that had stored it purchased in around 1996. He kept it for a while until it was sold into a private collection (museum) in Ireland. It was repatriated approx 2 years ago. When I Purchased the vehicle its Civil Defence force history was unknown.
Following a great deal of research its past was uncovered. I have sourced and fitted its period PYE radios ( which went straight onto the original brackets. I have also fitted twin antenna in the original holes and fitted a pattern speaker on the front bumper, again using the original mounting holes. The interior is totally original with the exception of new rubber mats and some small door speakers that were fitted at some point. It even has its fire extinguisher with the seal intact. I have a number of pictures showing the original internal layout in period.
The Gipsy has still done less than 5800 miles from new. It will also be sold with its original cold-war spares package (all unused) including (in their original packaging) Cylinder head, Steering box/ column, differential, complete set of brake shoes, 2 exhaust silencers, gaskets, rubbers and a brake master cylinder. I have also extensively Dinatrol'd the underside with wax ( there is NO rust on this vehicle ). It has always been dry stored. Factory workshop and parts binder files included. Includes the rare 'Green Machine' book
This vehicle has been displayed at Bicester Heritage, Used for Sporting Bear Dream rides at Carfest South and has just come back from the 'Built to Last' display at the NEC classic car show. As you would expect it drives like a new 1966 4x4. I have had the original external graphics recreated for the full effect, it also has a magnetically mounted period Hella blue rotating beacon.
Being sold for genuine reasons, it can be put through the books as a commercial which makes it a fantastic promotional vehicle for any business. Just back from a number of days filming with the new DC Comics 'Pennyworth' Batman spin-off
