Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 22nd September 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 23rd September 2026 12pm
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
Registration No: AAB 195A
Chassis No: GK110SE12589
MOT: Exempt
Highly practical classic recovery truck, fitted with a Harvey Frost crane
Subject to a recent restoration including a full repaint, new interior, and mechanical refresh
Current ownership since 2012, with just two previous keepers showing on HPI
Introduced in 1958, the Austin Gipsy featured an all-steel body and fully independent suspension utilising Flexitor rubber units developed by Alex Moulton. Powered by a 2199cc OHV four-cylinder engine that drove all four wheels via an all-synchromesh, four-speed gearbox coupled to a high/ low ratio transfer box, the newcomer would climb a 45-degree slope and haul a maximum payload of 0. 5 tons. The Series II Gipsy of 1960 was available in short- (90in) or long-wheelbase (111in) guises and had its mountaineering credentials proven when a team of London University students used one to scale Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest peak at 4, 406ft). There was no Series III Gipsy, but at the end of 1962 the leaf-spring equipped Series IV appeared. Gipsy production ceased in 1969 after some 21, 208 examples had been sold.
Much rarer than a Land-Rover and arguably more interesting, this delightful Austin Gipsy will be a head-turner wherever it goes. It was for that reason, in fact, that it was bought by its present owner, an all-purpose garage, which has used it as a promotional vehicle. Its history is known back to 1985, when it was owned by J. Ward of Hillside Garage Car Sales in Marlbrook, near Bromsgrove. It remained at Hillside until 1997, when it went to a Mr. Fenton of Lofthouse, near Wakefield, and he retained it until 2012, when the present garage took ownership.
In order to make for an eye-catching display, the Gipsy has undergone some restoration in its present ownership, receiving a respray, an interior retrim, and some mechanical refurbishment. The distinctive Harvey-Frost crane certainly generates attention, and has quite likely been part of the Gipsy’s equipment from new. Despite being an ideal vehicle for all manner of classic car and commercial vehicle events, it has seen very little use in the present ownership, with only occasional outings to local shows and steam rallies. It is supplied with the V5C and a copy of the old V5.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
