1941 Austin Army Ambulance

[Mike K]

As far as I am aware of, this is only the second one that has surfaced here... The AWM pics show them in use here ...but for some rerson only a tiny few have been found so far.. I wonder why .

Unlike some other vehicles, I've got a feeling that these ambos arrived direct from the UK .. Going through the AWM diaries, you come across references to ships arriving from the UK with motor cycles and the Matilda tanks , this stuff is all direct shipment ..no Middle East diversions..

You would have to be keen to take on that Austin ... but there are enough post war civvy trucks around for mechanical spares . The big hurdle would be building a new body.. ideally, contact with somebody who has built a new body in the UK ..plans plans ...

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

only a tiny few have been found so far.. I wonder why .

May I suggest that your hint that those in Aussieland were shipped direct may be correct (as usual)? If so were they sent to Singapore and then diverted as against any Australian Government acquisitions?

In our new book we have photos of KY/2 ambulances with at least two body styles and we have dated these to late 1943/early 1944. These were taken back from, we believe, the Mid-East and rebuilt by Pearsons of Liverpool for further service. The company also took in crated Austins ex-Mid East and re-assembled & refurbished them ready for D-Day. There are just so many K2/Ys that I can see that suggests to me that none or few were sold to the Dominion Governments in the Mid-East after direct issue, and then shipped onward to SA, Australia, and NZ. I personally cannot see why the AIF say would have wanted them..CMP and Chevrolet & Ford CC60L ambulances yes.

This is just a quick thought but it appears to confirm yours.

[Radek]

I am mad.
I have won this lady, but now start hard work how can I get it in Europe.

[S LATHERON (RIP)]

to much makes you
Radek
perhaps you need to take a long rest!!
you are going to need a lot of help from friends, one with a truck and low bed trailer or a container a shipping company who are feeling generous and then some where dry to store it while you work out your best way forward
I look forward to reading about its progress to its new home and the its on going restoration.
I wish you well Steve

[Dusonn]

Hi Radek,

congratulation to your new acquisition She will certainly like a new home. I used this Sydney based company when I was moving back to Europe after 3 years spent in Australia. http://www.hellaseurope.com.au/ You might just start with them and ask for a quote. Good luck!

[Dinty]

G'day All, Well I was surprised to see how much it sold for, and it will make for an interesting read when you do eventually get it to your abode cheers Dennis

[Stefano Ruggeri]

Radek,
You never cease to amaze me....! Are you thinking of putting together a personal convoy of your own?
Best of luck with the Austin, it'll be spectacular when it's done
PS: I trust that you'll be coming to Normandy next year? I've just got to meet someone that will bring a K2 all the way from Australia... (and I thought I was crazy transporting my WOT2 from Scotland to Italy)
All the best,
Stef

[Radek]

Hi Stef,
do you mean something like this.

it will take any time.