1951 Austin Hampshire Utility, 2200 petrol. Registration num...

Estimate

£6,500 - £7,500

1951 Austin Hampshire Utility, 2200 petrol. Registration number VXS 778 (non transferrable). Chassis number 80046. Engine number 112867.
The A70 Hampshire was introduced in September 1948 as the replacement for the Austin Sixteen, using the same robust OHV 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine as its predecessor, it took its styling from the smaller A40. The Hampshire also featured a column-mounted four speed gear change, which would allow the closely-mounted front seats to be aligned as a bench to allow the occasional seating of a third front seat passenger.
A wooden-bodied Countryman version and a longer-wheelbase chassis was available for commercial applications, including pick-ups, vans and metal-bodied estate cars. Most pick ups were exported to Australia and New Zealand, it is believed there are only 6 or 7 in the UK. Production was short lived, and ceased in 1951, when the car was superseded by the A70 Hereford.
VXS was found in New Zealand in 2016 and shipped back to the UK being registered with the DVLA in February 2017. At this time she had a wooden back end and a faithful tub has been constructed at a cost of £2,500, a new timing chain was fitted and the cataloguer has seen her running and driven her. The carb needs a clean and tune and a battery is required. A replacement steering wheel comes with the car.
Sold with the V5C, this project is the basis for a full restoration or a patina rebuild.