Description

The Austin Gipsy Series 1 was launched in 1958 as Austin’s answer to the Land Rover, designed primarily for rugged off-road use with a focus on military, agricultural, and utility sectors. Unlike many vehicles of its class at the time, the Gipsy Series 1 featured independent suspension all around using Flexitor rubber springs, which gave it excellent off-road articulation and a smoother ride compared to leaf-spring rivals.

Its body was made of pressed steel rather than aluminum like the Land Rover, giving it a more conventional, durable construction but making it heavier. The vehicle was available with either a 2.2-litre petrol engine or a 2.2-litre diesel engine, both derived from Austin’s commercial vehicle line, and power was delivered through a four-speed gearbox with selectable four-wheel drive.

The design included a distinctive horizontal front grille, flared wheel arches, and removable doors and roof. It came in several configurations, including short- and long-wheelbase models, soft-top, hardtop, and pickup forms.

Though praised for its off-road capabilities, comfort, and robust engineering, the Gipsy Series 1 was ultimately outsold by the more established Land Rover and never reached the same iconic status. However, it laid the foundation for subsequent Series 2 and 4×4 developments within Austin’s commercial vehicle lineup.