Jim Jarron's Motoring Pages

"Utes" (that is, utilities or pick-up trucks) have long been popular in Australia and in the Fifties and Sixties, a variety of British saloons were redesigned locally to serve this market.

The Austin 1800 Utility was introduced in 1968 to replace the locally produced A55 Utility. The 1800 Utility remained in production until 1971, by which time over 2000 had been built. This vehicle was unique to Australia.

It had a tray larger and deeper than its competitors, a payload of over half a ton, a low loading height of 22" and fully independent Hydrolastic Fluid Suspension with torsion bars at the rear. The East West Engine gave the passenger area extra room too.

A few of them were sold with a canopy and four went to the Navy for use as Ambulances with Ambulance bodies fitted to the back.