Lot Ended
Description
Australian-built utility
vehicle; lead-free cylinder head
conversion; Believed to be one of only four roadworthy examples currently in the
United Kingdom
Affectionately known as
“Bruce,” this distinctive 1969 Austin 1800 Ute represents a rare opportunity to
acquire an Australian-built utility vehicle seldom seen on UK roads. Believed to
be one of only four roadworthy examples currently in the United Kingdom, this
unusual classic combines practicality, charm, and genuine collector appeal.
Finished in blue and configured with seating for three occupants, Bruce stands
as a characterful survivor with an interesting international history, further
supported by its original New Zealand documentation.
The vehicle
underwent a full professional respray in 2020 and has been carefully stored in a
heated garage for the past decade, clearly benefiting from attentive ownership.
The seller reports the bodywork presents very well overall, with no dents or
paint damage noted and only minimal cosmetic imperfections consistent with
age.
Under the bonnet sits the
1.8-litre (1800cc) petrol engine paired with a manual transmission, delivering
the straightforward mechanical character expected of the model. The Austin is
equipped with disc brakes, independent suspension, and the marque’s
all-synchromesh gearbox, contributing to its usability as a classic utility. The
vehicle has had six previous keepers in total.
Maintenance
highlights include the aforementioned full exterior repaint (noted again in the
history as completed in 2021), a lead-free cylinder head conversion, and a
comprehensive history file containing invoices that demonstrate careful ongoing
upkeep. Overall, this is an appealing and increasingly scarce classic Ute with
strong provenance, honest presentation, and plenty of character, offering an
enthusiast the chance to own a truly uncommon piece of Austin and Australian
motoring history.
The car has been starting,
stopping and driving as expected for photos and a short video, the current owner
reports a small amount of smoke while changing gear, but this was not apparent
while we were driving the car.
Contact
james.booth@brightwells.com