Austin Gipsy Fire Engine and Trailer 1961

Description:

This Austin Gipsy is a unique fully equipped fire engine that was first registered to the famous Bertram Mills Circus. Also included in the sale is a fire trailer based on an Austin 7 chassis and built by apprentices at the Longbridge factory.
It is understood that the restored fire trailer, which is equipped with the necessary gear to fight fires, was towed behind a vehicle at the Austin Motor Company prior to the Second World War. It was decided by a previous owner, after purchasing the Gipsy, that it would be appropriate to fit the trailer to the fire unit.
When in service for the circus, the Austin Gipsy was transported around the country by train, along with the other fleet vehicles, lorries, trailers, caravans and even animals. This vehicle also featured in the book “Bertram Mills – The Circus that Travelled by Train”.
637 CLP was then sold at auction in 1966 to The Trading Post Ltd of London, a film props hire company. The Austin then passed through two further ownerships before being purchased as an unfinished project in 2007. A comprehensive photographic restoration followed, not only of the vehicle itself, but also of the fire fighting equipment and the Coventry Climax pump. Lastly, a correct type engine was installed which has only covered a small mileage since. The vehicle was then purchased by the current owner in March 2016.
A sizable history is supplied with this historic commercial, which includes current registration book, the RF60 registration book, old MOT certificates, various posters and articles on the circus, correspondence, a rare sales brochure, images and restoration photographs.