Austin
K8
(25cwt
3 way Van)
It
was on the 25th June 1946 to mark the production of the millionth
motor car, That during the celebrations the invited guests were
permitted to examine the prototype of a new 25cwt van that was
nearing completion.
K8
Mock-up
Note
different grill to production version
probable done to aid engine cooling
Work
on the K8 as it was called in its prototype form, started in early
1946. But it soon became known as the 'Three-Way' van owing to its
arrangement of double doors on both the nearside and offside, as
well as at the rear, providing excellent access to the loading bay,
it was on occasions incorrectly referred to as the 'Freeway'. It
was a very forward looking design with its curved front and high
driving position, making the visibility excellent compared to the
competition.
Production
commenced early in 1947 at a cost of £535. Various changes had been
made from the prototypes, which included the radiator grille, front
bumper, access steps along with the wheels. It had a very small
wheelbase considering that it had a pay load of 25 cwt, and this
made it very nimble. It was powered by the Austin 2,199cc engine
OHV petrol engine which had recently been installed in the Austin
16 car.The forward control cab gave good visibility a partition
with window separates the cab from the steel body, with composite
doors and toughened glass. Although the final assemble of the van
was done at Longbridge. The contract for the bodies was give to
Carbodies who had their factory in Holyhead Road Coventry. The body
had a timber frame with steel sheets attached, even the doors had a
wooden frame. The large front windows gave a good view of the road,
the drivers side could be opened. Both the front doors had
wind-down widows.
You could order a ambulance conversion on the K8 which was factory
built and called the Welfarer K8/AA. This had the track increased
by 1'' and was fitted with low pressure tyres (9.00 x 16). The
suspension was also altered to give a softer ride, by different
road springs and shock absorber settings.
Access to the rear accommodation could be through the L/H side
door, or at the back via normal van doors by using steps that when
folded away formed part of the floor. The floor area was covered in
Magnesite, which was a composition of Magnesium oxide with a wood
flour filler.
You could order various combinations of seats and stretchers to
suit your requirements. The cost of the ambulance without the
stretchers/seating was £805.
There are only
two known Welfarer Ambulaces in the UK
This one featured in the film Quartermass Experiment and will
be on display at the Classic Car Show NEC in November
This unique vehicle proved to be popular and in 27 months around
about 3,500 had been sold. Over the years there were various price
increases, but in May 1950 the Government imposed Purchase Tax at
33% on commercial vehicles, the only exception was the ambulance
version.
This
view shows how easily the engine and gearbox could be
removed
Date when launched late
1947
Discontinued in 1954
Total produced not known
Engine
Petrol
2,199 cc 65 bhp at 3,700 rpm Max torque 115 lbs/ft at 1,900
rpm
Main
measurements
Length 15ft 6ins Width 6ft 5ins Height 8ft 1.5ins
Wheel Base 7ft 9ins Track front & rear 5ft 1ins
Price ex Works In Grey Primer
March 1947
Van £535 Chassis Cab £409, Chassis £340 All in grey primer
Painting Standard Colours ------
Single
Colour £28 Dual Colour £35
May 1953
Van £841 Chassis Cab £678, Chassis £602 All in grey primer
It
was available as a van or chassis cab and because of this various
conversions were carried out by coach builders.
Even
Hamleys had a fleet of K8's
(A J Ingrame)
