Ute photos

[bear]

The other nice thing about the Austin 1800 ute is that it is exclusively Australian. Exclusively NSW actually! They (leyland Oz) asked head office if they could build a ute and a van. But UK only gave the green light to the ute, and it was built from 68 till around 72 I think. 2300 odd were made. Mine is build #30, 68 model. Lot's died of rust and they are underpowered compared to the XP and EH's of the day, but bigger tray, lower stance and better suspenders. Engine is the MGB and they were a better engine being Oz built. Rods out of 1800 are sought by MGB guys! Better, lighter etc.
The engine bay is reasonable, but transplants would be a bit hard. If I ever get the doh ray me though, I'll stick in a VW VR6. That should do the trick!