Dudley White and Len Ainsley And B.M.C.s Austin Gipsy 4x4
Discussion
2 unsung hereos of the British Motor Industry. Neither of whom have got the recognition they deserve.
Len Ainsley worked closely with Freddie Dixon of Pre War Brooklands fame. In the 1950s He later was to become Cheif Road Proving Engineer, Commercial vehicles , for the British Motor Corporation. Later becoming involved with the Very underated/Misunderstood Austin Gipsy 4x4, produced from 1958-68.
Len Loved the Austin Healey 100/6 and 3000 and fitted a Hot 3000 Healey Engine into his Company Gipsy !! Aperently this Frightened many Fast Cars of the day!!
He later ran the Bell Inn Pub at Bellbroughton.
Dudley White later went on to do development work on the First Range Rover. Many of his sugestions were incorporated into Rovers new 4x4,( The Diff Lock being one ) but he never received any credit for this, due to the Rivalry between BMC/British Leyland and Rover ( I have his detailed Inspection / Driving report on the RR dated late 1970 ).
Dudley White should have been given a medal for his acheivements. He travelled all over the world promoting and selling the Gipsy, to everyone from New Zealand Farmers to Arab Sheiks. He was very popular and fondly recalled by all who met him. He was reckoned to be the finest Off Road Demo driver of his time. He was captured during WW2 in the Western Desert and his health later suffered as a result. In early 1962, he and Len Ainsley drove 2 New Prototype Leaf Spring Series 4 Austin Gipsys down and accross the Libyan desert, in a 14,000 mile road proving expedition. Conditions were described as Fantastic and the harshest on Earth.
In circa 1965 at a 4x4 competition in Saudi, which was organised by the Austin Distributor and driving a swb Series 4 Gipsy, he comfortably out performed Every other 4x4 present, inc Haflinger ( Driven by Hafflingers Lady Demo Sales Woman Driver ) Land Rover Series 2, Dodge Power Waggon, Willys Jeeps, Land Cruiser, Patrol etc. The amazed BMC Dealer presented him with the prize, a Gold Longines Watch.
In 1966, he did a 3 point turn at the top of the Avon Gorge. The Land Rover that tried couldnt do it !!
The Mk1 Austin G was Very underdeveloped/put into production too soon and buyers shied away, ( but did use one of the best Engines, the Famous London Taxi 2.2 Petrol and Diesel engine ) and Gipsy sales never recovered as a result. Despite the MK4 Model being ahead of a contemporary L Rover in many respects.
Len Ainsley worked closely with Freddie Dixon of Pre War Brooklands fame. In the 1950s He later was to become Cheif Road Proving Engineer, Commercial vehicles , for the British Motor Corporation. Later becoming involved with the Very underated/Misunderstood Austin Gipsy 4x4, produced from 1958-68.
Len Loved the Austin Healey 100/6 and 3000 and fitted a Hot 3000 Healey Engine into his Company Gipsy !! Aperently this Frightened many Fast Cars of the day!!
He later ran the Bell Inn Pub at Bellbroughton.
Dudley White later went on to do development work on the First Range Rover. Many of his sugestions were incorporated into Rovers new 4x4,( The Diff Lock being one ) but he never received any credit for this, due to the Rivalry between BMC/British Leyland and Rover ( I have his detailed Inspection / Driving report on the RR dated late 1970 ).
Dudley White should have been given a medal for his acheivements. He travelled all over the world promoting and selling the Gipsy, to everyone from New Zealand Farmers to Arab Sheiks. He was very popular and fondly recalled by all who met him. He was reckoned to be the finest Off Road Demo driver of his time. He was captured during WW2 in the Western Desert and his health later suffered as a result. In early 1962, he and Len Ainsley drove 2 New Prototype Leaf Spring Series 4 Austin Gipsys down and accross the Libyan desert, in a 14,000 mile road proving expedition. Conditions were described as Fantastic and the harshest on Earth.
In circa 1965 at a 4x4 competition in Saudi, which was organised by the Austin Distributor and driving a swb Series 4 Gipsy, he comfortably out performed Every other 4x4 present, inc Haflinger ( Driven by Hafflingers Lady Demo Sales Woman Driver ) Land Rover Series 2, Dodge Power Waggon, Willys Jeeps, Land Cruiser, Patrol etc. The amazed BMC Dealer presented him with the prize, a Gold Longines Watch.
In 1966, he did a 3 point turn at the top of the Avon Gorge. The Land Rover that tried couldnt do it !!
The Mk1 Austin G was Very underdeveloped/put into production too soon and buyers shied away, ( but did use one of the best Engines, the Famous London Taxi 2.2 Petrol and Diesel engine ) and Gipsy sales never recovered as a result. Despite the MK4 Model being ahead of a contemporary L Rover in many respects.
Yes, a few used to go to the Dorset Steam Rally, inc Fire Engine versions . apparently it is a really good show.
Cornwall fire Brigade had a large fleet of Austin Gipsys
and Kennings had around 50 as breakdown trucks .
They were very popular I'n Iceland and New Zealand as well .
Dudley White sadly died of cancer, circa 1992. I sold a very nice Gipsy to his son. ( he has since sold it )
Len Ainsleys son Trevor, runs an ex Home Office Gipsy.
Cornwall fire Brigade had a large fleet of Austin Gipsys
and Kennings had around 50 as breakdown trucks .
They were very popular I'n Iceland and New Zealand as well .
Dudley White sadly died of cancer, circa 1992. I sold a very nice Gipsy to his son. ( he has since sold it )
Len Ainsleys son Trevor, runs an ex Home Office Gipsy.
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