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. It had a very small
wheelbase considering that it had a pay load of 25 cwt, and this
made it very nimble. 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 there factory in Holyhead Road
Coventry.
It was available as a van or chassis cab and because of this
various conversions were carried out by coach builders.
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 only £340
Painting Standard Colours ------ Single Colour £28 Dual Colour
£35
Even
Hamleys had a fleet of K8's
