Austin Gypsy FCG 74D. Ex Havant Station.

For those under 5' 8, (or thereabouts) it was a hard day sitting on the edge of the drivers seat trying to reach the pedals (the seat was a fixed bench type seat).

The other problem was the spare wheel was fitted on top of the bonnet. I recall people like Pete Parkin and Trevor Knight had to sit on a pile of blankets to see over the wheel.

Also, the stretcher facility was quite crude. It was the same arrangement as the second stretcher facility on the older LD's, when you just turned the seat over.

It revealed two runners, which accommodated the wheels of a 'Furley pattern' canvas stretcher that was folded under the seat until required. The Pompey J2 tilley(s) had the same arrangement.

I'm sure a number of ex-Havant staff will remember FCG 74D (Ernie Burden, Trevor Warren). I think Andy Bartlett is the only one left serving that would have driven it?

Thanks to Ron Lilly for the picture and information.

With referance to this Austin Gypsy, It is now on its way to North Yorkshire, to join the Calderdale collection. It is now in the ownership of Alan Dunderdale, former Barnsley, then South Yorkshire Metropolitian Ambulance Service.

If anyone can assist me with information please email me a7dunderdale@btinternet.com, or phone me on 07801 195603

It will take us a few weeks! to get her back into working condition. But if anyone has a photo of the badges etc on the vehicle, or photo's of this vehicle please contact me. Any - all information most welcome.

Thank you

Alan Dunderdale