Austin Welfarer.
Despite being one of the first post-war production Ambulances available, as an Ambulance body, the Welfarer's life was short when compared to other models.
It was not exactly competition from other vehicle manufacturers that caused this either. By 1952 the new Austin 125, Ambulance and hearse chassis, were available which had quite a negative impact on Welfarer orders until finally in 1954, the LD1 (1 Ton) and LD2 (30-Cwt) completely wiped out sales of the Austin Welfarer altogether.
This picture (circa 1955-6) taken at the front of the old Portsmouth Ambulance Station, St Mary's Hospital. At the end of the left hand line-up you can see an Austin Welfarer. Note the old main entrance to the hospital (long before the new maternity block was built) and the 'B Wards, which were the maternity wards at the time.
Thanks to Ron Lilly for the picture and information.
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