K2 Lorry

The Society lorry is an Austin K2 two ton dropside model. Although registered in Kent in 1946, the vehicle is an Ex - WD one and according to the chassis number was manufactured in 1943, therefore seeing two years in war service. Apart from the RAF, it has had only two owners as it was bought by a Kent timber merchant who used it as his company lorry and on its "retirement" kept it in running order until we came along.

The design is very similar to the contemporary Bedford lorries. This is because Austin poached the Bedford designer and asked him to "build one like a Bedford"! Apart from the engine and cab interior, they are virtually identical. The designer even kept the loud gearbox whine of the Bedford! The power plant is a 3.5 litre petrol unit producing a whole 75 brake horsepower. However, the engine has tremendous torque for getting started with heavy loads. It will bumble along quite happily at 35 - 40 mph. 

It has a four speed "crash" gearbox which takes a bit of getting used to. In the Society's ownership it has received the repaint into M&GN livery, all brakes overhauled, new tyres, overhauled water pump, a bespoke exhaust system manufactured, quite an amount of welding around the cab area,  the petrol pump converted to an electric powered one, a new bespoke petrol tank and most recently a new battery. It is taken out regularly for a run up to town and back and sees further use on site by the NNR building department. It's latest outing (Sept 2022) was a trip to Mannington Hall, near Saxthorpe,  for a Society display at one of their events.