Austin K2Y Ambulance Closed

Add the Austin K2Y Ambulance Closed to your WWII tabletop force, historical miniature collection, or diorama. This made-to-order model is available in a choice of scales; select your preferred scale from the dropdown.

The Austin K2/Y—affectionately nicknamed "Katy"—was the standard heavy military ambulance used by British and Commonwealth forces during World War II.

Design and Bodywork

• Chassis & Manufacturer: Built by the Austin Motor Company at their Longbridge plant (Birmingham) using a modified K30 commercial truck chassis.
• Body: The specialized rear ambulance body was designed by the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) and constructed by coachbuilder Mann Egerton. It featured a wooden frame covered in insulated canvas sheeting rather than solid metal panels, with fresh-air vents mounted in the sides, roof, and doors.
• Cab Closure: It used canvas cab closures rather than hard metal doors.
• Interior Access: A small internal sliding/door passthrough connected the driver's cab to the rear patient compartment.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: 6-cylinder, 3,462 cc Austin D-Series petrol engine producing around 60 horsepower.
• Transmission: 4-speed gearbox (noted as widely spaced and requiring a bit of practice to master).
• Drive Configuration: 4×2 rear-wheel drive.
• Fuel Capacity: Two 12-imperial-gallon petrol tanks (one on each side).
• Top Speed: Approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Dry Weight: 3 tons 1½ cwt (~3,124 kg).
• Dimensions: Length ~18 ft (5.49 m), Width ~7 ft 5 in (2.26 m), Height ~9 ft 2 in (2.79 m).

Capacity & Utility

• Patient Load: Officially designed to carry either 4 stretcher cases or 10 "walking wounded" (sitting casualties), though crews in heavy combat zones frequently packed in many more.
• Crew: 2 to 3 personnel (driver and medical orderly).
• Equipment: Built-in rear lockers for medical supplies and water, a hot-water heater for patient comfort, a pinion mechanism to elevate stretcher tiers, and external tool/towing provisions.

Wartime Legacy

• Production: Over 13,102 units were produced between 1939 and 1945.
• Notable Service: Widely used across all major theaters—from the Blitz in London and the beaches of Normandy to the North African desert. It was famously driven and maintained by a young Princess Elizabeth while serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), and was immortalized on film in the 1958 classic Ice Cold in Alex.

Designer: M Bergman
Manufacturer: S&C Foundry
Associated Army: British
Era: WWII
Product features: Printed with high-quality ABS-like gray resin.

This is a 3D-printed product and may have minor imperfections. Some assembly and removal of print supports may be required.