76K2003 Oxford Diecast Austin K2 Ambulance National Coal Board

The K2 Ambulance was a World War II vehicle built between 1939 and 1945 by Austin at their Longbridge plant where around 13,000 were produced primarily for military use by the British, Allied and US forces. Our 1:76 scale Oxford version is based on the early version of the K2 with round roof ventilators.

After the War, the Austin K2 Ambulance known affectionately as KATY, passed into civilian use in many cases.  You’ve already seen our 1:76 scale vehicle in the dark green garb as used by the 51st Highland Division and again in desert camouflage deployed in the Western Desert.  For its third appearance, it is painted in dark blue and black livery of  the National Coal Board, probably deployed in the wake of mining disasters and accidents. 

The dark blue body features black masking to the wings and mudguards with silver wiped black radiator grille.  The interior is also completely black.  A carry-over from the military comprises the roll back ‘canvas’ doors in midnight blue, matching the main bodywork.  Registered SMD 947, the cream lettering on the sides of the K2 indicates it was deployed in Area 5 of the NCB’s Northern Division.  A finishing detail sees the white Ambulance lettering above the windscreen.