Registration: MCN672K
Chassis: YB553921
Odometer: 87,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• Believed to be the only Kimberley in the UK
• 2 litre, six cylinder engine
• Converted to run on unleaded fuel
• Four previous owners, the second owner having it 35 years
• In very original condition

The Austin Kimberley was a mid-sized car produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), later British Leyland, between 1970 and 1972. It was developed as an upmarket version of the BMC ADO17 series—better known as the “Landcrab”—and was specifically designed for the Australian market. Introduced alongside its sibling, the Austin Tasman, the Kimberley featured a more refined design with a squared-off front end and a six-cylinder version of the E-series engine, making it more powerful than the original ADO17 models. Built at BMC’s Zetland plant in New South Wales, the Kimberley aimed to compete with popular local saloons such as the Holden Kingswood and Ford Falcon. Despite its advanced front-wheel-drive layout and spacious interior, the Kimberley struggled to gain significant market share and production ended in 1972.

We are delighted to offer this 1971 Austin Kimberley in brown/cream with cream interior. A handwritten note in the file describes the car being manufactured in Australia in 1971 and first registered as RFV522 the following year. It goes on to say that there were only two owners in Australia. The second, Mr E Saint, moved to the UK in 1983 and brought the Kimberley with him. He got it UK registered with the current plate and kept it until 2009. Since then it has had a further 3 owners. The car has been a regular on the show circuit, having been part of the Landcrab Owners Club International and is believed to be the only Kimberley in the UK, possibly in Europe.

Externally, the Kimberley is an imposing and handsome car and definitely more conventional in its looks than the Landcrab. This car had a respray in 1998 and it has held up well. The chrome work is nice and the cream vinyl roof looks pretty fresh. The Rostyle-like wheel trims are smart and set off by a set of matching Michelin whitewall tyres. In a very nice touch, the car still has its Aussie registration plates under the UK ones, so they can be displayed at shows. Its front wheel drive design meant the Lancrab always had a spacious cabin and this is carried through to the Kimberley, the light materials giving it an even greater sense of airiness. The seats themselves present well with no obvious rips and tears and the headlining is tight and clean. The dash appears all original save for a more modern radio cassette.

The car comes with a file of receipts going back to its time in Australia, together with a V5C, some old registration documents, old MOTs, some promotional literature, club correspondence, old photographs of the car, import papers and a spare key.

It’s always nice to be the proud owner of something rare and this car fits the bill. However, it does also share many parts including doors/glass, suspension and engine/transmission with the Wolseley Six, so finding bits shouldn’t be impossible. One thing’s for sure – you’ll be welcomed with open arms on any Austin show stand and never short of folk to chat to.