Model Austin K2 ambulance, no date

Introduced in 1927 after extensive trials, the Austin K2 ambulance was used widely by British and Commonwealth forces throughout World War Two (1939-1945). A total of 13,102 were produced at Austin's Longbridge plant between 1939 and 1945. It was based on the civilian Austin K30 light truck and was powered by an Austin six cylinder petrol engine. The body, built by Mann Egerton, was designed to carry four stretchers or ten seated casualties. In practice the ambulances often carried many more wounded. Patients could be accessed by both the two large doors at the rear and from the driver's cab through a small door.

Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II, trained to drive an Austin when serving with the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War Two. The Austin, nicknamed 'Katy', also had a starring role, along with Sir John Mills and Sylvia Sims, in the classic 1958 war film, set in North Africa, 'Ice Cold in Alex'.

The Austin K2 ambulance continued in service after World War Two and was also used during the Korean War.