Austin Ant

Tha Ant was BMC's attempt to design a four-wheel-drive vehicle based on Mini technology and was the first 4x4 to have a trasverse engine. It has a transverse A-series engine tilted backwards, with a high-low transfer gearbox. Drive is permanent to the front wheels and can be applied to the rear wheels for rough terrain. There is no front-rear differential. Thirty vehicles were produced in 1968 but the project was cancelled after the merger with Rover and Leyland. This example is at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon. (photo © 2004 Richard Porter).

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Last updated 3rd June, 2016