Launched in 1958 as an attempt to translate its military 4x4 Austin Champ into wider sales, the Gipsy used some innovative engineering. An important part of the design was Flexitor suspension designed by Alex Moulton. Unlike the Land-Rover, Austin's Gipsy was entirely built of steel and suffered from rust as a consequence. Two engines were available, the 2,199cc 62bhp 4-cylinder engine from the Austin A70, or a 2,178cc diesel engine of 55bhp. The Series I was only available with a 90-inch wheelbase. In 1960 The Series II was launched with changes to suspension and other components and gained vents in the front wings. A long wheelbase 111-inch model was made available with the Series II. In 1962 the Series IV (or G4) Austin Gipsy was launched in 25 varieties. Flexitor suspension fell out of favour and semi-elliptic springs and live axles took over on the rear of the LWB, although the SWB could still be ordered with Flexitor. The Gipsy was killed off in 1968 after its manufacturer the British Motor Corporation joined with Leyland the owners of Rover and Land-Rover and British Leyland was formed.