Launched in 1956 as an attempt to translate its military 4x4 Austin Champ into wider sales, the Austin Gypsy used an innovative "Flexitor" suspension unit developed by Alex Moulton, and the 2199cc 4-cylinder engine from the Austin A70 Hereford. The steel box section chassis had a 90inch wheelbase for the short wheelbase version; bodies were of steel panels. The Gipsy Series II (G2) was launched in 1960 with an optional 111inch LWB version (M15). Various improvements were made for the Series II and the front wings gained oval ventilation grilles. The Series III was launched in 1962 actually as the 'Series IV' or 'G4', and the Flextor suspension became optional as beam axles suspended on semi-elliptic springs were standardised. A new split grille with removable bowed front section gave access to power take-off on the G4, and there were now 25 standard Gyspy types including a Fire Tender. The Austin Gypsy was culled in 1968 when British Leyland formed and Land-Rover came under the same company umbrella.