Austin LD Engine, Cooling & Gearbox parts. Austin LD Brake & Hydraulic parts. The LD was designed by Morris just before the amalgamation of Morris with Austin Motor Company and released in 1952. it was to be the replacement for the now very dated PV 1 ton van. It had a new chassis not like the LC range of truck but did share the rest of the running gear with them but actually had the Engine fitted from the Austin K8 (2.2 litre petrol ohc 4 cylinder) which the LD also replaced. It was a case of badge engineering and the very first commercial made in collaboration.
The earliest models were the LD or LD1 called later as there was soon released a 1.5 ton LD2 the first model had an upturned heart shaped grille (shared with the FV series 2 5 tonner) after about 3243 chassis were made (about January 1955) the front treatment was again modified to the broad grill and recessed headlights etc The Morris Commercial badge was now gone forever from this model and now either had 'Morris' or 'Austin' above the grille. Now with the new modern look it was also available in diesel which UK buyers loved as it was economical and reliable. It seems the diesel was not so popular in the colonies, but was sold. These LDs were hugely popular and sold in droves, they were a fantastic van and many chassis were sold to body builders who built many body types including Milk floats, Ambulances etc. The LD was manufactured up until the release of its replacement the EA van (Easy Access) in 1967/8.
Today a good amount survive and many are being restored.