Tray tops

[B.S.F.]

It seems like Table Tops were available in Australia right from the introduction of the Series 2. My apologies if this has been posted before.
.W.

[Slunnie]

They sure were. This is my 1960 II table top.

http://www.slunnie.com/coppermine/albums/Ute2/P1010009.JPG

Well, admittedly more like this at the moment.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/786.jpg

[JDNSW]

Not sure about right from Series 2 - but cab/chassis was available from the start of Series 1 107 production, although I don't think Rover made trays - usually made by a local body builder. Most Series 1s in Australia with trays, however, had them fitted after the rather flimsy lwb tub fell to pieces.

By the time Series 2 was introduced in 1958, the tray was becoming more popular, although I don't think Rover Australia was making the trays themselves until into the mid sixties. My 1961 2a, which I bought in 1965 in Alice had a tray from new made in Adelaide by a third party, but by 1965 about 90% of four wheel drive utes sold in Australia were fitted with trays rather than tubs, be they Landrovers, Landcruisers or Patrols (or any of a few other types). Short wheelbase cab/utes, whether tray or tub, have never been at all common in Australia, almost always being either soft tops or hardtops.

I have a theory that this was at least partly the result of retail suppliers of all sorts were starting to use fork lifts to load purchases.

John