Sometimes things surprise you. Well me anyway.
3 years ago a workmate told me he had a Wasp, like my Shrek. I was a bit amazed as he only lives 12 ks away from me!
So a little while later he consents to me coming over for a look.

So I was expecting perhaps a well worn abandoned ute sitting out. But this is what I found. Nestled in an old dairy shed was this rather original and almost fully complete example. I was blown away, and I knew the $300 in my pocket that I thought might buy a parts donor, wasn't gunna cut it.
I admired it, noticed the last rego sticker was 1975, and asked him to please let me know if he ever wanted to sell it. "Ahh, might keep it a bit longer, till the value goes up!" came the reply.
So I told him if he wanted to get it on the road I could help with parts. He pointed out that he had filled out a bit since the last time he slid in behind the wheel.
He was usung it as a storage place for his farm fuel as it was a good height for decanting into bikes, etc.

So every now and then I ask about it, and ponder offering to build a work platform to replace it, but just got "One day maybe."

Then lo and behold, last December a storm brews up, and a strong gust of wind runs up the gully and into the shed, which was open to the south. It blew the 100 year old shed over, away from the Wasp! Now the fuel was in the open, so a new spot had to be found.

Now as luck would have it, his wife is now my workmate, and she tells me the story. I say I might have to make Will an offer, and she answers, "You might!"
So just before Christmas I run into him at the bank, and he tells me how things are pretty tight, with the drought and all. I suggest that I might be able to help a little, if he would sell me the Wasp.
"Hmmmm, maybe."
Just in time for my birthday, he says, "Righto"

Response: Grab a trailer and fly round there before he changes his mind!
Matt.

All good things come to those who wait.......... patiently

Beauty of a truck Matty

So, had a bit of a look.
Has the original seat, still with some vinyl!

Don't think its been around the clock yet. Last rego, 1975!

Fitted with all the badges!

Original fuel cap! Mind boggled!

DeLuxe model - chrome windscreen surround!

Still has some hood lining! Ok, its a bit crunchy, but its there!

Original tail lights, with intact lenses!! Mind officially blown! Need to clean up mess.

Matt.

All in All that a pretty great find!
Looking forward to more updates

Josh

Thanks Josh, I am rather pleased.
I drained the tank, but it was dry. I put fuel in and drained it again. This is all that came out other than the fuel.

With the plugs out and wd40 in there, the motor cranks over easily. Back in and there is compression. Good signs!
Flushed the motor and radiator. Water ran clear instantly from the block, muddy for a while from the radiator. Changed the oil and filter. First start up try is not far away!
Cheers, Matt.

Update!
So I put a battery in there, filled the carbie bowl through a vent, and turned the key. Fired right up, settled into an idle even without choke! No smoke, no knocks no rattles other than a bit of tappet. Motor is fine!!
Sorry can't put the vid here, but you can check @ryeparkbellettbloke on Instagram.
This is my face:
Matt.

Man that runs a sweet as!
Those motors just keep on keeping on

Josh

She is a real beauty. I hope to find one someday in my travels when asked to remove old cars.

Thanks mate!
Matt.

Real nice pick, Matt.
2nd one at my place is cab off the chassis.
Most parts were in the shed in boxes when Josh and I rescued it
Your Is much more together.
Good job