1954 Austin Champ

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Solid example
  • Low mileage   
  • Useable 4x4                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

THE APPEAL


Austin Champs were one of the ultimate 4x4 vehicles. They were a staple part of the British Military, and anyone who knows about them will know just how great they are. One of the main features of the Champ is its capability to be submerged in water; the other is the five forward and five reverse gears. 

Nowadays, they’re pretty thin on the ground and so finding a nice solid one can be quite challenging. Luckily this particular one is just that, along with good mechanics. The interior could be given some attention to improve the seats. The body is solid and has some patia which is quite in keeping with the age and military look.




THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK 

  • V5 is present       
  • Manufactured 1954                                                                                                                                   
  • Registered 1st April 1989 on the latest V5
  • Old registration booklet dates registration as 18th August 1967
  • Just two previous keepers since registration 
  • Two keys 
  • Austin Champ spares catalogue
  • Lovely original example




THE INTERIOR

  • The driver’s seat base has been replaced
  • Passenger and rear seats look to be the originals, which do require a retrim 
  • Switchgear is reported to work correctly 
  • Wooden lath flooring is in good solid condition
  • Original instruments are working correctly and show just 39,733 miles covered 




THE EXTERIOR

  • Well presented
  • Desert Sand coloured paint 
  • The body is nice and solid with some patina in keeping with the age of the Champ
  • The windscreen folds down as it should, and the frame looks to be free from any corrosion
  • Windscreen is in good condition with no cracks 
  • Side mounted shovel present 
  • Side mounted pick axe is in place 
  • Front and rear lights are free from any splits or cracks 
  • The vinyl roof is in good condition 
  • Original wheels
  • Tyres have some wear but do have some miles left




THE MECHANICS

  • Rolls-Royce 2838cc 4-cylinder engine
  • 80bhp at 3,750 rpm
  • A fully enclosed engine can be submerged underwater (as long as a snorkel is used, not included). 
  • Five-speed forward and reverse gearbox 
  • Fully serviced last year with new spark plugs, points and condenser
  • It starts on the button with no untoward noises
  • Reported by the vendor to drive very well and pull strongly through the gears
  • The suspension and hubs all appear to be clean and in very good condition 
  • Minimal signs of any corrosion to the underside
  • The vendor reports the brakes bring the Champ to a halt in a straight line




SUMMARY 

A British military classic in nice original condition which runs as it should and has a solid body and chassis. 
A nice example as it is, with some patina, or it could easily be taken to the next level should you wish, as it’s a solid base to work on. Either way, it’s an excellent opportunity to own one of the military’s finest quarter-tonne Austin Champs. 

Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1955
  • Make Austin
  • Model Champ
  • Colour White
  • Odometer 39,733 Miles
  • Engine size 2660
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Lichfield
  • Location Staffordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
24 bids
  • Je•••• £9,150 13/06/23
  • su•••• £9,000 13/06/23
  • Je•••• £8,900 13/06/23
  • su•••• £8,700 13/06/23
  • Je•••• £8,500 13/06/23
  • su•••• £8,350 13/06/23
  • Je•••• £8,250 13/06/23
  • su•••• £8,150 13/06/23
  • Je•••• £8,050 13/06/23
  • su•••• £7,900 13/06/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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