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.
