• Sought after Austin Champ

• Mechanically ready

• Usable 4 x 4 

Picking up an Austin Champ is becoming increasingly difficult as they are becoming relatively thin on the ground.

This particular one has been given a mechanical once over with any issues addressed to make it useable for the new owner. Cosmetically you could say there are one or two improvements which could be made, but the basics of the champ appear to be very good where it counts.

• V5 present and shows four previous keepers since 1968

• Registered on the V5 1st January 1968, with no note for a manufactured date

The vehicle has been with the 4 x 4 enthusiast seller for a few months, who has carried out the necessary maintenance to get the Champ into a usable condition. 

However, having a change around with his collection and also with a lack of time to progress the Champ any further, has led to the sale of this classic 4 x 4. 

• Original interior

• 19,850 miles

• Working condition

Inside, the Champ is quite minimal, as you can see, but what is there is functional and working as it should. 

The seats are in good order with no damage to point out. As you would expect, there is some sagging to the foam and vinyl covering to the driver's seat, but with no rips or tears. The passenger seat has slightly less wear, and the rear seat has less wear again. 

The steering wheel is the original equipment, as are the instrument cluster and switchgear. The gauges are reported to be working correctly, and the odometer has a reading of 19,850 miles.

The floor from front to rear is painted in body colour and looks to be free from any excessive corrosion, and the inside of the roof seems to be in good order.

• Finished inside and out in a shade of Military Green

• Removable roof and side panels

• Solid exterior

Finished in a military shade of green (possibly Deep Bronze Green), the champ is generally in good order with just the odd cosmetic injury that it has picked up over the years, which, to be honest, adds a touch of character to the Military workhorse. 

Everything looks to be in good order from the front, with the bonnet aligning as it should, and the bumper is sitting nice and straight. The headlights are free from any cracks or chips. 

There are some age-related fractures to the plastic indicator lenses, but they are not all the way through. The fold-down windscreen frame looks to be in good condition, with no excessive corrosion signs. However, the window on the driver's side of the screen does have a crack. 

Around to the sides, some minor dings have been picked up from getting in and out of the vehicle, which is quite common. The shovel and pick are mounted to each side of the Champ. There is some damage to the rear nearside wheel arch where it looks to have been knocked out from the underside. 

The roof is in good condition apart from the missing rear window, and there is a set of side panels included with the vehicle. 

To the rear, the lights on each corner are in good order, and there is a jerry can mounted alongside the spare wheel in case of emergencies.

The split wheels are in good condition, and these have been colour coded to the body. The tyres do have some tread remaining, but there is some perishing to the sidewalls.

 

• Rolls-Royce 2838cc 4-cylinder engine, which produces 80bhp at 3,750 rpm 

• 5-speed forward and 5-speed reverse

• New exhaust

• Brakes overhauled

The Rolls-Royce 2.8 litre engine, as you would expect, is as smooth as silk, thanks to the seller carrying out some maintenance and servicing work. 

The 4 x 4 fires up as it should, with no untoward noises coming from the engine bay. The seller reports that the Champ pulls well through the gears as expected in both forward and reverse, and the change is smooth. 

There has been a new exhaust fitted, and this does now have some surface rust showing on it.  

Known as the ¼ Ton, the Champ is a weighty piece of kit which requires some stopping. The seller has given the brakes an overhaul ensuring everything is working as it should.

In addition, the Champ's underside has been coated in stone guard to protect it from the elements.

A British Military classic which is reported to be working as it should mechanically. You could take the Champ to the next level with a full repaint, or much easier would be to enjoy it as it is.

Whichever you choose, the Champ will always turn heads just because of how thin on the ground they're becoming.


Notice to bidders