Description
The champ was filly stripped-down and sandblasted back to bare metal about 12 years ago. All metalwork was repaired as necessary, before being given 2 coats of etched primer and three coats of bronze green gloss. New brakes and lines were fitted, plus new tyres and tubes. A new front diff was sourced and fitted, plus new shock absorbers and bushes all round.
The body tub and associated tinwork was given the same paintwork as above, plus 2 coats of sand paint on top and two coats of underbody seal on the underside before being fitted to the chassis. The champ had new seat covers and bases, although there is now a small tear to the passenger seat back (see photo). A new hood was also fitted, and is still in good condition.
The champ has all of the correct item fitted for the Suez Campaign including; The correct first aid kit and carrier, rear mounted water carrier dated 1944, pick and shovel, machete, sand mats fitted to front wings, tow rope, pyrene fire extinguisher and carrier, a dummy Bren gun in the correct cover and 4x wooden duckboards. The twin Bosche batteries were replaced recently. The vehicle is fitted with both a military and civilian tow hitch, so it will tow a caravan to shows.
I noticed that there are now a couple of small oil leaks from the running gear as the oil seals have probably dried out a bit because the champ has been standing for a few months. However the carb has just been rebuilt as have the front brake cylinders. It has also had new plugs, points and condenser. So now it once again starts first time and stops a treat. The champ has been dry-stored since I have owned it and there is no rust nor major dents. It is not in concours condition, but it is a very usable classic.
It benefits from free historic tax and is MOT exempt. It has an age-related registration and the V5 logbook is present. The champ is currently SORN but can be test driven on the farm where it is stored.
