1954 Austin Champ
Highlights
- Rolls-Royce engine replaced during re-commissioning; just 1,496 miles since
- In previous ownership for 44 years
- "Base Overhaul" carried out by Henlys in 1961 to "as new" condition
- Exempt from road tax and MOT
- Complete with wet weather gear, ready to enjoy
The Appeal
The British Armed Forces had relied heavily upon the American Willys MB 'Jeep' during the Second World War. So once the conflict was at an end, it was decided that Britain needed a Jeep-style vehicle of its own making. The first was the Land Rover in 1948 - a very similar design to the Willys MB. But it was decided that a more heavy-duty vehicle was also required. After several failed designs, the Austin Motor Company was awarded the contract while an engine was sourced from Rolls-Royce. Thus, the Austin Champ was born.
Ultimately, the Champ would prove too expensive to build and too complicated to maintain. However, neither of these shortcomings detracts from its status as one of the most capable British 4x4s ever made.
This example was manufactured in 1954 for the British. An off-site "Base Overhaul" carried out by Henlys in 1961 would have returned the vehicle to "as new" condition. The previous owner recommissioned the Champ a second time when they acquired it in 1978, fitting a new old stock ‘crate’ engine supplied by Rolls-Royce, which by then had surplus spares which they were keen to offload.
Now proudly sporting many extra features and fittings added during the previous keeper's lengthy tenure, this Austin Champ is ready to be enjoyed as-is or could easily be returned to its original military specification.
The History and Paperwork
- Entered British military service on 14th June 1954
- Base overhaul carried out off-site by Henlys in December 1961
- Struck off service on 3rd February 1967
- 1,496 miles indicated (mileage since engine change)
- Purchased by vendor in 1978
- New Rolls-Royce engine fitted in 1978
- MOT and road tax exempt
The Condition
- Originally painted green, now grey
- numerous extras: jerry can, shovel, radio antenna
- Whitewall tyres
- Improved rear lighting and mirrors
- New exhaust silencer and tailpipe
- Retrimmed cloth seats
- Carpeted throughout
- Original speedometer removed and stored during engine swap
- Runs and drives with no known faults
As with most British military vehicles, this Austin Champ was originally dark green. However, its previous owner has since hand-painted it grey. It also proudly carries a full set of period-correct accessories, including a jerry can, shovel, and radio antenna.
The windscreen was originally made of two separate panes of glass, with a split down the middle, but this has been replaced with a single-piece screen. Additionally, the rear lights have been replaced with brighter units and larger wing mirrors have been fitted.
The previous keeper had a new hood manufactured during the 1978 recommissioning, which now requires a little fettling to make it fit again. A matching tonneau cover was made at the same time. And the wheels were swapped for alloys, fitted with whitewall tyres.
The previous keeper had a new hood manufactured during the 1978 recommissioning, which now requires a little fettling to make it fit again. A matching tonneau cover was made at the same time. And the wheels were swapped for alloys, fitted with whitewall tyres.
The seats have been retrimmed in a comfortable blue velour cloth, and the vehicle benefits from a full set of removable carpets throughout, making for a quieter, more refined ride.
The Mechanics
- Rolls-Royce B40 four-cylinder engine
- Five-speed manual gearbox (in forward and reverse)
- Replacement Rolls-Royce ‘crate’ engine
- Carburettor, petrol pump and clutch also changed
- Drives as it should with no known faults
The vehicle was originally fitted with a Rolls Royce B40, No1 Mk 2A engine, the replacement engine was the later and last version produced B40, No1 Mk 5A.
This ‘crate’ engine was also supplied with a replacement clutch, fuel pump and carburettor. We're assured that it was never driven off-road or in the rain during all those years with the last owner.
The owner took the Champ out of storage after two decades, carrying out the following recommissioning jobs:
- Thoroughly cleaned, including steam cleaning the engine bay, clearing out the fuel tank and lines; cleaning the oil and air filters
- Brake fluid changed and brakes adjusted
- New spark plugs and points
- Carburettor cleaned and adjusted
- Oil change and two new 12V batteries
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1954
- Make Austin
- Model Champ
- Colour Grey
- Odometer 1,496 Miles
- Engine size
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Frome
- Location Somerset
- Country United Kingdom
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