1954 Austin Champ
No Reserve

Registration No: BHL 597K
Chassis No: 7899
MOT: Exempt

• An exciting restoration project and offered with original user handbook and current V5C document
• Correct type canvas tilt plus a dash-mounted fire extinguisher
• Long term ownership since 1991 with just 4 former keepers recorded
• Iconic British Army military vehicle from the 1950's

After the success of America’s WW2 Jeep, the British Army was eager to obtain a multi-purpose light truck. Despite competition from the Nuffield Organisation, Austin was awarded the contract to build 15,000 vehicles from a former aircraft factory at Cofton Hackett. Produced from 1951 to 1957, the Champ was unlike anything Austin had attempted previously. A four-wheel-drive quarter-ton truck, it utilised the straight-four, 2838cc Rolls-Royce B40 engine. The Rolls-Royce B-series engines were developed specially for use in British Army vehicles and, in their various guises, also powered the Daimler Ferret, Humber Pig and six-wheeled Alvis. Although a civilian version of the Champ was offered with an Austin A90 engine, the vast majority were built for military use.

Although wearing a number plate issued the previous decade, this Champ was first registered for road use with the DVLA during 1982. Presumed to have been de-mobbed the same year, the Austin entered the current ownership in 1991 and was seemingly taken off the road not long afterwards (its last tax disc expired 01/01/1993). Fitted with replacement front and rear seats at some stage and sporting a correct type canvas tilt plus a dash-mounted fire extinguisher and rear-mounted fuel can, the 4x4 is now in need of recommissioning / restoration. MOT exempt, ‘BHL 597K’ is offered with an original user handbook and current V5C document.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760