1953 Austin Champ
No Reserve

Registration No: 6333 UN
Chassis No: 3023
MOT: Exempt

• An older restoration that still presents well
• Offered with a history file and current V5C
• Iconic British Army military vehicle of the 1950s

After the success of America’s Jeep in the Second World War, the British Army was eager to have a multi-purpose light truck of its own. In spite of competition from the Nuffield Organisation, Austin was awarded the contract to build 15,000 vehicles from a former aircraft factory at Cofton Hackett, on the outskirts of the Longbridge works, which was specially adapted for the purpose. Built from 1951 to 1957, Champs were quite 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. 'Champ' was actually the civilian name; officially the military version was the less catchy ‘Truck, ¼ Ton, 4x4, CT, Austin MkI’. Of the military vehicles, almost all were used as either basic cargo trucks or wireless vehicles. They were a very well built, quality vehicle and very comfortable when compared to the Jeeps and Land Rovers of the era.

Somewhat smarter than the usual ex-military vehicle, this Champ is understood to have been refurbished by a Rolls-Royce director in his own bodyshop. Still sporting an authentic bridge plate, sill-mounted shovel and NATO antenna mounts, the way in which British Army registration numbers were typically derived from chassis numbers suggests that the Austin bore the number plate ’30 BE 23’ whilst on active service. Treated to a new hood and upholstery as part of its prior restoration, the 4x4 is said to have been regularly serviced and maintained during the current seven-year ownership. Receipts on file relate to a new starter motor, carburettor repair kit and exhaust (2018), replacement fuel pump (2020, £195.85), servicing 2021 (£384.98) and brake fettling / fresh fluid (2024, £352.28). Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file.

For more information, please contact:
Luke Hipkiss
luke.hipkiss@handh.co.uk
07886398226