1955 Austin Champ

This Champ previously belonged to the man who owned the UK’s largest spares dealership for the vehicles. As a result it has had every conceivable thing lavished on it – for example the snorkel and the difficult to find Butler spot light. Both of these are highly prized and sought after by Champ enthusiasts.

The vehicle also has a full set of attachable side screens for foul weather. It has the correct first aid box and water jerry can, and it even has the standard machete knife in its body mounted scabbard. Additionally, there is a wind up five day clock fitted, which the owner has been told is from a Lancaster bomber.

Champs were made in three variants: utility, cargo and radio. This example is the latter and so has 24v electrics with 2 stage alternator for greater umph. The rear passenger bench seat can be folded forwards to reveal a flat platform to mount radio equipment. It could accommodate either Larkspur or Clansman radio sets.

The vehicle is in standard trim, with the only modifications being a discreetly fitted electrical cut out switch (keyed) for security, a cigar lighter type power socket which can be used as a charging port, and the fuel lines across the top of the engine have been lagged to prevent vapour lock caused by modern e-fuels.

Champs were designed to replace the ageing Willys Jeep and are designated by the British military as FV 1800 – Fighting Vehicle. In that role the windscreen drops down and a Bren gun is attached on the front passenger side. The seller has one available by separate agreement, if it is required.

What a fabulous looking vehicle. You don’t see many Champs about and you certainly don’t see many in this kind of condition. It’s a military machine, so don’t expect Rolls Royce levels of shine from the paint, but even so this is as ship shape and Bristol fashion as a Champ gets.

At the same time it has, to our eyes anyway, just the right level of patina to maintain that historic vibe – and it certainly has all the accessories you’d ever want. There aren’t many vehicles that come complete with not just a shovel and a spot light, but also a machete.

The bodywork is in lovely condition, as are the wheels and tyres, which look like they’d happily drag you through the most unforgiving terrain.

Inside and outside are relative concepts with a Champ, as you sit more on it than in it, but even so the seats and dash of this one are in superb order. The passenger seat has its original spec map case and the floor mounted duck boards have been recently renewed. The canvas hood is also in excellent shape.

The Champ’s heritage is very clear in here, the dash is obviously military spec and makes a Land Rover look a bit lightweight – squint and you could be in an aircraft rather than an all-terrain utility vehicle.

You don’t get a Rolls Royce engine in many machines unless they have a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot or wings, but the Champ has the company’s B40 petrol engine under the bonnet. It’s finished in the same pale green colour that you see military spec Meteor V12s and Jag XKs painted in, and looks every inch ready for service.

The underside has a light smattering of mud but is, again, in great condition. There’s a lot of kit crammed into what is actually a small vehicle by modern standards – selectable four wheel drive with a transfer case in the rear axle, plus a five speed all synchromesh gearbox. The Champ has five gears in reverse too.

All four wheels are independently sprung, unlike the live axle equipped Land Rover.

The Champ comes with magazines, parts books and workshop manuals, plus the original buff log book (and a modern V5 equivalent). There are also some historic photographs of the vehicle when it was going through the restoration process.

The owner says:

‘I bought the car because I am a military history buff. The Champ’s good looks and performance potential have always appealed to me. This was the largest Dinky toy I could afford with my pocket money and it’s been much cherished. I unfortunately have developed serious health issues and so am reluctantly having to let the vehicle go. I regret I do not know its military service history.

‘The vehicle has had a full restoration form bare metal upwards. It is absolutely rust free and in sound order. I have used it to attend classic military vehicle rallies and car shows (e.g. Military Odyssey and War & Peace show). It has always turned lots of heads. The accompanying trailer is ideal to transport camping gear etc. It is a modern lightweight extra that has been painted to match the Champ. The trailer has a jockey wheel and is easy to manoeuvre by hand.

‘The vehicle’s overall condition is excellent. The paintwork is standard military deep bronze green gloss which not only looks superb, but also resists mud and crud. It has new hardwood duckboards fitted. The seating upholstery is excellent and includes the map case attached to the front passenger's seat.

‘The vehicle is special by being a superb example of the breed with top spec and fully fettled. It could even be used as an everyday transport. Champs are much rarer than Jeeps or Land Rovers and so tend to stand out from the crowd. They are great fun to drive and very capable off road. The vehicle has its original engine.’

The Champ’s one of those deceptive vehicles – it looks familiar while at the same time being not immediately recognisable. Is it a Jeep or a Land Rover? Neither, obviously – it’s far more exclusive than either, and you can drive it to a classic car show or a military event and there’s a good chance you won’t see another. You won’t see a better one, either way. We estimate that this fine piece of British military history will fetch between £12,000-£16,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.