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Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
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The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
There are plenty of interesting, unusual, historic and surprising stories related to Jeeps and their owners. In addition, some of these features have nothing to do with jeeps. This link will display all featured stories starting from the latest.
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Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
Rare Austin Champ for sale.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1501548290037874/
“1952 Austin champ , ex English military , rolls Royce engine , new tires 5 forward gears and 5 reverse gears , in the process of getting CA plates”
As I’ve mentioned, I once made the ‘mistake’ of buying three Austin Champ fixer-uppers to save them from being crushed. Despite that experience, I joined the Austin Champ group, as sometimes I find Champs for sale and post the links on the site.
The other day someone posted a 1955 ad for the Champ Firefly, which was a type of fire engine built on the Champ chassis. I’d never heard of them, so thought folks might find these ads interesting.
Here’s a an actual Austin Champ NSL 418 Firefly Fire Engine:
Found this on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/buzzer999/7609146360
The next three ads were all listed on this site: https://www.aviationancestry.co.uk/?searchQuery=Fire+Armour&startYear=1909&endYear=1980
The first two ads, from 1954, are for Champ Firefly Airfield Crash Trucks:
This 1955 ad is for Fire-fighting. I’ve yet to see pics of one of these restored.
This prototype looks a bit different from the finished version.
View all the information on eBay
“1950 Press Photo Jeep Developed by British, Bagshot Heath, England. This is an original press photo. A new 80 horsepower jeep, developed by the British, was demonstrated recently at Bagshot Heath, England. Larger than the standard model, the new vehicle is specially equipped for beach landings. The engine will run underwater. England, army, defense, equipment. Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches. Photo is dated 08-10-1950.”
UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $7750
(08/27/2018) Seems like a pretty good price.
“1950 Austin Champ 4×4 British Military Jeep, 4 Cylinder Rolls Royce Motor, 5 Speed Transmission, 24V System, Right Hand Drive, Very Original, New Correct Brown Upholstery Seat Covers, Fold Out Windshield, Runs Very Well, Capable Of Road Speeds, Dedicated Club And Parts Source $7750”
Given this doesn’t run, Id be careful spending more than $2000 on it. Parts are hard to find and expensive (I owned three at one point). There is a FB page for Champ owners.
“1952-62 not entirely sure of model year, Austin Champ. England’s attempt at making copy of the Willys jeep. 7spds forward + 7 in reverse. 9000 original miles. Right hand drive. 4 cylinder Rolls Royce engine. 24v system, 4 wheel independent suspension. antique fisher plow. one of very, very few here in the U.S. This thing will go like a tank. $4000 or best offer.”
https://nh.craigslist.org/ctd/d/austin-champ-jeep-ultra-rare/6400356889.html
It’s rough.
“A British Army keep for someone to fix up. No title not running sell or trade”
It’s an expensive project. This is in a condition similar to a couple others I bought.
“Selling a very early (one of the first 500) Austin Champs. This has been a California car for many years and has been off the road since 1978. It still has its original black and yellow license plates. This would be a great project. It is complete with its original engine, and spares.”
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5811619744.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Were on eBay.
“Pair Austin Champs British Military Jeeps
HUGE amount of extra parts.
This auction is for both jeeps, all parts, books, etc.
One looks to be 1960 and one looks to be a 1962.
As you can see one is in a little better shape than the other.
NOT RUNNING. Both Rolls Royce engines intact. Looks like all drive trains intact.
The engine turned on the one in better condition as the fan was turning when we towed it out and it was in gear, so the motor is free on that one. We are pretty sure they other motor will turn as well.
These are rugged old units.
A lot of various parts included. All books look to be original.
Have extra front fenders, a complete windshield unit, and steering wheel and column not pictured.
Also have extra drive train parts.
These are pick up only. Bring a big trailer. Probably 2 pallets of parts.
We can assist with loading. All arrangements up to winning bidder.
Don’t ask us to part these out. You get everything!!
These are outside. They will remain there until picked up. Parts are stored inside.
I added what pics I could. If you want more or specifics ask.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was in Sweden for Around $5700.
Oscar spotted this Austin Champ for sale in Sweden. Looks like it might be a good price (if it runs).
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
Not many of photos of Austin Champs pop up as good as this.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
An original running Austin Champ? That’s a miracle!
“A rare opportunity to own a piece of motoring history! This is a truly rare truck.
Very original and unrestored austin champ, nice and almost rustfree condition, runs and drive very good without problems.paint is decent but not perfect, complete with softtop, for more info please contact us.
This version of the Champ is built and used an Austin A90 Atlantic motor”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $500.
(07/26/2013) This is pretty rough. Hard to get inexpensive parts for these.
“I have a austin champ
Very rare vehicle, only 15000 made total
They were made in the uk so there is only a handfull in the us
It has a rolls royce 4 cyl mk2
And a 5 speed transmission
5 forward gears and 5 reverse gears, goes same speed in reverse as driving
This is a pretty rough unit, but does have great potential
It has flat tires
Does not run but motor is free, it has a 24v system
Has gun holsters, shovel bracket, pick ax bracket
You wont find to many of these around here
Not in any hurry to sell, the value is going up daily on this item
Restored ones can bring up to 50k”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was Make Offer.
Another sad Austin Champ.
“51 austin champ. british millitary jeep looking thing. right hand drive. motor rolls over by hand. tires are shot. its a bit beat but it is restorable. only thing mechanical thats missing is the coil. has the bow for the soft top. make an offer. if it doesnt sell its going to scrap. text or call works best. 54I 27O 6I26. email works but i dont check it every day”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6000.
“1960 Austin Champ British Military vehicle. Licensed in CA. Complete except no canvas top. Rolls Royce 4-cylinder motor. Right-hand drive. Please see photos for condition. Vehicle is located at Modern Specialist Inc. German Auto Repair at 6190 Cherry Ave Long Beach. Call or visit if you need more information”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was Make Offer
“this is a 1956 English jeep project
right hand drive
texas title
engine and running gear intact
I was going to pull the body and drop it on something else…it’s now being used as field art, a conversation piece while beer drinking and a photo prop for red necks”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8500
(08/23/2012) This might not be a bad price. One of these looks in pretty good shape.
“Very rare Jeep, 4×4 or 2×4, Austin Champ, 24Volts, everything water proof, four independent wheels heavy duty, 4 cylinder in line Rolls Royce. I have two ready to be restore, unfortunately I have no place and time to work on it. Both are in great shape, both engines are free, and one of them did runs.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000
This Austin Champ is rough.
“I have a austin champ. Very rare vehicle, only 15000 made total
They were made in the uk so there is only a handfull in the us
It has a rolls royce 4 cyl mk2
And a 5 speed transmission
5 forward gears and 5 reverse gears, goes same speed in reverse as driving
This is a pretty rough unit, but does have great potential
It has flat tires
Does not run but motor is free, it has a 24v system
Has gun holsters, shovel bracket, pick ax bracket
You wont find to many of these around here
Not in any hurry to sell, the value is going up daily on this item
Restored ones can bring up to 50k”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $29000
As a former owner of three of these, I can attest to their lack of value.
“Austin was commissioned to build the Champ to replace WWII Willys Jeeps in the British Military service. It is powered by a modular Rolls-Royce engine that produces 80 horsepower. The engine is linked to a 5 speed synchromesh transmission that has no integral reverse gear, drive being taken by the propshaft to a rear transaxle which incorporated a reverse mechanism that acted on all five ratios and is controlled by a separate lever. The suspension is fully independent double wishbones with a longitudinal torsion bar and telescopic hydraulic damper at all four wheels.
Recently, over $8,000 was spent replacing all the axle seals and gaskets for the front and rear differentials. The front and rear shocks were also replaced and the entire undercarriage and suspension was cleaned, undercoated, and detailed.]”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
(03/03/2011) This is the nicest Champ I’ve ever seen.
“UP4AUCTION hosted by Discover Classic Cars is very pleased to offer you this 1963 AUSTIN CHAMP JEEP! This a rather rare vehicle, these were the civilian versions of the British combat vehicles. This has 12,130 ACTUAL miles and will definitely cause heads to turn wherever you show up in it. This is not a daily driver and is not built for highway driving. Normal speed is roughly 30mph and its maximum speed is 60mph at 3,700rpm. This Champ will also ford to a depth of 1 foot 6 inches.
The temperature gauge is in-op presently, Red main indicator light is burned out and the hand brake is in need of an adjustment.
Finished in Maroon with Blue fenders, the exterior of this Austin shows well. There are a few blemishes in the paint, please view the photographs below or call us for additional details. The White vinyl removable soft top and doors are in very good condition. The Maroon vinyl seats are in good condition, there is minor wear present and a tear on the inside of the passenger seat. The carpeting also shows minor wear just so you’re aware. Please view all of the photographs below or call us for details….”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.
Well, I do have some experience buying and selling these .. lol.
“I have a 1967 Austin Champ British Military Jeep that I wanted to restore, but I can’t seem to find the time or money! It has a 4 cylinder Rolls Royce engine, and is a left hand drive 4 wheel drive. It would make a great Christmas gift to someone who could restore it. I’m asking $2500 or best offer. Call me with questions:”
This truly deserves a longer story, but the coffee shop will close soon and I need to eat & to get back on the road to Boise. A Big THANKS to Josh for alerting me to this opportunity!
Yes, tonight I bought 3 Austin Champs. It turns out one of them is a Royal Marines RN Champ. There are only 3 of these know in existence (it’s the gray one). You can see some big pics here.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000
It doesn’t have the original drive train, but still cool.
“THIS IS FOR A REAL NEAT 4X4 IT IS RIGHT HAND STEERING. IT IS PAINTE O D GREEN. ENGINE AND TRANS HAS BEEN SWAPED FOR A PINTO SETUP BUT IS STILL 4 WHEEL DRIVE.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000
As I discussed in this post, the original jeep was possibly based on the Austin 7. Here’s a later model Austin, of which I’ve only seen one other for sale in two years. A spare Austin Champ is also available.
“1953 Austin Champ Runs and drives. Mechanically sound and ready for cosmetic restoration this is serial #10515. Does contain the Rolls-Royce engine. For those interested please look at http://www.austinchamp.com/ for more info and specs. Also available for increased $$ is parts spare that is cosmetically better but not running.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000
Brian forwarded this ad to me. I’ve never knew these existed. According to Wikipedia, these were built from 1951 – 1956 and were excellent cross country vehicles, apparently surpassing the capabilities of the Land Rover. However, though the Land Rover could only do 80% of what the Champ could do, the Land Rover cost much less to produce, so the Champ contract was eventually cancelled. Interestingly, the Champ had a 5 speed synchromesh tranny with reverse adapted to the rear drive line apart from the tranny, so that the Champ could do 5 speeds backwards as well. Finally, the Champ had no transfercase, instead the driveline went to the rear differential and then there was a takeoff to the front differential (which had a clutch to control 2wd/4wd mode). These would make a very interesting project.”
Jon share this ad of an aspiring music student selling these Dinky toys. This is the closest I want to come to owning an Austin Champ again!
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2344965485825787/
