emailNeed to contact me and don't have my email? Click on email button.
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.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example.
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.
Looking for parts and not sure where to go? There are a variety of large and small new and used parts sellers both online and offline.
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 .
UPDATE: Now on Facebook. Was on eBay.
(08/01/2022) Bill forwarded this project Austin champ.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5442688349193746
“British military vehicle Austin Champ, 1958, 4 x 4 jeep, 4-cylinder Rolls Royce engine with additional engine, 5-speed transmission, right hand drive, 24V system, fold out windshield, located in California, price does not include shipping”
I don’t think that the terms “Austin Champ” and “easy project” should ever be used in the same sentence. I’ve never seen one of these trailers for sale. Thanks to Bill for the link.
https://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/cto/d/franklin-austin-champ/7546177154.html
“Austin Champ 1951 to 1956 British jeep with very rare trailer motor turns not running easy project has Rolls Royce motor first $7000 takes them”
Lots of work and money to restore these.
https://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/d/elmira-1954-austin-champ/7539391146.html
“1954 Austin Champ
This British military vehicle was imported to the US after it was decommissioned in the 60’s.
The original Rolls Royce B40 engine is not seized and is complete. Engine is assembled with UNF fasteners (embossed on the valve cover).
The tires are in good shape.
Missing windshield, front seats, and lights. The differential has been disassembled.
Included is the following parts I have purchased for this vehicle:
Continue reading
Not sure how much value is here.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/286852552875900
“Very old Austin champ, ran when parked, owner pass many years ago. Year n kind unknown”
It will take plenty of work and money to get this going again.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/474304446903503
“This is an ex-British Army Austin Champ. Built in 1954 it served in an ordinance regiment up until 1967 when it was sold off by the queens royal army. Its fairly complete. It is fitted with a Rolls Royce B40 engine that has a full water proofing kit fitted. Its a 5 speed transmission with a selectable high low and reverse tranfercase. Im looking for $2000 or best offer.”
ausUnique jeep, but expensive to get parts.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/363721668253756
“1953 Austin Champ 4 wheel drive project right hand drive very rare made in England 5 forward and five reverse gears complete vehicle Motor is free engine sealed against water Car is in Milton wv 25541”
Looks in good shape.
https://www.racingjunk.com/Austin/184065608/1952-Austin.html
“This particular Champ starts, runs and drives extremely well with the working four forward and reverse gears which is pretty fun to drive. Another cool thing which makes it nice is the full syncromesh transmission unlike the Jeep counterparts. This would make a great parade or cottage vehicle
The Austin Champ was a Military and Civilian Jeep like vehicle made in the 1950’s. The Military versions were known by Truck, ¼ ton, CT, 4×4, Cargo, FFW and Mk1. After about 30 prototypes were built they decided on what you see here. Most of these vehicles went to the British Military hence the FFW stands for Fitted For Wireless or Remote radio communications.
These were also quite unique because of the indestructible Rolls Royce 4-Cylinder engines that were made for these. Another unique feature is the fact that these engines were basically water-proof. This technology also proved to be extremely expensive too complex and limited to just cross country travel which it was extremely capable of. In-fact, it cost way more than the Land Rovers that were being built for the same thing..”
Looks like a fair price. The seller saved this from a crusher.
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/sacramento-austin-champ-jeep-4×4/7224973471.html
“Truck, 1/4 ton, CT, 4×4, Cargo & FFW, Austin Champ right side drive made in England
VIN. WN1 2515 / Chassis No. 2515 / Vehicle No. 25 BE 15 / Contract No. 6/VEH/5531
Manufacturer: Austin Motor Company
Also called: FV1801(a), WN1, WN2, WN3
Production: 1 September 1951 – May 1956
Body & Chassis: Four-seat “Jeep”-style tub ¼ ton 4X4
Engine: 2838 cc 80 hp (60 kW) I4 petrol
Dimensions: Length: 3.66 m (12 ft) / Width: 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) / Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 1½ in)
The engine is a four-cylinder in-line petrol unit of 2838 cc capacity (3.5-inch-diameter (89 mm) pistons × 4.5-inch (110 mm) stroke) designed by Rolls Royce and was the smallest of the standardized B-Range military engines
No title, bill of sale only. May consider trades.
Saved from the crusher looking for a good home.”
Not a whole lot of value here. Might be worth it for a parts vehicle for another Champ.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/708802280049136/
“50’s British jeep they were made from 1951-1956 It has been sitting for years I do not know if it will run it is a full project. Sold as is $1200”
A rare running Austin Champ.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/318681092464977/
“English Jeep ,great condition new tyres”
Maybe it has some parts value.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/786898508470675/
“Awesome piece of history, 80% of the parts are there. Missing the rear end. Has the 4 cylinder original Rolls Royce engine fully intact. Great find for someone looking to restore one of these. It is a lien sale and will come with paperwork. Located near the San Jose Airport”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4500.
Blaine shared these Champs for sale. One even runs!
“Selling 2 1954 Austin Champs 4×4
The green with Black wheels $4500
Runs smooth
Has a title CA Pink slip
Nice tires
Has rust under battery compartment
Has snorkel kit. Can go in 6ft of water
Brakes are not working, I will try and get them working this week
The tan wheel $1200
Does not run
No title
Has some rust
Body rough
No front seats
Missing glass
Rear end taken apart
They are located close to Sunriver, OR Willing to trade for Motorcycle or small foreign car or pickup.”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $3000. A Sale is pending.
Looks solid. Parts aren’t cheap for these.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/696682680864368/
“Right hand drive needs restored 90 percent complete. Bill of sale not been titled. no trades ”
UPDATE: There are now several photos on eBay that were taken during the testing of the Austin Champ.
1. Photo of prototype Champ from the passenger side.
“Motor car jeep. Size of photo 8″ x 10.3”
2. Photo of an Austin Champ prototype from the front.
“Motor car jeep. Size of photo 8.1″ x 10.2″ 1950-07-26”
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”
