Article on the Austin Champ
Bill shared this article from Silodome on the Austin Champ. It included the below video.
Bill shared this article from Silodome on the Austin Champ. It included the below video.
UPDATE: Bill notes that the starting price dropped on this one. Now there’s a bid of $1000 on it.
Bill shared this rare Austin Champ. It seems a fair price, but the cost of parts is the killers on these.
View all the information on ebay
“1958 Austin Champ British Jeep
The Austin Champ is powered by a 64hp Rolls Royce gasoline engine with a 5-speed gearbox (forward and reverse), and a clutch for 4-wheel drive option. It has 4-wheel independent suspension with double a-frames and torsion bar. The fasteners are British standard — Whitworth, the same as early British motorcycles. This vehicle has river fording capabilities. The Champ had sophisticated generating systems for field operations.
This vehicle was operable until early 90’s, and then it started to require more work than there was time for. This vehicle is being offered with an additional engine (that was purchased new from the UK in the early 1990’s), and a set of parts that include carburetor, distributor, etc. The vehicle is currently stored, along with the additional engine, in northern California. This vehicle is currently not running. All paperwork, registration and title. Buyer responsible for relocating vehicle. We can assist you in sorting out details of the shipping if needed.”
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”
UPDATE: Here is what looks to be a Champion Doo-All Roll-Dump trailer for sale for $500. Thanks to Gary for spotting it. Gary contacted the seller and he is willing to transport it to Gary’s place for $50 in case anyone might be interested in this rare trailer.
https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tro/d/saugerties-side-dump-mining-trailer/7542727821.html
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I can find no date for this Champion Company Doo-All ‘Jeep” Trailer brochure. Give only CJ-2As are shown, I initially thought this was published around 1948. However, the lack of Jeep wagons or trucks may indicate the brochure was published earlier than that. The from number is S-3-T.
This first 8″x11.5″ page is the front page:
The brochure opens horizontally to review a second page.
The right page opens horizontally again, to reveal a trip-fold:
This is the back of the brochure:
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”
Nice shot.
View all the information on eBay
“as shown … … approx 6 x 8 .. … vintage original authentic press photo ( most are Army radiotelephoto from Acme Newspictures ) … date listed is transmission date … most of these are not perfect ..some are a little blurry… some are sharp.. they may have bends and minor damage from poor storage .. please use the pictures to see the actual condition .”
This 1948 brochure indicates the Champion post hole digger (aka an Earth Auger) was manufactured by the Southwest Equipment Company out of Los Angeles, California. According to a 1948 filing, the company was operated by Kenneth J. Browne.
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”
Will need some work.
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/pts/d/champlin-47-cj-2a/6995047386.html
“47 cj 2 a chevy v 6 runs but not great has all running gear , Body in really good shape for its age frame is in great shape 2850.00 or best offer (IT NEEDS TO GO )”
We’ve stopped in Champaign for the night. Just as we entered the city, a storm arrived. By the time we found the statute of movie critic Roger Ebert, which sits outside the Virginia theater in Champaign, Illinois (now showing John Wayne in Red River), sheets of rain could be seen and gnarly clouds were everywhere. We saw lightening and heard the thunder that followed. Thankfully, there was no rain falling on us. All three of us thought it made for a great storm, worthy of three thumbs up!!
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $650.
If the top is in good enough shape, there’s definitely value here.
“Jeep ran when parked. This Willys Jeep has an aftermarket hard top, possibly by Kaiser. Jeep is complete and pictures tell the story. Obviously going to need a trailer to get it home, help loading might be available. All the parts you need for CJ 5 in a handy dandy Willys Jeep CJ5 package. Text or call with any questions or to set up a time to view this beautiful vehicle”
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.
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!