1952 AUSTIN CHAMP - RARE, GREAT FUN, SAME OWNER 40 YEARS. RARELY SEEN FOR SALE

Yes. it's an AUSTIN CHAMP. Built for a few years only from 1951. the Champ was targeted mainly at the military and was very much a unique vehicle and years ahead of its time. the Rolls-Royce B40 engine. it was a 5-speed vehicle (yes. all those years ago) but - quite remarkably - it could use all five gears moving backwards as well as going forwards. Frightening? You bet. I had a go at reversing in 3rd and it got a bit hairy. I guess an old unused airfield would be good fun though! The Champ's engine was totally water-proofed. so allowing it to drive through 2 metres of water with its snorkel up. They can go just about anywhere and do just about anything. You can use it. as I have done. just cruising around the Dales in 2-wheel drive with free-wheeling hubs. Or you can lock the front wheels on and pull the lever back to 4-wheel drive. In 1st gear it would take a hill. cliff or mountain like a goat! This model is known as the FFW. that it to say Fitted For Wireless. It still has the original Army radio fitted although I know nothing about whether it would work or not! I did have a go at "Broadsword calling Danny Boy" but nothing happened until the Germans came over the hill in hot pursuit and I had to make a swift getaway. In 2-wheel drive this time. She has the big 2660 lump fitted. which is the correct spec in this case. RR were unable to keep up with the demand for supplying Champ engines and so they give Austin permission to make them under licence. The chap I bought her from actually owned her for 41 years. He is ex-Army himself and was a driver/mechanic. In civilian life. he ran his own garage and has always kept the Champ up to standard. Obviously. as a 64-year-old military vehicle. it has seen welding. fabricated sections etc - but everything has been done to a good standard. He was always doing it for his himself after all. It has a brand new canvas cover as well as the two doors which hang on easily and shut properly. The bulk of the fun however is driving her totally stripped as it were (see my photos). Immense fun and rarely do you see them offered for sale. They command high money these days. Have a look on the internet. When I looked recently. there were just two or three! She does everything she should although driving her is an art and I think I have mastered it now. Five gears in both directions etc. However. you will find that the old girl's torque is so amazing that you can pull away in 5th. On the open road. I use just 4th and 5th and tend to pull away in 3rd. As I say. you have to get used to it. I did not actually buy her to sell on. I bought her for myself and I have had terrific fun flying around the country lanes and tracks. I always wanted one and I could not resist the temptation. Sadly. my quest to totally restore an exceptionally ancient Series I Land Rover at the same time is going to have to take priority and so this old girl is going up for sale. I still may change my mind. even at this stage. I accept all major debit/credit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. She is an ancient ex-military vehicle and great fun. She is not a modern day car and does not come with any kind of warranty or assurances. She is what she is. Thanks. Martin (07595-020282).

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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