LOT 146
1954 Austin Champ 4x4
Estimate: £12,000 - £16,000Lot to be sold without reserve
Lot 146
1954 Austin Champ 4x4
Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|13 September 2025, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood
1954 Austin Champ 4x4
• Iconic British Army military vehicle
• Owned and restored by marque expert Pat Ware
• Offered with a large history file
Inspired by the wartime Jeep and built, but not designed, by Austin, the Champ lightweight four-wheel-drive military vehicle entered production in 1951. Austin's major customer was the British Army, for whom the 'quarter-ton 4x4 combat truck' was manufactured in two main types: cargo and wireless-equipped, though there were various conversion kits for other duties. Power was supplied by a 2.8-litre Rolls-Royce B40 four-cylinder petrol engine, while all-round independent suspension made for excellent handling both on and off road. Unusually, the transmission boasted a central transfer gearbox with separate lever that enabled all five forward speeds to be selected in reverse. Around 11,700 Champs were manufactured between 1951 and 1956 for the British Army, with another 1,200-or-so going to other customers, including the Australian Army.
This Austin Champ presents as one of the most complete and historically significant Champs in existence, having served in Famagusta, Cyprus with the 1st Battalion Royal Leicestershire regiment, 51st Infantry Brigade. Following service, it was then owned and restored by the UK's leading authority on Austin Champs - Pat Ware - Author of the book 'Quarter Ton - The story of 4x4 Utility vehicles in British Military Service' where this particular vehicle also features.
Offered with a large history file, including photographs of the Champ in active service; a copy of 'Quarter Ton' (in which the car features); numerous invoices; Ministry of Defence documents; the original service scroll; and multiple technical handbooks.
• Owned and restored by marque expert Pat Ware
• Offered with a large history file
Inspired by the wartime Jeep and built, but not designed, by Austin, the Champ lightweight four-wheel-drive military vehicle entered production in 1951. Austin's major customer was the British Army, for whom the 'quarter-ton 4x4 combat truck' was manufactured in two main types: cargo and wireless-equipped, though there were various conversion kits for other duties. Power was supplied by a 2.8-litre Rolls-Royce B40 four-cylinder petrol engine, while all-round independent suspension made for excellent handling both on and off road. Unusually, the transmission boasted a central transfer gearbox with separate lever that enabled all five forward speeds to be selected in reverse. Around 11,700 Champs were manufactured between 1951 and 1956 for the British Army, with another 1,200-or-so going to other customers, including the Australian Army.
This Austin Champ presents as one of the most complete and historically significant Champs in existence, having served in Famagusta, Cyprus with the 1st Battalion Royal Leicestershire regiment, 51st Infantry Brigade. Following service, it was then owned and restored by the UK's leading authority on Austin Champs - Pat Ware - Author of the book 'Quarter Ton - The story of 4x4 Utility vehicles in British Military Service' where this particular vehicle also features.
Offered with a large history file, including photographs of the Champ in active service; a copy of 'Quarter Ton' (in which the car features); numerous invoices; Ministry of Defence documents; the original service scroll; and multiple technical handbooks.
Saleroom notices
Please note that this lot has been withdrawn.
Additional information
Auction Viewings
- 12 September 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 13 September 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
