Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR1953 Austin Champ No Reserve Registration No: 6333 UN Chassis No: 3023 MOT: Exempt An older restoration that still presents well Offered with history file and current V5c document Iconic British Army military vehicle After the success of America’s Jeep in the Second World War, the British Army was eager to have a multi-purpose light truck of its own. In spite of competition from the Nuffield Organisation, Austin was awarded the contract to build 15, 000 vehicles from a former aircraft factory at Cofton Hackett, on the outskirts of the Longbridge works, which was specially adapted for the purpose. Built from 1951 to 1957, Champs were quite unlike anything Austin had attempted previously. A four-wheel-drive quarter-ton truck, it utilised the straight-four, 2838cc Rolls-Royce B40 engine. The Rolls-Royce B-series engines were developed specially for use in British Army vehicles and, in their various guises, also powered the Daimler Ferret, Humber Pig and six-wheeled Alvis’. Although a civilian version of the Champ was offered, the vast majority were built for military use. Champ was actually the civilian name; officially the military version was the less catchy ‘Truck, ¼ Ton, 4x4, CT, Austin MkI’. Of the military vehicles, almost all were used as either basic cargo trucks or wireless vehicles. More information to follow. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door. Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).