| Chassis: | WN1 11023 |
| Condition: | 1 |
| WO Reg: | 10 BF 23 |
| Engine: | Originally 62754 which John replaced with a new unit in August 1978 Serial No 5862. |
| DiS: | 20 December 1955 at Feltham WO Vehicle Depot in the county of Middlesex |
| RV: | 20 December 1955 at Feltham WO Vehicle Depot in the county of Middlesex FTM/R/5719/182 . "FTM"= Feltham. |
| Struck Off: | Branston WO Vehicle Depot in the county of Staffordshire on 6 December 1966. |
| Sold: | Branston 10 May 1967 Lot 600 , again 14 September 1967 Lot 1294. to a Mr Adams for £ 52. Purchased by John Mastrangelo on 31 May 1972 for £ 55. |
| Civ Reg: | |
| Location: | South Gloucestershire, UK. |
| Owner: | John Mastrangelo |
| History: | War Office Registration 10 BF 23, Chassis WN1-11023, Truck 1/4 ton 4x4 CT Austin FFW. Last Champ registered in 1955. Manufactured: November 1955. 14/9/98: removed engine and replaced sump. refitted engine. Time taken: 1hour. Still have to refit the pipes etc |
More pictures of 11023
TRUCK 1/4 TON, 4X4, "COMBAT", AUSTIN "CHAMP", FV 1801 SERIES.
Background:
Part of new Post-WW II range
of British Army "Combat Truck" [CT] vehicles.
Government design and assembled by Austin. "CT" range
was re-classed as General Service, [GS] during 1958, and the "CT"
Project was terminated due to costs. Only three vehicles were
produced as "CT":
[A] Truck 1/4 ton, 4x4, Austin "Champ".[FV 1800]
[B] Truck 1 ton, 4x4 , Humber. [FV 1600]
[C] Truck 10 ton, 6x6, Leyland "Martian". [FV 1100]
Austin "Champ" production: from January 1952
to May 1956, total, all models: 12991.
Three
versions manufactured in quantity, most were WN-1:
WN-1:
Military, 24 volts, waterproofed, "Rolls-Royce" engine
unit.[B40 engine]
WN-2: Military, 24 volts,
waterproofed, "Austin" engine unit. [A90 engine]. Very
very rare !
WN-3: Civilian, 12 volts, "Austin"
engine unit. [A90 engine]. Very rare !
British Army use:
Only one contract:
6 Veh 5531, dated 1 August 1951. Final total was 11732.
All were WN-1.Details: 8212 "Cargo"
models at £ 1200 each, and 3520 Fitted for Wireless
at £ 1300 each.
History of this vehicle: War Office Registration 10 BF 23
Manufactured during November 1955 and despatched the following month from Austin to War Office Vehicle Depot at Feltham in Middlesex, receipt voucher No FTM/R/5719/182.
Registered as "10 BF 23" on 20 December 1955 by War Office, last Champ registered in 1955
Became the transport of Colonel Richard Keith-James, commanding officer of the 4th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, 7th Armoured Division in Germany until 1958. The vehicle is marked as such. During 1958 the 4th RHA and 2nd RHA became part of the 4th Infantry Division, still in Germany. They were the 2nd Field Regiment Royal Artillery of the division.
During 1962, the 4th RHA became plain RA and one of its battery was sent to the new
7th RHA [Airborne] in the UK. "10 BF 23" returned to the UK and was assigned to 289th Parachute Light Regiment RHA Territorial Army of the 44th Independent Parachute Brigade . Struck off Army service census on 5th December 1966 at Branston in Staffordshire and sold on 14th September 1967 at Branston for £ 52 to a Mr Adams as lot No 1294. Civilian registered in late 1967, number lost. Derelict in Bristol, [1968], sold for £ 30 to a boy aged 8. Purchased by me from "boy" on 31st May 1972 for £ 55.
Registered as "NDD 470 M" on 1st August 1973.
NOTES:
The locking fuel cap and indicators/stop lights were fitted in Germany by Army in 1956 to comply with German traffic laws. The Wireless set is a No 19 Mk 3 and is the type fitted in this vehicle during 1956. This Champ is a Fitted for Wireless [FFW] model.
The engine is a Rolls-Royce assembled unit manufactured in June 1956, fitted by me in 1978.
Fuel consumption can vary from 8 mpg to 20 mpg depending on conditions.
From my experience of using my Champ WN1-11023,
I can add the following comments: re repairs
[a] The exhaust system experienced a un-usual number of failures. I have found that this true, the system seems to break easily.
[b] The front U/J wearing. Again, this is true. I have replaced mine twice over the years. The other U/J seem to last.
[c] Brake adjustment is often required, but shoes wear well. Again true, I have found that the brakes can be prone to needing frequent adjustments.
[d] The contact points were replaced often. However, it is not stated if adjustment was tried first. I have found the points to last very well.
[e] The rear axle crown wheel bolts were replaced. A EMER modification was issued on this for Army Units.
[f] Tyres often needed replacing. This is very true !! The front tyres wear very badly. I have tried different tyres.
Conclusion:
I have done 70,000 miles in my Champ in 26 years. Not a lot, but the cost of petrol !!!
I have suffered the following failures:
[a] Front U/J x 2.
[b] Tyres wearing.
[c] Two Speed Generator oil leak and pulley bolts shearing off. Generator
Panel Voltage Regulator requiring adjustment.
[d] Needle bearing in top of Transfer box failure.
[e] Water pump failure.
[f] Master cylinder seals failure [while moving !!]
[g] Front shock mounts [top] cracking. EMER mod introduced in 1950's on this.
[h] Fuel Gauge sender unit failure, and dash gauge requiring repair.
[i] Front Pinion Dog Clutch Bronze Bush failure. Replaced, if not this can lead to complete axle, front and rear problems.
[j] Rust !
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