This photo shows a typical Pre-Production Truck 1/4 ton 4x4 Combat Truck Austin "Champ".

I have come across two such vehicles in 27 years of "Champing".

One was Chassis SP 201, Ministry Of Supply/FVRDE Registration unknown. The vehicle was used after release by a boat company on the south coast of England until circa 1970. It was rotten! No floors etc.... This very interesting vehicle was broken up in 1975.

Another was seen by me(John) in Wiltshire in 1979. The fate of this one is unknown.
No chassis or registration plates were to be found.

Notice the lack of Pioneer Tools brackets, the crude sidescreens, and the smaller wheels and tyres [6.50-16] found also on early production models.

Main differences from production models:

The dash was similar to the production model but was not as refined. The rev counter recorded the RPM in the same way that the speedometer recorded the miles. The torsion bars used 3 bolts instead of two to attach themselves to wishbones on the axles. The steering wheel was aluminium. The fuel filter was mounted in front of tank, the production model still carried the 3 holes [in a triangle] on cross member. The rear body panel was rectangular instead of triangular as on production model. The Generator Panel was fitted in front of driver's seat instead of passenger seat. The brake fluid reservoir was under the driver; s seat. Cables from Distribution Box to Gen Panel ran under the prop shaft and under the Forward/reverse lever. The rear axle breather was on the back of the transfer box.

The Austin Champ Register Home Page

The Austin Champ Register website is produced from information gathered from around the world.

You can contact us via email to make comments suggestions or to add your Champ to the Register.
Stuart Reid's email is stuartreid@onyx.fsworld.co.uk
John Mastrangelo's email is AUSTYCHAMP@aol.com

or snail mail Stuart Reid 1 Abbey Mews, Hillesley Road, Kingswood, Wotton under Edge, Gloucestershire, England. GL12 8SH
John Mastrangelo Springfield Farm, Vinney Lane, Horton, Nr Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire, England. BS37 6PE


This page was created by Malcolm on 23.6.1998