17th Mar, 2024 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle March 2024 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1956 Austin Champ
***NO RESERVE***Genuine barn find with New Old Stock Rolls-Royce B40 engine
Registration - 15BF69
Chassis No. - WNI11569
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 29,432
This characterful and highly-original Champ first rolled off the Austin Longbridge production line in 1956, before being accepted by the Army’s receiving depot at Church Broughton and issued with Army registration ‘15BF69’, entering service on 8th March 1956. The Austin Champ is presented in original military livery, with green bodywork, seat frames, and hood struts, as well as exterior-mounted spade and pick-axe. A ‘FFW’ (Fitted For Wireless) Champ, the Austin was specified by the Army to be fitted with a two-speed generator and extra wiring, to enable the mounting of a radio set. Struck off the Army census in 1967, it has been dry-stored for many years by the vendor, and this barn-find is also offered with both a trailer, and a new-old stock crate Rolls-Royce B40 engine. Bearing chassis-number WN1-11569, the Champ currently shows 29,432 miles on the odometer, and has not been registered for use outside of military service before. The vendor presently classes the bodywork and running gear as ‘below average’, though the crate engine as ‘excellent’. What will surely be a very rewarding project, this Austin Champ offers the perfect chance to obtain an alternative to the more common Jeeps and Land Rovers as a ‘go-anywhere’ military classic.
Inspired by the ubiquitous American Jeep, the Champ was a British military vehicle designed immediately post WWII and manufactured from 1951 to 1956, at which point it was supplanted by the cheaper Land Rover. The lightweight 4x4 was powered by an Austin-built Rolls-Royce-designed four-cylinder petrol engine of 2838cc. Ultimately only 11,732 of the contracted 15,000 Champs were produced, all of which had been moved from front line army service to the territorial Army by the mid ‘60s, and were then sold into the private domain from 1968. Though their service life was curtailed by cost, they boasted impressive cross-country capabilities and could even touch 50mph in reverse – something neither the Jeep nor Land Rover could match.
In summary:
- An ideal project, the Champ hasn’t been registered since leaving the Army books in 1967
- Comes with a trailer, and new-old crate Rolls-Royce B40 engine
- Currently displaying a total mileage of 29,432
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £2,250
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - 15BF69
Chassis No. - WNI11569
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 29,432
This characterful and highly-original Champ first rolled off the Austin Longbridge production line in 1956, before being accepted by the Army’s receiving depot at Church Broughton and issued with Army registration ‘15BF69’, entering service on 8th March 1956. The Austin Champ is presented in original military livery, with green bodywork, seat frames, and hood struts, as well as exterior-mounted spade and pick-axe. A ‘FFW’ (Fitted For Wireless) Champ, the Austin was specified by the Army to be fitted with a two-speed generator and extra wiring, to enable the mounting of a radio set. Struck off the Army census in 1967, it has been dry-stored for many years by the vendor, and this barn-find is also offered with both a trailer, and a new-old stock crate Rolls-Royce B40 engine. Bearing chassis-number WN1-11569, the Champ currently shows 29,432 miles on the odometer, and has not been registered for use outside of military service before. The vendor presently classes the bodywork and running gear as ‘below average’, though the crate engine as ‘excellent’. What will surely be a very rewarding project, this Austin Champ offers the perfect chance to obtain an alternative to the more common Jeeps and Land Rovers as a ‘go-anywhere’ military classic.
Inspired by the ubiquitous American Jeep, the Champ was a British military vehicle designed immediately post WWII and manufactured from 1951 to 1956, at which point it was supplanted by the cheaper Land Rover. The lightweight 4x4 was powered by an Austin-built Rolls-Royce-designed four-cylinder petrol engine of 2838cc. Ultimately only 11,732 of the contracted 15,000 Champs were produced, all of which had been moved from front line army service to the territorial Army by the mid ‘60s, and were then sold into the private domain from 1968. Though their service life was curtailed by cost, they boasted impressive cross-country capabilities and could even touch 50mph in reverse – something neither the Jeep nor Land Rover could match.
In summary:
- An ideal project, the Champ hasn’t been registered since leaving the Army books in 1967
- Comes with a trailer, and new-old crate Rolls-Royce B40 engine
- Currently displaying a total mileage of 29,432
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle March 2024 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 17th Mar, 2024
Our March auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 16th March,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 17th March, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
