1st Oct, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1953 Austin Champ
Fully-restored example, complete with spade and pick
Registration - FSK 836
Chassis No - WNI-3062
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 16,946
This splendid, fully restored Champ arguably looks as smart as it would have done on entering army service on June 17, 1953 via the receiving depot at Ashchurch Army Camp near Tewkesbury. ‘FSK 836’ is presented in military livery, with green bodywork, tan vinyl interior trim and green canvas tilt, and is equipped with sturdy Deestone all-terrain tyres, twin rear-mounted radio aerials, tow hook, 20-litre water can, exterior-mounted pickaxe and spade. It is unusual in being equipped with doors – making life a little less challenging when enjoying a military event in inclement weather. The odometer currently shows a total mileage of 16,946, which is evidently supported by the accompanying MOTs, with just 945 covered since 2007. The Austin has been in its current ownership for some 10 years, during which time it’s always been dry-stored. The vendor presently describes the engine, transmission, electrics and interior as ‘excellent’ and the bodywork and paintwork as ‘good’. During its army service the Champ bore the registration 30BE62. It was then rechristened ‘FSK 836’ when demobbed on March 4, 1964.
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:
- A rare example, being equipped with doors
- The low mileage of 16,946 is apparently supported by the MOT history
- Fully restored and ready to enter into service with a new owner
'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 £10,969
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Registration - FSK 836
Chassis No - WNI-3062
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 16,946
This splendid, fully restored Champ arguably looks as smart as it would have done on entering army service on June 17, 1953 via the receiving depot at Ashchurch Army Camp near Tewkesbury. ‘FSK 836’ is presented in military livery, with green bodywork, tan vinyl interior trim and green canvas tilt, and is equipped with sturdy Deestone all-terrain tyres, twin rear-mounted radio aerials, tow hook, 20-litre water can, exterior-mounted pickaxe and spade. It is unusual in being equipped with doors – making life a little less challenging when enjoying a military event in inclement weather. The odometer currently shows a total mileage of 16,946, which is evidently supported by the accompanying MOTs, with just 945 covered since 2007. The Austin has been in its current ownership for some 10 years, during which time it’s always been dry-stored. The vendor presently describes the engine, transmission, electrics and interior as ‘excellent’ and the bodywork and paintwork as ‘good’. During its army service the Champ bore the registration 30BE62. It was then rechristened ‘FSK 836’ when demobbed on March 4, 1964.
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:
- A rare example, being equipped with doors
- The low mileage of 16,946 is apparently supported by the MOT history
- Fully restored and ready to enter into service with a new owner
'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 October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 1st Oct, 2023
Our October auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes.
Viewing Days:
Saturday 30th September, 1pm - 7pm
Sunday 1st October, 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
