My Austin Champ

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Hi All
Because I got out bidded on MY humber at John Belfields auction the other day (Thanks Alan) I've had to go and buy the junior version...The much maligned Austin Champ. Most interesting vehicle, obviously designed by a committee that wanted each individuals ideas accepted in the final design. Jeep owners take note, after driving it home last night in, fairly brisk conditions, I can report that it can cruise at 50mph+, my left leg did not freeze off (Yeah, yeah neither did my right), did not change lanes everytime it hit a bump, and my gut is so far from the steering wheel I actually had to steer with my hands!
May well be a problem with the fuel gauge though, only did a hundred kms and the needle was in non stop motion....Down!
Certain to cause some merriment at work tomorrow, maybe I should not have described it as a 1955 Rolls Royce convertible..
Cheers
Richard

[phoenix]

Looks very tidy!

[Mike Kelly]

hi Richard

I recall riding in that particular car a few times at Corowa .... years ago , the previous owner had rebuilt it with care and attention to detail . They do tend to have some awkward body roll characteristics with that suspension system they have , giving the driver a somewhat 'hazy' feeling at the wheel . With Land Rovers , you feel every tiny bump on the road , instead , the Champ tends to float along and it doesn't really give you any tell tale indication that its about to flip over .... which has happened with tragic results, a la the MUTT .

Mike

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Hi Mike

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Hi Mike
Was very fortunate to catch up with Peter, who owned it for many years. He heard that it had gone overseas after he sold it and was just a little surprised to see it at Corowa again. Was terrific to have so many questions answered, especially as I bought it through an intermediary, and so never actually spoke to the last owner.
The ride is a little different to a Landy. Took me five years to roll my series II, I have had the Champ balanced on the edge, with my leg out on Terra Firma, twice already. Seriously thinking about changing my driving style. The old Landies go up,up,up..then flop down again. The Champ goes u...falll over!
Cheerio
Rich.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

For those interested in such things I have some figures:

5 cwt CIVILIAN
18.9HP 4 cylinder 2660 cc engine model WN3
1952 # 15006 and up
1953 # 15061 and up
1954 # 15581 and up
1955 # 15610 and up
1956 # 16187 and up
May 1956 end of production 16242-16247

PRODUCTION at Longbridge:
1951/2 326
1952/3 3271
1953/4 4038
1954/5 3531
1955/6 1825

So very few civvy ones apparently!

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Thanks David
Always interested in champ stuff. There is at least one civvy one getting around over here, saw it earlier in the year. Too complicated for Military life let alone civilian....
Rich.

[waltz]

hi


my champ getting wet again

waltz