Austin Champ

1956-1966, Hotchkiss, Quarter-ton jeep® series, Wanted, For Sale, and Knowledge Base
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mkoloc
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Austin Champ

Post by mkoloc » Mon Nov 13, 2017 9:32 pm

May have the opportunity to purchase all of these ...figure to complete two or maybe three restorations out of the group. Anyone had any experience with the Austin Champ 1/4 tons? These have very solid bodies and all 5 have their drive trains. Two are very complete with a promising/possible 3rd candidate.

Does anyone own, drive, restore, collect Champs? Would like to get some feedback on the vehicle. Have worked on MGA, Austin Healys, TR-3, etc back in the day but nothing like this, just wondering what I might be in for before I pull the trigger.

Mark.

Pics to follow.
Last edited by mkoloc on Mon Nov 13, 2017 10:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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mkoloc
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Re: Austin Champ

Post by mkoloc » Mon Nov 13, 2017 9:43 pm

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Last edited by mkoloc on Mon Nov 13, 2017 10:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
LTC Mark Koloc USA (RET)
MVPA Member # 31144
1631 Bitter Creek Lane
Batavia, OH 45103
Cell: 1.715.821.9426
mkoloc44@yahoo.com

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mkoloc
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Re: Austin Champ

Post by mkoloc » Mon Nov 13, 2017 9:47 pm

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LTC Mark Koloc USA (RET)
MVPA Member # 31144
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Batavia, OH 45103
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Mark Jesic
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Re: Austin Champ

Post by Mark Jesic » Tue Nov 14, 2017 2:14 am

Mark, although i have never owned one, they were made here in England. What i do know is they have a Rolls Royce engine in them and can go as fast backwards as they do forwards. You average about 14mpg, and parts are available but getting on the scarce side. Whether you can get these parts in your neck of the woods i do not know. Hope this helps. :D

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Re: Austin Champ

Post by artificer » Tue Nov 14, 2017 4:22 am

They are an expensive, maintenance intensive, nightmare. I would avoid.
John GIBBINS Member Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers [Ret], ASE Master Medium/Heavy Truck & Auto Technician USA -2002 Licensed Motor Mech NSW MVIC 49593 Current 2015
TO DIAGNOSE, TROUBLESHOOT OR FAULT FIND ANY AUTO SYSTEM....
Understand how system parts interact with one another. GOOD parts can then be established & the NOT GOOD problem/s part/s isolated for repair or replacement.

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mkoloc
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Re: Austin Champ

Post by mkoloc » Tue Dec 12, 2017 8:13 pm

Thank you gents ...after doing some research decided to do use that.
LTC Mark Koloc USA (RET)
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signsup
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Re: Austin Champ

Post by signsup » Sun Jun 23, 2019 2:08 pm

After he fact, but I read that the rear axles were a weak point and often break. I looked at one for sale in KS and did my research and came to the same conclusion. The finished product wasn't worth all the downside potential with parts and assistance.
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Re: Austin Champ

Post by mdainsd » Thu Jun 27, 2019 12:44 pm

You made the right choice - Run! Don't walk away.

Parts are a nightmare. :o
The electrics were done by the Prince of Darkness, Lucas, so every imaginable evil lives within. :twisted:
The bodies are rust prone.
The rear axles are suspect as there is a single drive pin in them that is undersized and fails.
The Engine and Transmission/Transfer case share their oil, who in their right mind would do that. :x

They will in fact go as fast reverse as they do forward. :lol:
52 M38 2X, '52 M37, '44 WC51, '42 WC 56/57, '50 CJ-V35(U), '42 GPW, '44 M3A1 Scout Car, 2010 M-Gator


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