From The Classifieds: 1952 Austin Champ

Ironically, not as rare in Australia as it is in its place of origin, the late 1940s attempt by British car-maker Austin to beat the iconic Jeep at its own game is nevertheless something you won't often see trundling through the bush today in search of off-road challenges.

The vehicle was known variously as the Wolseley Mudlark, the FV180, the “Truck 1/4 Ton 4×4 CT Austin Mk.1” (in its final military form) and, in civilian guise, as the Austin Champ. It was, apart from its typically British characterisation as being designed to do things its own way regardless of proven formulas, notable for two things: It used a Rolls-Royce engine and was designed – in military form – to operate under water to a depth of no less than two metres.

Unfortunately, the British got a little bit too clever when designing the go-anywhere, do-anything small military vehicle and the attempt to re-set the benchmark was a fundamental failure. It might have been capable in the field, but it was otherwise heavy, complex, and expensive to purchase and maintain.

The Rolls-Royce engine (other engines, including an Austin A90 powerplant and an Austin-built version of the Roller engine were available) was a 2.8-litre four-cylinder with its origins going back to a design first drawn up in the early 1920s, but developed much later. It drove through a five-speed gearbox coupled up in a complex way that allowed it to offer all five ratios in reverse, as well as when going forward.

The ability to fully submerge itself came from the provision of a fold-down snorkel and the waterproofing of all electrical components. Local Champ enthusiasts will delightedly show you photos of their vehicles proceeding completely immersed along riverbeds with just the snorkel and the driver's head above the water.

The complete specifications of the Austin Champ, and all its derivations, are complex and varied, especially when you go back to its early development in the late 1940s. It is a fascinating vehicle, but its appeal is not universal.

However, the Austin remains an interesting exercise in how to design a military vehicle. And the fact that many of the civilian Champ versions found their way to Australia where a few can still be found, means the vehicle has not disappeared into history.

This fully restored Army green 1952 model from the Melbourne seaside suburb of Mornington is indicative of that, and is probably about as good a Champ as you are likely to find anywhere today.

This is reflected in the $24,000 price put on it by the owner who has just completed an extensive rebuild that has meant taking it back to the bare metal for a professional restoration that includes the bodywork, paint and electrics, as well as two new 12-volt batteries for the 24-volt system. The brakes have been rebuilt, there are new windscreen wipers, overhauled gauges and four new lights, including a spotlight. The owner says the Rolls-Royce engine and the five-speed transmission are in “excellent condition.”

A rare example of British auto ingenuity with appeal to a select few.

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