Hi from Sydney, Australia

[simondema]

Hi all
Just joined the forum, after having recently bought myself an Austin Champ. The vehicle is complete, but shows some mild signs of rust. Not a massive restoration project but I am sure it will keep me busy for quite a few months.
Chassis no. 1624 and engine no. 3079.
Regards

Simon De Marchi

[Howard]

G'Day Simon, welcome to the MLU
Now doubt Rich and other Champ owners will soon see this post, and will be able to tell you what you need to know.
So, ask questions, tell us the story of your MV, and, most importantly...
"Post Pictures!!"
Howard

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Gidday indeed Simon,
I see you have found your way to MLU already, bit of a shock to have another Aussy Champ owner here.
Is it home yet?
Rich.

[simondema]

Originally Posted by Richard Coutts-Smith

Gidday indeed Simon,
I see you have found your way to MLU already, bit of a shock to have another Aussy Champ owner here.
Is it home yet?
Rich.

I wish! Being in between homes I am not sure whether I did the right thing!! It's ok though as I am sure I will find a place to store it while I look for a place. Will probably pick it up in about 2-3 months. It's in safe hands, as it will be always be garaged.
Thanks for the welcome. Feels strange after all these years talking Champs again, but this time it is totally different as it's done over the internet and it's instant!
Looking forward to the challenge (last famous words )

Simon

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Simon,

Welcome to the forum.

The Champ numbers you quote (1624 and 3079) don't correspond with any of the Australian Army's Champs, which all had 5 digits in both the chassis and engine numbers. Do you have any idea of your vehicle's history?

Gus Gower's Champ compilation shows this vehicle as a WN1 taken on charge 15/1/1953, and disposed on 11/1/1967, so appears to have been a British Army Champ, possibly one of those imported to Australia by Bill Patterson-Cheney Motors in the 1970s.

Have fun with your 'Chump'!

Mike C

[Mike K]

It could be a Champ imported by Archie ? in PERTH . In the 1960's He bought over a shipload of surplus Champs from the BAOR in Germany . He was a dealer in Perth , the Aust. Govt. stopped him importing the vehicles , to protect the local industry , I think .

MIKE

[Mike Cecil]

Yes, Mike, that is another possibility, provided Archie ? was still importing after this Chump was 'demobbed' in '67.

Anyway, Simon, a few things to think about regarding your 'Chumps' history. Maybe you'll uncover a tac sign or two during the restoration phase.

Mike C

[Mike K]

I'm pretty sure it was Archie Marshall , there was a article in Restored Cars mag on him . I will scan it if I can find it

MIKE

[Mike K]

the rest of the article says he also imported a few HUMBER 1 Ton FV trucks

[simondema]

Thanks for the replies.
Yes, I believe it is a British Champ, as the chassis number shows. Don't know much about it at this stage, although I am sure that as time goes by I will dig out some more info.
It shows the following:

Chassis: WN1-1624
Condition: 1
WO Reg: 16 BE 24
Engine: 3079
DiS: 15 JAN 1953
RV: GEO/R/3051
Struck Off: RUDDINGTON 11 JAN 1967 [EX TA-UK].
Sold: PRIVATE SALE TO AUSTRALIAN DEALER.

That's all the info I have at the moment. Any further info would be much appreciated.

Simon

[simondema]

Ironically, just as I posted my reply just now, I received an email from John Mastrangelo who told me the following:

RV WAS GEO/R/3051 AND DIS 15 JAN 53: THIS WAS THE ONLY CHAMP WITH THIS RV AND DATE WHICH INDICATES THAT IT WAS SENT TO A UNIT ALONE. GEO WAS GEORGETOWN IN SCOTLAND AND THIS MEANS THE UNIT WAS EITHER IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND OR NORTHERN ENGLAND.

THE S/O DATE OF 11/1/67 AND AT RUDDINGTON MEANS EX TERRITORIAL ARMY 1960'S IN ENGLAND OR WALES.

THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT SOLD THROUGH WD SALES BUT WAS PURCHASED BY PRIVATE BID BY AUSTRALIAN DEALER".

"
(Sorry about the capitals, but just cut and pasted)

Simon