GIVE him a salute if you see him pass.
Because after more than 50 years, former Army driver Ogden Taylor is back in the driving seat of an Austin Champ – and will be at a show in Calderdale early next month.
Mr Taylor, 74, used to drive the British Army light trucks in Verden, Germany, during his National Service from 1958 to 1960.
The Marsden man was the driver for a Lieutenant Colonel and also a radio operator.
And in his retirement the grandfather-of-two has bought his very own vintage Austin Champ for £4,500.
He told the Examiner he enjoys the nostalgia and often makes trips to 1940s weekends and vintage vehicle shows.
He said: “The Champ is very tidy and it was very good in the snow as there was a lot in Germany – it’s a four-wheel drive of course.
“It has five forward gears – which was unusual for those days.
“But it also has five reverse gears too.
“It’s so low-geared I don’t think I’ve ever had it in first gear before.”
The speedometer only goes up to 50mph.
The four-cylinder in-line petrol engine was designed by Rolls Royce.
The Austin Champ was the civilian version of a British Army vehicle made by the Austin Motor Company.
The army version was officially known as “Truck, 1/4 ton, CT, 4x4, cargo & FFW, Austin Mk1”, but the civilian name “Champ” was universally, if unofficially applied to the vehicle.
Only 13,000 were ever produced.
It was used in the British Army between 1955 and 1960 before it was replaced by Land Rovers.
Mr Taylor said: “My grandson Jack loves it and any chance he gets he leaps in the back and we’re away for a ride.”
The Champ will be one of several vintage vehicles and classic cars at Hebden Bridge Vintage Weekend.
This takes place at Calder Homes Park in Hebden Bridge on Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7.
