Although the Champ did not enter into service until the early 1950's, the search for a British-built replacement for the US Jeep started as early as 1945. Directly related predecessor vehicles to the Champ include the Nuffield Mechanizations, Ltd. "Gutty" and "Mudlark" (FV1801). 

The name "Champ" was originally only used for the civilian version (WN3) of the vehicle.  However, it was also applied later in the military to this Combat Truck (CT) classified vehicle.  Incidentally, CT references were dropped in 1958 and replaced by the term nomenclature "General Service" (GS).