Comments on Champion Frame #285by Jim Allen
Champion of Chamblee sold this frame numbered 285 in at least two configurations. Before May 1968,
the rigid outrigger body mounts were brass rods soldered perpendicular to the main chassis axis.
At the outside edges,
L-shaped brackets had screw holes for mounting the body. (Type I)
After May 1968, the frame design changed. The guide tongue changed from
five soldered brass rods to a stamped solid brass plate. The frame sported a new style of
rigid pintube outriggers with diagonal bracing. (Type II)
Quoting from a Champion ad in Car Model, May 1968: "Newer, refined and
improved brass rod sports and stock car frames... Carrier is narrower permitting use with GP frames
and has triangulated bracing added for strength... Newer, stronger triangulated body mounts..."
It is confusing that Champion retained the same number for both of these frames. Use this page
to identify which version you have. Someday, someone will produce a complete checklist
of all the great frames that came out of the factory at Chamblee. Maybe that should be
one of the future tasks of this website. Help! --
Jim Allen