1942 FORD GPW JEEP Registration Number: XSK 114 Chassis Num...

Hammer

£13,000

1942 FORD GPW JEEP

Registration Number: XSK 114
Chassis Number: 76230

The Ford GPW (commonly known as a Jeep or jeep, formally as the U.S. Army Truck, 1/4 ton, 4×4), and its Willys MB counterpart, are four-wheel drive utility vehicles that were manufactured during World War II. Produced from 1941 to 1945, the jeep evolved post-war into the civilian Jeep CJ, and inspired an entire category of recreational four wheel drive vehicles.  The name “jeep” is generally believed to be derived from the Ford’s vehicle initials – GP.  

In an aim to improve mobility for its forces, in 1937 the U.S. Army solicited proposals from domestic automobile manufacturers for a replacement for its existing, aging light motor vehicles.  The Army formalised its requirements in the summer of 1940, and submitted them to 135 U.S. automotive manufacturers. Initially, only American Bantam Car Company and Willys-Overland Motors entered the competition; Ford Motor Company joined later.  After extended development and testing, a production contract was awarded to Willys. By October 1941, it became apparent Willys could not keep up with the production demand and Ford was contracted to produce additional units. The Ford car was then designated GPW, with the “W” referring to the “Willys” licensed design. During World War II, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000. Both the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardised features such as tyre sizes, 60bhp motors, a fuel can bracket on the left rear, provision for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

Jeeps were used by every service of the U.S. military. An average of 145 were supplied to Army infantry regiments. Jeeps were used for many purposes, including reconnaissance, gun towing, cable laying, saw milling, firefighting pumpers, field ambulances, tractors and with suitable wheels would even run on railway tracks.

Featured in Halberstadts’ book ‘Military Vehicles from WW1” (pages 164 to 165), this 1942 Ford GPW is understood by our vendor to have seen service in various theatres during the final years of the second world war. 

An original and nicely patinated example, the Jeep has been a regular participant in many World War II memorial events and period displays. The Jeep is well featured with period radio aerials, rear passenger cushioning, canvas weather gear, rifle case, shovel and axe. 

Supplied with an original maintenance manual issued by Willys Overland in 1942, and resplendent in the identity of 101st Airborne, the Screaming Eagles, this old war horse is an incredible reminder of heroic times.