Description
This lot will be auctioned via Silverstone Auctions, Race Retro Classic and Competition Car Sale 2023 on Friday the 24th of February - Saturday the 25th of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. Offered here is a remarkably well restored Ford GPW Jeep with a fascinating history. Chassis GPW #45259 was dispatched crated for shipping to Bristol in the summer of 1942 and, according to a certificate on file, today retains matching engine and chassis numbers with many other components confirmed by our vendor to be original equipment. This historic military vehicle has been subject to a thorough, detailed and documented ground up restoration to a simply superb standard and carries the US Serial Number 20118614 and UK registration number PXS 475.
Evidence within the history file indicates that #45259/ 20118614 was used to transport His Majesty King George VI accompanied by General Carl A. Spaatz, Commander of Strategic Air Forces in Europe and Brigadier General Newton Longfellow on a morale-boosting visit to RAF Chelveston in 1942. This was around the time when RAF Chelveston was handed over to our American allies for use in the war effort and it's believed that 20118614 remained on the airbase for the duration of the war and is reported to have been the Commanding Officer’s personal vehicle.
Accompanying the Jeep is the aforementioned history file with fascinating documentation outlining the provenance of this historic Jeep, including its current V5C registration papers ready for transfer or export, photographic evidence of the Jeep used during the Royal visit, an inspection report by the Norfolk Military Vehicle Group, detailed receipts for restoration works, various receipts for change of ownership and written accounts of the vehicles history.
In summary, this is a superb opportunity to take ownership of a fine example of an iconic military Jeep with a rather interesting history. Absolutely on-the-button, 20118614 would be great fun to use, a fabulous addition to any collection and well received at every classic car or military vehicle event anywhere.
