Highlights
- Perfect for Goodwood Revival
- Presented in US Coast Guard wartime livery
- Imported from Idaho, USA in late 2016
- Fully recommissioned by Jeeparts-UK during 2017
- Accompanied by Military Vehicle Trust validation certificate
- Normandy D-Day Landing survivor
The Appeal
Well now, here’s a little something for the weekend! This authentic left hand-drive 1942 Ford GPW jeep was imported from a deceased estate in the United States of America and fully recommissioned during 2017 by brand specialists Jeeparts-UK to a value in excess of £5,000.
The annual September spectacle of Goodwood Revival aside, most rural shows up and down the country offer an assembly of military vehicles to attract visitors. What’s more, there are WW2 re-enactment societies and classic and historic car meet-ups all clamouring for 1940s military automotive hardware.
This genuine, original and stunningly-restored WW2 Jeep could well keep you busy for the next few summers!
History and Paperwork
- Imported from Idaho, USA
- Accompanied by Military Vehicle Trust validation certificate
- UK V5 certificate in current keeper’s name
A result of a split US government production contract to increase output, the Ford GPW and its Willys-Overland MB counterpart are four wheel-drive utility vehicles 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 widely believed to be derived from the initials ‘GP’ of the Ford iteration’s code-name GPW – the ‘G’ referred to government contract vehicle, ‘P’ indicated it was an 80-inch wheelbase and the ‘W’ suffix referred to the Willys engine.
This Ford (Chassis #GPW55795) was delivered on 14th August, 1942 and is presented in the wartime livery of the United States Coast Guard with its original tub and matching ID plates. While there is no surviving documentation, it is believed to have been assigned to landing-craft carrier USS Samuel Chase which embarked on active service in September, 1942. Indeed, the ship’s log recorded it being part of the D-Day Normandy Landings in June, 1944.
It was bought by its first UK keeper from the estate of its USA owner, the late W.P. Geer of Idaho. It was apparent that the vehicle hadn’t been used for some time and, once it arrived in the UK in late 2016, was promptly dispatched to historic Jeep specialists Jeeparts-UK to undertake its total recommissioning.
Acquired by its second and current UK keeper in January 2019, this fully UK-road registered historic vehicle comes with a Military Vehicle Trust validation certificate, the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name and a small file of supporting documentation.
The Interior
- Fully refurbished in original specification
- Distinctly utilitarian, perfectly fit for purpose
- Finished in US military beige throughout
The open-cabin interior is distinctly utilitarian but perfectly functional. Fully refurbished and presented in US military beige, the two individual front seats have been recovered to an original specification, as has the rear bench.
Three dash-mounted brass plates afford additional gravitas to the vehicle’s heritage and provenance.
The original three-spoke steering wheel was retained along with the dashboard dials, but the switchgear was replaced. Driver information via the instrumentation is again functional and comprises speed, mileage, oil and water temperature, amps and fuel level indicator. There is a new ‘summer hood’ offering shade to its occupants.
The Exterior
- Offered in US Coast Guard wartime livery
- Original, high-riding 4x4 profile
- Authentic accessories
Handsomely presented in US Coast Guard wartime livery with USS Samuel Chase references, this authenticated Ford GPW jeep is in stunning condition and recommissioned to an original specification.
It is offered with a full set of period accessories including a fire extinguisher, side-mounted ‘pioneer’ axe and shovel, genuine Dictograph siren, ’42 US Jerry can, canvas water carrier, Coca-Cola bottle opener, tow rope and camouflaged netting.
The original 16-inch wheels were fully refurbished during the vehicle’s recommissioning and are shod with a new set of 6.00-16 tyres manufactured to STA Military specification by Speciality Tires of America Inc. of Pennsylvania.
The Mechanics
- Mechanically sound throughout
- Runs and drives as built with bulletproof reliability
- 2.2-litre Willys L134 ‘Go Devil’ engine pulls strongly
During the vehicle’s recommissioning, body and mechanical work was carried out to an exacting and professional standard by Jeeparts-UK and included a completely new fuel system (tank, fuel pump, lines and filter), a complete rewire modernised to 12-volt with alternator, new switchgear, steering overhaul and new bell crank, brake system overhaul and new transmission brake.
In addition, the lubrication system was overhauled, all transmission and engine gaskets were resealed, the cooling system overhauled, a new exhaust system procured and fitted and the engine received a comprehensive service. All those works were confidently backed by an MoT which expired in January, 2019.
To be noted is the discrepancy of the mileage stated on the previous MoT as being 20,862 and the current reading of 2,188.5 miles It could be that the MoT tester was a tad too keen on digits and mistook 2,086.2 miles to read 20,862 miles.
At the photo location, the 2.2-litre Willys L134 ‘Go Devil’ engine started first and every time and settled into a steady idle. The manual four-speed gearbox connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with little drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
Not much mileage has passed since its recommissioning and the custodian reports the vehicle to be in healthy mechanical condition with steering, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers surely intended 80 years ago. The brakes are reported to pull to one side a little but they should be simple to adjust. The underside is clean and tidy and presents in very good order.
Summary
In GPW55795 we have an extraordinary survivor from when the world was an entirely different place. This genuine and authenticated Ford GPW Jeep is offered in remarkable condition throughout and is battle-ready for those regional shows and, of course, Goodwood Revival in September.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
