1942 Ford Jeep GPW

In the livery of the US Coast Guard and thought to have been specifically assigned to the landing craft carrier USS Samuel Chase.

Recently recommissioned by leading marque experts, Jeeparts-UK

Fully UK road-registered, all taxes paid and supplied with a Military Vehicle Trust Validation certificate.

Perfect Goodwood Revival companion

In early 1940, the United States Department of War had determined it needed a light, cross-country, four-wheel drive, reconnaissance vehicle and was anxious to have one in time for, what may possibly turn out to be, America's entry into World War II in Europe. The U.S. Army solicited proposals from domestic car manufacturers for a replacement for its existing, ageing, light motor vehicles, mainly motorcycles and sidecars, and some Ford Model Ts. Recognizing the need to create standard specifications, the Army formalised its requirements on July 11, 1940, and submitted them to 135 U.S. automotive manufacturers. It's a matter of history that ultimately two manufacturers were successful, Willys with their MB (US quarter-ton Army truck) and later, Ford with their GPW (in production designated GP.) Impressively the time taken from conception and tenders being sent out, to the production lines starting to roll, was less than two hundred days, amazing for a vehicle that has stood the test of time and become an unlikely motoring icon. This ability to get things done quickly and well was the deciding factor in America being asked to produce military hardware in vast numbers and build hundreds of ships, arguably influencing the outcome of the Second World War. As the war progressed Willys-Overland produced over 300,000 Jeeps and the Ford Motor Co. was drafted in to help boost production and contributed over 250,000 units. Ford-assembled Jeeps were recognizable by their pressed steel grilles as opposed to the Willys' slatted grille.

This particular Ford GPW was delivered on 14th August 1942 and is presented in the livery of the United States Coast Guard. Although there are no supporting documents, it is thought to have been assigned to landing-craft carrier USS Samuel Chase, which embarked on active service on 18th September 1942. Our vendor purchased this Jeep from the estate sale of its previous owner in the US, a Mr W. P. Geer of Idaho, who presumably hadn't used the vehicle for some time and despite being in remarkable condition for its age and it was fully recommissioned upon arrival in the UK. As with all of his previous Jeeps, our vendor appointed leading UK Jeep restorers Jeeparts-UK, to carry out the work. The car benefitted from; a complete new fuel system including tank, fuel lines, pump and filter, a complete rewire (12 volt with alternator), new switchgear, steering overhaul and new bell crank, brakes overhaul and new transmission brake, overhaul of the lubrication system, reseal all transmission and engine gaskets etc, cooling system overhaul, new exhaust system, new summer hood, a service and an MoT. Total expenditure for this work was in excess of £5,000. In addition, the Jeep is supplied with a fire extinguisher, siren, 'pioneer' axe and shovel, 1942 US Jerry Can, canvass water carrier, Coca-Cola bottle opener, tow rope, and camouflage netting.

This Jeep is now UK road registered, all taxes paid and comes with a Military Vehicle Trust Validation Certificate and MoT. Every rural car show in the country now has a section for Military Vehicles, and with WW2 re-enactments and the prestigious classic car meetings all clamouring for 1940s Jeeps, this stunningly well-restored example could keep you busy for most of the year.