1943 Ford Jeep GPW 4x4

The chassis number in the catalogue should read 237694 not 287694

• The most iconic military vehicle of all time, the perfect Goodwood Revival accessory
• Imported from California and subsequently purchased by our vendor and UK registered in 2019
• Previously owned by a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association
• It's an older restoration which still presents very well, correctly liveried and numbered 2094755
• Complete with rear tow bar, axe and spade. Recent service and new battery fitted.
• Well maintained example which has been much used by our enthusiast vendor
• Running and driving very well, comfortably cruising at 40-50 mph

Designed to meet the US Army's requirement for a rugged, go-anywhere, four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of surviving on the barest minimum of unskilled maintenance, American Bantam's prototype was up and running by 1940, meeting the Army's requirements apart from the engine, which was deemed insufficiently powerful. The Pentagon though, doubted Bantam's ability to meet the military's post-Pearl Harbour demands so the major contracts went to Willys - the only other firm that had submitted a tender - and the Ford Motor Company, which would be responsible for the Jeep's trademark slotted radiator grille. Willys made various modifications to take advantage of a revised maximum weight requirement, which meant it was able to use its relatively heavy but adequately powerful 'Go Devil' engine. It was in this revised form that the Jeep would enter volume production. Willys-Overland's final production version was the Model MB, Ford's being designated the Model GPW. There were subtle differences between the two versions, Ford's having its components marked with the letter 'F'.

After extensive field testing, the Jeep's off-road capability was first publicly demonstrated early in 1941 when one was driven up the steps of the United States Capitol by Willys's test driver, Irving 'Red' Haussman. Produced by the million, the ubiquitous Jeep saw service in every theatre of the Second World War and continued in military service with armies world-wide for several decades thereafter. Today the Jeep remains highly sought after by discerning military vehicle enthusiasts.

The previous owner, a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, imported this Ford Jeep from the USA, where it had been extensively restored prior to his purchase. Registered in the UK in 2019 and assigned a period registration number, the Jeep remains in very good condition, correctly liveried and numbered 2094755 – complete with rear tow bar, axe and spade. It's fitted with a canvas roof which fits well and marked Ford Motor-Co. Running on recently replaced, period correct tyres, this GPW has been serviced and fitted with a new 6-volt battery, starting instantly, driving well and comfortably cruising at 40-50 mph.

Every rural car show in the country now has a section for Military Vehicles, and with WWII re-enactments and the prestigious classic car meetings all clamouring for 1940s Jeeps, this lovely example could keep you busy for the rest of the Summer.