1942 Ford GPW Jeep

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 20000 - 25000 Registration No: PXS 775 Chassis No: 19896 MOT: Exempt Overhauled engine, gearbox, transfer box and axlesBoasts its original body tub, chassis, and combat wheelsUsed in current registered ownership for events and showsRestored in British colours Arguably more iconic than a Sherman Tank or P-51 Mustang, the Jeep is for many the definitive WW2 vehicle; a workhorse of the US and Allied forces during WW2 and kept in service all around the world for decades afterwards. Born out of the American Quartermaster Corps' 1940 invitation to submit a prototype go-anywhere four-wheel drive light reconnaissance vehicle which led to a three-way competition between Bantam, Willys-Overland, and Ford, the winning design's simple but effective chassis, ingenious transmission, rugged suspension, and flathead Go-Devil 60hp 2.2-litre `four' proved invaluable for hauling troops out of trouble. While, this self same combination ensures that the indomitable Jeep remains great fun to drive today. About 650,000 MB types were built between 1941 and 1945, by Willys and (in greater numbers) by Ford, and manufacture continued under licence in the '50s and '60s by Hotchkiss for the French army. Finding a Jeep still retaining all its original components is rare because, after WW2, many Jeeps were rebuilt on a �mix and match' basis, meaning it is common to find components from all three makers combined in one vehicle. Manufactured in 1942, chassis �19896� is offered in fully restored condition finished as a British Jeep in wartime Mickey Mouse guise. According to wartime literature, usually all upper surfaces were painted black in this camouflage, though this wasn't always adhered to, with the paint often just slapped on. During the restoration, the engine, gearbox, transfer box, and axles were all overhauled, with �PXS 775� has been kept as original as possible, and is still boasting its original chassis, body tub, and combat rims. Shod with new tyres all round, the GPW pleasingly has many genuine �F� (Ford) stamped parts. Used in current registered ownership for events and shows, the Jeep is offered with a history file. The vendor rates the Jeep as �excellent� in regard to engine, gearbox, and electrical equipment, and as having �very good� bodywork, paintwork, and interior trim. A very usable Jeep that, we feel, is sensibly guided.