1946 Ford GPW

The Ford GPW, (commonly known as a Jeep or jeep, formally as the U.S. Army Truck, 1/4 ton, 4×4), and its Willys MB counterpart, are four-wheel drive utility vehicles that were 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 generally believed to be derived from the Ford's vehicle initials – GP.  Wanting to add mobility to its forces, in 1937 the U.S. Army solicited proposals from domestic automobile manufacturers for a replacement for its existing, aging light motor vehicles.  The Army formalized its requirements on July 11, 1940, and submitted them to 135 U.S. automotive manufacturers.  Initially, only American Bantam Car Company and Willys-Overland Motors entered the competition; Ford Motor Company joined later.  After extended development and testing, a production contract was awarded to Willys.  By October 1941, it became apparent Willys could not keep up with the production demand and Ford was contracted to produce them as well.  The Ford car was then designated GPW, with the “W” referring to the “Willys” licensed design.  During World War II, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000.  Both the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00×16 tires, 60 horsepower at 4,000 rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provision for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.  Jeeps were used by every service of the U.S. military.  An average of 145 were supplied to Army infantry regiments. Jeeps were used for many purposes, including reconnaissance, gun towing, cable laying, saw milling, firefighting pumpers, field ambulances, tractors and with suitable wheels would even run on railway tracks.

For consignment, a Ford GPW Jeep titled as a 1946, but according to our consignor was constructed on March 15th 1942.  Owned by the same family since 1980 and treated to a spot on and careful restoration that has left us with a truck that's ready to hunt down Nazis all over Europe.  This is production number 4068, a very early unit and shares the Willys frame, and the military ID number on the hood is correct as the original numbering was found during the restoration while stripping off paint.  Using NOS/original and some reproduction parts, you can't get much closer to the real thing...unless you were actually there.  Take note of the Ford script on the tailgate and even on the tires as well as the F markings on many of the parts.  So get your gear on Private and follow my lead as we march over, under, around and through this one of a kind GPW of yore and with any luck we won't get you baptized by fire on this mission.

Exterior
Pay attention here soldier, what I'm about to tell you may just save your life one day.  Featuring a higher off the ground than you'd imagine it to be chassis, this all steel truck is painted OD green from stem to stern.  Utilitarian and simple are the buzzwords here, but do not be put off, as this is a true performer.  The iconic Ford/Willys/Jeep grille leads the way with a simple but effective rope wrapped bumper below.  The headlights are deeply sunken in next to the grille and a short steel hood emblazoned with its original military ID numbers leads back to the foldable windshield, complete with OD green canvas covering.  Speaking of which it is equipped with both a drivers and passengers side actuated windshield wiper set that works by a hand lever.   Simple strong 16-inch OD green wheels have been equipped with their original style hubs and are wrapped in deeply treaded Ford script 6.00-16 tires all around that will get you through nearly anything the trail can throw at you.  We note an Army banjo and fire ax on the driver's side in case we need to dig in for the night.  A matching spare tire hangs off the back along with some US military ID numbering.

Interior
Throw your gear in the back and let's get moving, Jerry isn't going to sit on his laurels, we've got a war to win!!!  Again, simplicity reigns here, excepting for the nicely covered OD green canvas seats, which actually cushion your ride, while on a smooth surface is surprisingly?  Still bumpy!  These seats are a front two bucket, and a rear bench has been added so you can take your platoon mates, the injured or even a random POW back to base camp.  A simple metal dash houses essential gauges and several knobs as well as data plates showing the transmission and transfer case operation.  Cranking of the engine stays with the floor pedal start but can also be started with a hand crank, and the aforementioned manual wiper control is in front of the driver and passenger.  OD green floors abound, and bare metal foot pedals are below the dash.  The twin bows for the lighter OD green Beechwood canvas top tuck neatly against the body and  the mount for the replica Browning M1919 30 caliber machine gun, also with its own cover, is bolted to the rear flooring.  

Drivetrain
The rebuilt with less than 500 mile 134.2 ci L head 4-cylinder engine aptly named the “GO DEVIL” pumps out 60hp.  This is attached to a 3-speed manual transmission, (with reverse).  This is a Borg Warner T-84 transmission, which is also equipped with the Dana 18 transfer case, and a Dana 25 front axle, and a Dana 41 rear axle both with 4.88 gearing…as I said go through anything.  The 6 volt electrical system has been upgraded on the ignition end with a Pertronix electronic ignition and all new OEM matching VWM wiring is running through the bay.  Just remember it's not a race, it's about getting there.

Undercarriage
Strong and beautifully designed, not even any surface rust, some patina from light usage, so we are looking good under here.  Leaf spring suspension is on both the front and rear as are drum brakes.  A single exhaust system removes spent fossils efficiently and effectively.

Drive-Ability
I searched the mess hall, the infirmary, and even his bunk, but I couldn't find hide nor hair of my partner in crime and crack decoder.   My best assumption leads me to think he's AWOL with the ladies of the village working on a case of cupid's itch...but I digress...I had to run this mission alone, and thankfully I avoided the strafing runs from a patrolling Messerschmidt BF100.  This was not due to luck being on my side, it was mainly due to the good acceleration, bias free braking, and agile handling that kept me on our well-hidden test track.  This Ford GPW performed wonderfully with all functions working as they should save for the Browning 30 cal, but that's a dummy gun so technically it works as designed.

A very interesting ride and intermixed with old school heavy duty military 4WD technology, this does not disappoint.  A mostly comfortable interior, a buckboard ride, but high enough off the ground to make it just plain fun to drive.  Grab your gear, say a quick prayer with GI Jesus, and ride off to conquer the world on your own.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.