Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1942 Ford GPW 'Jeep'
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: JTC 285
Chassis No: EXFM 6386324
MOT: Exempt
Reputedly allocated to America's Naval Construction Force (aka the Seabees) during WW2
Thought to have had its hardtop crafted by the Seabees to protect against inclement weather
Used for a variety of film and TV work
First UK registered on February 6th 1948
Arguably more iconic than a Sherman Tank or P-51 Mustang, the Jeep is for many the definitive WW2 vehicle. Equipped with a torquey L-headed 2. 2-litre engine driving all four wheels via a three-speed manual box and two-speed transfer case, the tough, go-anywhere four-seater did its job exceptionally well. By the end of the war, 647, 870 Jeeps had been produced - 281, 448 of which were manufactured by Ford.
Brainchild of Rear Admiral Ben Moreell, the American Naval Construction Force - better known as the ‘Seabees’ - was granted its own insignia on March 5th 1942. Tasked with building advanced bases in combat zones, the unit was staffed by architects, engineers and skilled tradesmen. Responsible for executing countless improbable feats of engineering, its members became renowned for their ingenuity and ‘can do’ attitude. Understood to date from 1942 and to have seen active service during WW2, this unusual Jeep sports a purpose-made hardtop which is rumoured to have been the handiwork of the ‘Seabees’. Providing far superior weather protection, the four-light structure boasts such ‘luxuries’ as external door handles and sliding windows. Similar to the hardtops marketed by Metro, Pentagon and Koenig during the late 1940s, it imbues the four-seater with a different aesthetic and greater degree of usability. Demobbed and first UK road registered in Lancashire as ‘JTC 285’ on February 6th 1948, the 4x4 spent many years as part of a large private collection. Loaned to various TV and film productions to help earn its keep during that period, the Ford was maintained in good running order. Starting readily during our recent photography session, this intriguing Jeep would grace many a period reenactment (including the Goodwood Revival). Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
