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
1945 Willys MB Jeep
Estimate
£22, 000 - £26, 000
Registration No: YXG 292
Chassis No: MB234140
MOT: Exempt
Extensively restored between 2013 and 2015 with numerous new parts
Rare to see British Airborne Livery finish
Invited to Goodwood Revival on multiple occasions and completed a trip to Normandy in 2024
A very nicely presented example
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. About 650, 000 MB types were built between 1941 and 1945, by Willys and (in greater numbers) by Ford. 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.
Chassis ‘234140’ was manufactured in 1945 and would have likely seen active service with the American army during the final war engagements. Imported into the United Kingdom in the early 2010s from the United States of America, it was then provided with an extensive restoration between 2013 and 2015, the Jeep received extensive replacement and new parts during the restoration, with the Jeep being finished to a very good standard. Presented in the rare to see British Airborne Livery, the Jeep benefits from being well specified through the fitted with tooling, ropes, and equipment. In the vendor's ownership for around ten years, while in said ownership the Willys has been regularly invited to attend the Goodwood Revival including being in attendance in the 75th and 80th D-Day Anniversary track parades, as well as completing a trip to Normandy in 2024 to commemorate the D-Day 80th Anniversary. Rated by the vendor as being ‘very good’ regarding bodywork, paintwork, engine, electrical equipment, and interior upholstery, the vendor rates the gearbox as ‘good’. A very well presented and usable Jeep that, we feel, is sensibly guided.
** 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).
