1944 Ford GPW Jeep No Reserve

Lot details Registration No: KXS 326 Chassis No: 376820 MOT: Exempt Understood to have been used by the Italian Army, and painted in those colours to suit Supplied with very rare metal half doors and complete hood and sidescreen set Kept in fine mechanical fettle by the vendor PLEASE NOTE: The quoted chassis number indicates that this lot is a 1944 Willys MB Jeep and not a 1944 Ford GPW Jeep as catalogued and UK road registered. Given the interchangeability of the two designs it is not unusual to find a Willys registered as a Ford and vice versa 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. According to the dating certificate presented within the history file, chassis 376820 is a war-time Ford built GPW Jeep that was completed in October 1944. Little is known of the early history of the vehicle, however, it is understood to have originally been supplied with very rare removable metal half doors that it retains to this day. Previously registered in Italy, it is understood to have seen service in the Italian Army post war and is painted in the iconic light green colour to suit. The current keeper bought the vehicle in a non running state in 2019 from a gentleman who had been the long term owner since 1989 and imported it to the UK, where it was registered with the DVLA on the registration number 'KXS 326'. and there are invoices on file for parts including a new carburettor and fuel pump and it is described by the vendor as being in 'very solid' condition having believed to have been in the dry climate of Italy since the end of WW2, although the paintwork is aged. The vehicle is now described as being in 'fine mechanical condition' and has been used a number of times for summer trips to the pub with the keepers' grandchildren, although should a prospective new owner get caught in rain, there is a hood and full sidescreens supplied. Offered at No Reserve for our Buxton sale, this presents a perfect opportunity for any enthusiast to either restore to US Army specification or to have fun with as is at the upcoming summer shows. For more information, please contact: Lucas Gomersall lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk 07484 082430