For Sale: 1962 Ford Military Jeep in Mesa, Arizona

Everyone knows today's Jeeps are direct descendants of the World War II military vehicles, but if you want something a little more authentic, then perhaps this highly accurate 1962 Ford M151 jeep will suit you better. It's a real-deal military vehicle that survived the disassembly/recycling fate that many of its brothers had. So it's a fantastic glimpse into the most versatile vehicle ever conceived.


The olive drab paint, chunky tires, and Army makings - complete with star - let you know this is a classic freedom machine. But Ford's jeep is always a bit more of an interesting sight. You don't see quite as many of these today. Its predecessor was overproduced to keep us supplied in WWII, and so there were still ones found in packing crates decades later. But this was different. It's a specialized machine that fulfilled a known need, and that meant no warehouses full of these Ford-based jeeps to unload. And when these did leave the service, many were disassembled and cut up for scrap tonnage. It's a sad story, but it reminds you why you see far fewer M151s out there now. And it's this legacy why you take a little extra time making sure this has a memorable presentation. So the finish looks better than its barracks days, the Army stencils are done in a sharper-looking vinyl, the body panels look good, and there are cool details, like the side-mounted shovel.


The interiors of a military vehicle are quite basic, and that's part of the fun. This has full seating, and they look like they have newer canvas covers that are still ready for the robust outdoor lifestyle. The steering wheel is thin/grippy steel, and you have the essential gauges in the center. The whole idea is to be both robust and foolproof. That's why the four-wheel-drive instructions have their own metal plaque on the dash. The only addition you may notice is a roll bar, and that's a fine upgrade for added safety. And few people will probably ever see it because the classic canvas roof is such a nifty feature that you'll like to keep it in place the whole time.


The engine is the same rugged and trustworthy 141 cubic-inch four-cylinder that was used throughout the decades of M151 production. Because Ford engineered the vehicle, it even is related to some of their 1950s foreign products. So there's a lot of history beneath all that green. It has the strong-running nature that you want in a military machine. Plus, the M151 got upgraded to a four-speed manual transmission (an extra gear over its predecessor.) The manual transfer case makes this a proper 4x4, and the fully independent suspension helped let the short wheelbase adapt to rough terrain.


If you want an attention-getter that everyone can relate to, the ultimate Memorial Day parade vehicle, and/or something that's just plain fun, this M151 MUTT delivers in a big way. Call today!!!