Vehicle Description
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.
