***Selling to the highest bidder at www.bringatrailer.com ***
With World War Two well under way and the Americans still on the
sideline the US war machine was already ramping up to produce
armaments and military tools to keep the allies equipped. A need
for a standardized general purpose vehicle that could be easily
deployed was apparent and the US Army circulated RFQ’s to 135
different automobile manufacturers on July 11, 1940. The
requirements were scoffed at by the vast majority in the automotive
establishment as unrealistic; proposals due in 11 days, a working
prototype in 75 days thereafter. The general consensus regarded the
specifications as unattainable.
Initially only two companies, Bantam and Willys Overland submitted
proposals. Bantam was awarded the original contract and delivered
the first Bantam “Blitz Buggy” in 63 days. But the Army was
concerned over Bantam’s financial wherewithal and existing
manufacturing capacity to perform on the contract so additional
awards were given to Willys and to Ford as a late entry bidder.
Despite protest from Bantam, the Army gave Willys and Ford full
access to the Bantam proposal and prototype and under severe time
pressure issued purchase requisitions of 1500 units each to the
three contractors.
Ford, using its conventional internal nomenclature named its
version GP, for “government” use and “passenger” car. Ultimately
the Army singled out the Willys design as superior, but because
Willys could not meet the demand Ford was awarded a contract to
build the Willys version which came to be known by Ford as the GPW.
By 1945 a total of 637,385 units were produce of which 277,896 were
Ford built GPW’s.
These humble but durable little vehicles gave birth to the Willys
civilian CJ “Jeep” which became an iconic brand that endures today
and which spawned interpretations of the genre by numerous other
manufacturers, most notably Land Rover and Toyota.
The 1944 Ford GPW offered for sale here has been restored on top of
what was a very solid and rust free chassis and tub. The hood and
fenders have slight imperfections which indicate to me that the
sheet metal is original as well. I purchased this GPW earlier this
year from the estate of a Willys collector, restorer and
enthusiast. I chose this one of the four MB/GPW’s available because
of its originality and condition. There was a museum quality one in
olive drab and Army livery but it was beyond my price
threshold.
With the exception of the light blue paint (my son suggested it
might be a Navy Jeep), the Pirelli Scorpion tires and 12 volt
conversion this little GPW is completely stock. It came to me with
a brand new canvas top that was still in a plastic bag. Opening it,
unfolding it and installing it inside my shop made the whole place
smell like a musty old army surplus store!
Equipped with what I believe to be its original drivetrain this GPW
is powered by the Willys “Go Devil” 134 cubic inch flat head four
designed to produce 60hp and 105lbs of torque delivered through the
correct T84 three speed transmission and working two speed transfer
case to drive the correct front and rear Dana axles and Warn
locking hubs. The truck starts right up and idles with a little
choke from the original one barrel Carter carburetor. It warms up
quickly and runs cool with good oil pressure. The gas gauge is the
only instrument not indicating. Steering, shifting and braking
(four wheel hydraulic drum system) all work as they did when the
rig was new, which is to say these are raucous, rough and tumble
vehicles that offer little in terms of ergonomics, comfort or
safety. Top speed was claimed to be 65mph although I can’t say I
have gotten it much over 50mph but I do enjoy a casual cruise
around the neighborhood and in the parade line (so long as I can
avoid going in and out of that seriously low first gear).
I am going to guess that this car wasn’t driven much at all before
I purchased it. I was impressed to see how readily it came to life
but not really surprised because so much of it looks freshly
restored. The motor is smooth, sounds good and has ample
compression. It might grind a bit on a lazy shift and it does have
a few weeps and drips after a day’s work but so do a lot of 72 year
olds I know.
I fully admit to being a shameless car flipper. As such I have
experienced a good percentage of my “bucket list” cars. I can tell
you that this car attracts a lot of attention and draws people from
walks of life far and away from the average car enthusiast. I have
had the privilege of listening to memories of veterans that span
the spectrum of emotions evoked by this little Jeep; from saving a
life as a getaway vehicle in Korea to saving some sanity as a
surfboard hauler in Vietnam. I have watched teenage girls give
compelling (and as yet unsuccessful) arguments as to why their
parent should buy them this car. One guy offered to store it for me
in the foyer of his business. He didn’t want to drive it he just
liked looking at it. Everyone loves the GPW.
Now, my bucket floweth over and it is time to move the GPW. This
vehicle is located in Rowlett, Texas and is offered as is where is
with no warranty implied or otherwise. Texas residents may be
subject to sales tax and licensing fees. Feel free to ask question
or schedule a pre-purchase inspection. Best offers and trades
considered.
