1943 Ford Gpw Jeep (LHD)

Description

One of the most iconic vehicles ever built, the Jeep was designed and developed for the US Army in 1940, proving instrumental in helping the Allies win the Second World War.  Hailed as a landmark piece of industrial design, with an example proudly displayed in New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the Jeep was initially designed by Karl Probst of the American Bantam Car Company as a reconnaissance vehicle suitable for all types of terrain, be it the muddy fields of Europe or the desert sands of North Africa.  With all-wheel drive and powered by a rugged Willys “Go Devil” four-cylinder engine displacing 134.2-cid, the Army initially contracted the Willys-Overland Company to build the Jeep since Bantam lacked both the financial resources and facilities for mass production.  Ultimately Willys was unable to meet demand and as a result the War Department turned to Ford as an alternative supplier from late 1941.  The Model GPW, as Ford-built Jeeps were badged, were virtually identical with only minor detail changes – for example, every component was stamped with the letter “F”.  Rated at a quarter-ton, the Jeep had a simple three-speed transmission with a two-speed transfer case and the engine produced enough torque to pull the vehicle out of just about any sticky situation.  Post-war, Willys continued to market Jeeps for civilian use, the CJ the forerunner to the Wranger still going strong today.  Although some 640,000 Jeeps were made, few survivors remain on the road today and each is rightfully considered a genuine collector’s item.