1942 Ford GPW (Script)
This genuine script Ford GPW underwent a full, frame-off restoration after being imported from the U.S. in 2013. Restored to 1942 factory specifications with great attention to authenticity, it was completed in 2019. Only 1,200 miles driven since. Carefully rebuilt using NOS parts where possible, with period-correct details throughout — a rare and highly collectible WW2 Jeep.
Location
Veldhoven, The Netherlands
Year of construction
29 May 1942
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Type
GPW
Condition
Class A restored and in full working condition
Starting bid
€ 3.500
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
Details
Conditions
This Ford GPW was imported from the United States in 2013 (prior history unknown) and subsequently underwent a full, frame-off restoration. Every component was disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, inspected for damage, and either refurbished, replaced with NOS (New Old Stock) parts, or rebuilt to original specifications. Numerous fairs and swap meets were visited to source the correct components. All seals, rubber parts, and gaskets are of current production for reliability.
During the restoration, most parts were sandblasted and treated with two layers of red oxide primer, followed by at least two coats of custom-mixed Olive Drab paint. The GPW was painted by roller, not spray gun, to achieve a more authentic field appearance rather than a "Dinky Toy" look. The underside also received an anti-corrosion coating.
The GPW was restored as close to original 1942 factory specifications as possible. Even the battery is housed in a reproduction Willard case to closely match the original appearance. A helper leaf spring — introduced after late 1942 to improve safety — was added. Notably, the blackout driving light on the fender is absent, which is correct for an early-production GPW. And if you appreciate original parts featuring the distinctive and elegant 'F' Ford stamp, this Ford certainly appeal to you.
The restoration was completed in 2019. The GPW made its first outing during Operation Market Garden 2019 (OMG2019) and has since covered approximately 1,200 miles, exclusively on paved roads or dry sand tracks.
No expense or effort was spared to achieve a high-quality and authentic result.
Highlights of the restoration include:
All bearings replaced
All seals replaced
Driveshafts fitted with new U-joints
Spring shackles replaced
Leaf spring bushings replaced
Bodywork repairs where needed, including a completely new floor and fuel tank well
New wiring harness (faithfully reproduced to original specifications)
Engine professionally overhauled by a certified specialist (cylinder sleeves installed, pistons at +0.10, crankshaft ground to -0.20, new valves, new valve guides, and other small components)
Gearbox and transfer case professionally rebuilt (new gears installed where required)
Original dashboard plates repainted
New parts installed:
Tires: Goodyear, approximately 2,500 km used
Sheller steering wheel
Wiring
Sections of bodywork
Grille
Bumpers
Canvas set (John & Mary)
All brake linings (including parking brake)
Brake lines and hoses
New brake cylinders and master cylinder
Fuel and oil lines and hoses
Early model exhaust system
New armor plate
GPW tow hitch
All oils and lubricants
Carter carburetor
Additional features included:
Rear body supports to reinforce the spare wheel carrier (available but not yet installed)
Original-style fire extinguisher and hand crank
Original-type tire pump mounted under the rear seat
The GPW comes with a reproduction TM manual and a reproduction Master Parts List.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Model
- GPW
- Manufacturing date
- 29 May 1942
- Chassis number
- GPW27884
- Length
- 132 in (3,35m)
- Width
- 62 in (1.57 m)
- Height (top up)
- 69,75 in (1,77m)
- Height (top down)
- 52 in (1,32m)
- Weight
- 2.453 lb (1.113 kg)
- Max. speed
- 65 mph (105 km/h)
- Operational range
- 300 mi (480 km)
- Engine
- Willys L134 "Go Devil", 60 hp/45kw
- Crew
- 1 driver + 3 passengers
- Production numbers
- 45.000 (Script)
- Road registration
- Yes (Dutch)
History
As the United States entered the war in 1942, the demand for Jeeps surged. Willys, the original manufacturer of the Willys MB, was unable to meet the high production numbers on its own. As a result, Ford was commissioned to produce the Willys MB under license. Ford received the blueprints and was required to replicate the vehicle exactly—every part had to be interchangeable with those of Willys.
Ford agreed to this, but since they were building a competitor's design, they marked nearly every component with their own elegant little “F” stamp—even the bolts and nuts had to carry the Ford mark.
In addition, Ford introduced a few minor modifications to the original Willys design and designated their version as the General Purpose Willys, abbreviated GPW. Until around August 1943, Ford used its own manufactured (Budd-built) bodies for these Jeeps. After that, body production shifted to ACM (American Central Manufacturing), allowing Ford to further scale up its Jeep output.
Note to buyer
LOT NUMBER
Each lot is assigned a specific lot number. This number is allocated one day before the lots are opened for bidding
Specific address details will be provided upon request and to the successful bidder/ Buyer.
VIEWING DAYS
Inspections during viewing days are on: Saturday June 21 2025. (The M36 Jackson 90mm Gun Motor Carriage can only be viewed on Sunday 22 June, 2025).
Participation in the viewing days is subject to specific conditions.
Given the fact that these are often very special items whose condition, no matter how hard we try, cannot always be described 100% completely, we really recommend that you make use of this.
IMPORTANT DATES
Auction catalogue online: May 1st 2025 19.00 (CET)
Bidding starts: Saturday June 21 2025 18.00 (CET)
Bidding ends: Saturday June 28 2025 19.00 (CET)
Times:
Amsterdam NL (CET): 07:00 PM (19:00)
London: 08:00 PM (18:00)
New York USA: 13:00 AM (13:00)
Sydney AUS: 05:00 AM (05:00),next day
BUYER’S PREMIUM
On all lots a buyer’s premium of 16,5% of the hammer price is charged. Over this buyer’s premium a 21% sales tax (VAT) will be applicable.
VEHICLES & VEHICLE RELATED EQUIPMENT
Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-is condition, with no technical guarantee and guarantee of authenticity and with or without registration.
ARMS & WEAPONS
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed – has been supplied by the Buyer in full.
If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only.
MARGIN/ VAT
However, for most of the lots 21% sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be not applicable, it might be that in some specific cases sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be charged. In such a case this will be specifically specified in the lot description. For all other lots the margin scheme will be applicable. For more info see our General Conditions of Sale Article 9 on our website; www.tracksandtrade.com
IMPORT & EXPORT
Depending on the destination and content of the Lot the Buyer shall obtain an International Import Certificate / End User Certificate. Some of the items listed in the auction may require special licenses or permits or existing documents must be prepared for export. If this is relevant, Tracks & Trade will take care of this. The applicable costs will be charged to the successful bidder. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. No item will be allowed to be collected without 100% of all legal requirements being fulfilled.
COLLECTION
The date and time of collection of purchased lots shall always be determined by mutual agreement between the buyer and the seller, and only after the full purchase amount has been received by the seller. If the buyer wishes to make extended use of the storage location—for instance, due to permit procedures—the seller may charge additional storage fees. The seller must communicate any such charges to the buyer in advance, allowing the buyer to seek alternative storage arrangements if preferred.
DELIVERY
The buyer is responsible for the transportation of the purchased goods, unless otherwise agreed. Tracks & Trade can assist with or arrange transportation at additional cost. Please contact us for more information.
Shipping, and packing costs and special costs that arise for loading special items, such as crane costs or costs for hiring special equipment etc., will be charged to the Buyer on the basis of actual costs + a surcharge of 10%. Naturally, you can count on us when it comes to the shipment of your purchases. We are happy to take care of that.
STORAGE
If you have any specific questions, please contact us either by telephone (+31 6 518 22 502) or E-mail ([email protected]). We are happy to help and support you through the entire process. We will do our utmost to please and comfort you. So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All information and transactions are subject to the general terms and conditions (Version 2.0 dated 29-04-2022). For more detailed information visit our website.
Shipping Information
After buying a classic military vehicle or other items such as cannons, planes, howitzers and tanks, there are several steps you would typically need to take:
Legalities
In principle, no special permit is required for unarmored wheeled and tracked vehicles. In many cases, an export procedure that is comparable to that for exporting classic cars and motorcycles is sufficient. Military collectables older than 75 years and with a value over Euro 50k are often considered National Heritage. In such cases an export permit must be requested from the National Ministry of Culture of the exporting country. Tanks, howitzers and self-propelled or towed cannons often require specific permits that are highly dependent on the country of shipment and the country of destination. In such a case first ensure that you apply for the necessary permits, licenses, and other paperwork required to own and operate such an item in your jurisdiction. This may involve registering the item with the appropriate authorities and complying with any regulations regarding its ownership and use. In such a case it is advisable to contact us in advance because we have many decades of experience in the import and export of Classic Military Heritage. Based on this experience, we can generally quickly provide feedback on what applies to you. This is especially relevant because regulations in this regard change every now and then and sometimes, we also have to deal with export-restrictions. In short: if you want to be sure, contact us in time to avoid difficulties in a later stage.
Storage
Find a suitable storage location for your collectable, preferably a secure and legal place where you can keep it when not in use. This could be a garage, warehouse, or even a specially designed storage facility or museum.
Transportation
After you have all paperwork in place next step will be the (oversees) transport to your desired location. This may involve hiring specialized transport and broker services due to permits, size and weight. Als in this case we can support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with some experts.
Maintenance and Restoration
Depending on the condition of your military collectable our partner BAIV can help you with maintenance and restoration work to ensure that it is safe and operational. This could involve relatively easy maintenance and repair, service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (link to BAIV website).
Training
If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how the operate vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain you in a playful way how to drive and operate your vehicle. This is often a team effort, which makes owning such a vehicle extra attractive. If required, you can also involve hiring a professional instructor or attending specialized training courses to learn how to drive and maintain it safely. In such a case, our partner BAIV can also support you.
Insurance
Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect yourself against any potential accidents or liabilities that may arise from owning and operating it. Often there are specialized insurance companies offering these kinds of services. Local military vehicle clubs often also know their way around the specific options offered by insurance companies.
Enjoyment
Finally, once everything is in place, you can enjoy owning and, if permitted, operating your classic military vehicle, cannon or howitzer. Whether it's for display purposes or for participating in historical reenactments, owning such a great unit can be a unique and rewarding experience.
Feel free to get in touch
