1942 Ford GTB 'Burma Jeep'
This Ford GTB, also known as the ‘Burma Jeep,’ is a rare and unique vehicle. Its distinctive low silhouette and the unusual placement of the passenger seat are iconic features of the GTB, making it truly stand out from the crowd. Originally used by the U.S. Navy during the war, its blue-gray appearance reflects its military heritage. Whether with the top up or top down, this GTB is always a head-turner at events, especially because so few of them remain today.
Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
27-10-1942
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Type
1 1/2-ton (L.C.) 4x4
Condition
Very good condition/ Not driving
Starting bid
€ 2.000
Details
Condition
The Ford GTB is in stunning condition and has always been kept dry—and it shows! The vehicle's maintenance history is documented. However, due to an extended period of inactivity, the Ford is currently not driving and it will require a full service, with special attention to the cooling system and brakes. The engine, though, is in running condition.
This 'Burma Jeep' currently does not have road registration and is sold 'as is'. But a Dutch road registration can be arranged at additional cost. Contact Tracks & Trade for more details and conditions.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Model
- 1 1/2-ton (L.C.) 4x4
- Manufacturing date
- 27-10-1942
- Chassis/ serial number
- 139450
- Model number
- 08247-Z
- Length
- 16 fr 5 in (5 m)
- Width
- 7 ft 3 in (2,21 m)
- Height (top up)
- 8 ft 3 in (2,5 m)
- Height (top down)
- 4 ft 6 in (1,37 m)
- Weight
- 7.250 lb (3,3 t)
- Max. speed (land)
- 45 mph (72 km/h)
- Operational range
- 200 mi (320 km)
- Engine
- Ford G8T 6 cyl, 3,7 litr, gasoline, 90 hp
- Crew
- 2
- Production numbers
- 15.000
History
Development and History
The development of the Ford GTB, also known as the ‘Burma Jeep’, began in 1941, when the U.S. government recognized the need for a light truck capable of operating in the rugged conditions of jungles and mountainous areas. Ford designed the GTB with a 6-cylinder engine and a 1.5-ton payload capacity, making it particularly suitable for transporting supplies, ammunition, and troops. The truck was equipped with four-wheel drive, which provided it with excellent off-road capabilities.
The Ford GTB earned the nickname "Burma Jeep" due to its extensive use in the Burma campaign, where the Allies fought against Japanese forces in what was then Burma (now Myanmar). The dense jungles and mountainous terrain of this region made a vehicle like the GTB essential for military operations.
Application
The Ford GTB was multifunctional and used for a wide range of tasks. There were several variants of the GTB, including models configured as crane trucks, transport vehicles, and radio trucks. The most notable variants were the GTB Cargo Truck, GTBA for the US Navy, GTBS Wrecker and the GTBS Bomb Service Truck for the Navy (GTBC ‘improved’ Bomb Service Truck).
The GTB was deployed by the U.S. military in various campaigns, but its most well-known contribution was in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Burma campaign. The GTB's rugged construction and reliability made it highly valued by the troops.
Deployment
Although the Ford GTB was primarily used by the United States (Navy), it was also supplied to allies through the Lend-Lease program. This allowed the United Kingdom and other Allied nations to utilize the truck for their own military operations. The GTB was mainly deployed in the fight against Japan in Asia, but it also saw use in other parts of the world where the Allies were active.
Use in Wars
The Ford GTB played a significant role during World War II and was used in various campaigns, most notably in the fight against the Imperial Japanese Army in Southeast Asia. After the war, many of these vehicles were transferred to civilian organizations or foreign armies, where they continued to serve for years.
Note to buyer
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.
PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA
Spare parts, accessories and militaria are sold in as-is condition and delivered without any guarantee of functioning.
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
COLLECTION
Parts, accessories, and militaria
The collection of the lots, subject to payment, is by appointment only. The date and time for collecting the goods will be arranged in consultation with the seller.
Vehicles
Vehicles can be picked up, subject to payment, by appointment only. The date and time for collecting vehicles will be arranged in consultation with the seller.
Handling costs for the removal of the vehicles will, when applicable, be applied at cost.
Arms & weapons
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed - have been supplied 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.
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.
DELIVERY
Removal of lots must be completed:
After full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements.
Within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024). No storage fees will be applicable until that date.
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
Lots not picked up by Buyers within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024) will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applicable. Contact Tracks & Trade for costs and conditions.
NOTE
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.
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