1942 Ford GPW

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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

Details

Condition

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.

Feel free to get in touch

Ivo Rigter Sr.

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