The 1942 Ford GPW, a 1/4-ton, 4x4 utility vehicle, was a highly successful military vehicle produced during WW II, alongside the Willys MB.

These vehicles were essential for Allied forces due to their off-road capability and robustness.

The GPW, specifically, was recognized for its pressed steel grille, differentiating it from the Willys MB's slatted grille. The GPW was a direct result of the U.S. Army's request for a small, four-wheel-drive truck, emphasizing urgency in its production. 

Ford Motor Co. was instrumental in boosting production, contributing over 250,000 GPWs to the war effort. The "GPW" designation stands for "Government, 80-inch wheelbase, Willys design," highlighting its origin and specifications.

ABOUT THIS VEHICLE

• This Vehicle was in a rather sorry state before restoration took place having been buried by liquefaction during the 2010 earthquakes. It was later dug up and shifted to a paddock in Loburn where it remained until 2024.
• It is always difficult to trace the exact history of any Jeep given the large number that were produced. Sometimes the build date, and their final destinations can give clues.
• Given that we have the lovey matching data plates, engine and chassis numbers, we can tell that this Jeep was built too early to be a lend lease Jeep, and is likely to have arrived in New Zealand with the Sixth Marines early June of 1942. They were based in Raglan and went on to be involved in the Tarawa and Guadalcanal campaigns. We would think it likely that this Jeep served in camp and was left behind. Perhaps later taken by the New Zealand army?
• This Jeep has been restored to Museum grade by Motorpool Restorations - here in North Canterbury. Motorpool are vintage military restoration experts.
• This Vehicle has been restored as close as it can get to an early 1942 scripted Ford jeep, that has come out of the 6th Marines motor pool. It doesn’t have some of the niceties seen on later models such as window wiper motors and Jerry Can holders, although it is likely that these could have been added in the field.
• Its being presented here as “ready for service” but of course the RIFLE HERE SHOWN IN PHOTOS DOES NOT COME WITH VEHICLE.
• You will note that it has no key, requiring only the flick of a switch and a quick stomp on the foot starter to be off.
• The colour is widely regard as the correct green for Jeeps coming out of the factory at the start of the war and is matt in finish. The underside has been painted in a gloss for ease of cleaning, but this can’t be seen.
• The markings are the correct size and colour and their placement is as was required by the army rules. You will note that the numbers are light blue, and this is because this colour didn’t show up well in the black and white photos of the day. Also, the placement of the star may seem odd as generally people paint large stars in the middle of the hood. However, the correct star for this period was smaller and placed to be seen by aircraft when the window was down.
• The unit numbers are correct for the 6th Marines.
• It has one owner on record but this jeep has a clear history from being sold out of the Military in 1953 as a “Ford Jeep tractor” brought by a Mr. John Hopkirk of Stratford. He later sold it to Valerie and Charlie Stewart, and they owned at the time of the Earthquakes. It has been lovingly restored it to a fully compliant and warrantable state where it can be enjoyed for many years to come.
• Car is in beautiful condition and would suit a collector.

Will be sold WOF'd and Registered if sold in New Zealand.

TRANSPORT / WORLDWIDE SHIPPING CAN BE ORGANISED ON THIS VEHICLE ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

Viewing is STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT only.

PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.