Offered from the estate of the late Michael Turner
1942 Ford GPW Jeep 4x4 Military Vehicle with Trailer

• The most iconic military vehicle of all time
• Present ownership since 1978
• Only used on private land since 1984
• Restored to original specification
• Ideal period transport for the Goodwood meetings

Although forever associated with Willys-Overland, the original Jeep military vehicle was developed by American Bantam, formerly American Austin. Designed to meet the US Army's requirement for a rugged, go-anywhere, four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of surviving on the barest minimum of unskilled maintenance, Bantam's prototype was up and running by 1940, meeting the Army's requirements apart from the engine, which was deemed insufficiently powerful. The Pentagon though, doubted Bantam's ability to meet the military's post-Pearl Harbour demands so the major contracts went to Willys - the only other firm that had submitted a tender - and the Ford Motor Company, which would be responsible for the Jeep's trademark slotted radiator grille. Willys made various modifications to take advantage of a revised maximum weight requirement, which meant it was able to use its relatively heavy but adequately powerful 'Go Devil' engine. It was in this revised form that the Jeep would enter volume production. Willys-Overland's final production version was the Model MB, Ford's being designated the Model GPW. There were subtle differences between the two versions, Ford's having its components marked with the letter 'F'.

After extensive field testing, the Jeep's off-road capability was first publicly demonstrated early in 1941 when one was driven up the steps of the United States Capitol by Willys's test driver, Irving 'Red' Haussman. Produced by the million, the ubiquitous Jeep saw service in every theatre of the Second World War and continued in military service with armies world-wide for several decades thereafter. Today the Jeep remains highly sought after by discerning military vehicle enthusiasts.

This Ford signals Jeep was purchased by Michael Turner in 1978 and since 1984 has been used on private land only. Converted to 12-volt electrics, the Jeep has been maintained, fires up, and runs and drives, albeit within the confines of the private land available. Included in the sale is a US Army BC-620-A radio and mounting (not tested or in use) together with a long multi-piece aerial in a canvas case. The vehicle also comes with a starting handle; handbooks for the Jeep and radio (both 1943); and a wire catcher for mounting on the front bumper (requires one weld to reattach support). Offered with an old-style logbook. Michael's Jeep is illustrated in the book 'Jeep' by Michael Clayton (copy on file), in which it is described as 'beautifully restored' and totally authentic apart from the civilian numberplate and rear flasher.