- Seller: Giordano’s Vintage Motors (Contact)
- Location: Carnation, Washington
- Mileage: 11111 Shown
- Chassis #: 21625
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 134.2cid/60hp 1bbl Inline-4
- Transmission: Manual
For military vehicle enthusiasts, few projects have the instantly recognizable character of an early Ford GPW. This Ford GPW 1/4-ton 4×4 is offered as a Barn Finds Exclusive for just $3,950, and while it needs a complete restoration, the seller says it retains its original drivetrain, VIN, and three data tags. Located in Carnation, Washington, it could make an intriguing starting point for someone looking for a hands-on military Jeep project.
There is one important discrepancy in the submitted information worth mentioning right away. The listing identifies the vehicle as a 1946 Ford GPW, while the seller’s description calls it a 1942 WWII Jeep. Rather than guessing which year is correct, a prospective buyer will want to verify that detail using the vehicle’s identification information and data tags. The VIN provided with the submission is 21625.
According to the seller, this GPW still has its original drivetrain, although it received some off-road updates at some point in its life. Power comes from a 134.2-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine listed at 60 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission. The three data tags remain on the right-hand side of the dashboard and have been painted black.
This Jeep isn’t currently running, and the seller makes no attempt to disguise the amount of work ahead. The previous owner reportedly said it was running and driving when placed into dry storage many years ago. Today, the seller says it rolls easily but requires a total restoration. That’s a substantial undertaking, but for the right enthusiast, bringing an old military 4×4 back from a long slumber is exactly the appeal.
The project also has some useful history. The GPW was purchased from a Seattle estate and, according to the seller, was previously titled and licensed in Washington State. Its last registration was in 1987, when it carried Washington license plate UHZ929.
The title has since been lost, so the Jeep is being sold on a bill of sale rather than with a current title. The seller specifies that it is being offered as-is for parts or historic display, with no warranty expressed or implied. Anyone planning a restoration for eventual road use should check their state’s titling and registration requirements before buying.
At $3,950, this isn’t a shortcut to a finished military Jeep. It’s an honest restoration project with a long storage period behind it, an original drivetrain according to the seller, surviving data tags, and documented previous Washington registration. The seller can also help arrange shipping, and the vehicle is available to inspect by appointment in Carnation.
Waaaaay over priced. What is with people hauling old junk from behind the shed and demanding crazy money? Too much even if it had a clear title. How about a no reserve auction and let Capitalism do its job. If I were a young man, I might bid 8 or 900 dollars for this. Get her running and use as an off road toy. Not everything needs a full restoration just to be sold to some hedge fund guy who thinks it so cool, just to have him forget it next week when something else grabs his short attention span and he uses some more of his dirty money. This unit would be so much nicer for a regular guy to buy at a fair price and have fun with it instead.
Yep…..basically buying the plate – unless he can post the motor # with GPV or the frame with the same GPV….it would be helpful….missing more parts but hey…..this is one I rescued from a wrecking yard – note it still has it’s side hoops…..it went to England for the anniversery of D Day …..
This is actually a pretty reasonable price for a GPW. $900 for a WW2 Jeep? You’re living in the past. If I could legally register it (no surplus military vehicles allowed in Colorado), I’d be interested.
One of my favorite things to see on old vehicles here at BF is the ratchet strap holding the front clip together.
My Jeep was a ’42 Ford. Folks smarter than me on Jeeps say you can tell what’s what by the number of grill teeth.
Military Jeeps have 9 slot not 7 slot grill.
I’m impressed with the “upgrades” made by whoever saw the need–
1) the black electrical tape wrapped steering wheel has a nice modern touch but the next step–
2) the “modernized” dash, the addition of roof gutter on the inside below the windshield–now that’s a first!
Based on the serial number, the April 24 date of delivery visible on the data plate is likely in 1942. That would have been a “script” jeep with “Ford” stamped into the lower left side of the rear panel (Willys did the same on the MB until the government told manufacturers to stop doing so in mid-1942).
There’s a fair amount of work to be done here, but it’s doable and I hope someone takes it on to restore it. The unfortunate modifications seen are the result of many decades where this was simply viewed as “just an old jeep.” It’s much more than that; it’s an historic artifact and I hope someone returns it back to how it began and how it served.
i AI the tag and it says 1942 world war 2
I’ve bought these for $500. and even got one given to me that had the tag on the dash as to where it was put in service by the military.
I concur with the group that this is legit war-time Jeep. 9-slot grille and split windshield. The fuel tank and filler were moved to the rear. Real WWII Jeeps had no external filler and the tank sat under the driver’s seat. The cut-outs for shovel and axe have been filled in under that diamond plate. I’ve worked on much worse than this one. I’d honestly say that this is in pretty good shape, in spite of the modifications
Tube shockies look Ford, but are those instruments from 1942 Ford? I thought that they were using car based instrument clusters in 1942.
Anyhow, there will be a lot of these and other military vehicles at Laidley Showground, Queensland, Australia 24-26 September.
Be there or be square!
A major task to undertake considering the extent of visible rust and hidden rust or rot under the diamond plate – a full chassis and drivetrain redo would be the best way to start.