We recently featured a different Ford GPW “Jeep” here on Barn Finds. While that one was from 1945 near the end of World War II, the one featured here is from 1943 which is near the middle of the war effort. It can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $6,000. Located in Randolph, Vermont, there isn’t a ton of information in the ad regarding its history, but it looks like a cool project. Appealing to both Jeep and military collectors, this one is sure to be a fun project. Let’s check out more and thanks to AMX Brian for the tip on this cool ride!
The ad says the engine is an early Willys MB. The engine is apparently locked up and the seller has it soaking (in oil I assume). Although it isn’t currently running, hopefully, it can be turned over and run without major work.
I hope the new owner likes OD Green because this thing is covered head to toe in it. You can see a bit of yellow peeking out from the dash. Maybe this jeep was repainted at some point? The ad does say that according to the body tags this Jeep was reconditioned by “Higgins Company” of New Orleans in 1945. The interior features a very simple interior and it looks like there’s a custom box on the top of the dash. The seats and upholstery appear to be in decent shape although the ride probably isn’t too comfortable.
Unfortunately, the hardtop seen here has been sold at some point previously. I would bet most people would probably run it without a top anyways, but it would have been nice to have the option. Overall, this looks like a pretty solid project and a good start to someone who wants a vintage Jeep and/or a military-themed ride. What do you think?
I love those WWII jeeps. It was the first vehicle I drove solo. I was 12, and was send down an old corduroy logging road to pick up parts for a broken truck. Was I ever proud of myself that my uncles trusted me to do that job for them.
I have never owned one, but I have a bid in on a beautiful early Jeep, with Buick V6 power. This was a very popular swap for the old Jeeps back in the early 80s.
Bob
Bargain
Box on dash could have been for a rifle, if this was owned by a hunter.
Could that be the Higgins of the “Higgins Boat” landing craft fame? By 1945 we’d pretty much built all the boats we needed and vehicle reconditioning might be something that kept them all working at the shipyard. Welders, painters, fitters and easy access for vehicles brought in by the boatload. Interesting.
Hmmmm. I think someone did a Army green paint job over the original Red?
The yellow underneath the OD suggests it may have been a flightline tug for the Air Force or Navy in a previous life.
I collect and restore military trucks both US and German but I don’t have a lot to do with Jeep’s but a one of my buddies second job is restoring Jeep’s just like this one I believe he has done like 40 of them over the years.
This Jeep is certainly the real military version. Depending on the engine coming loose which isn’t a huge deal since you buy good rebuilds for under 2k. The seller doesn’t show a lot of body shots and it’s pretty rare the trans, transfer case or diffs ever have much for problems for the price this is a very decent deal and likely a pretty easy resto if I were into Jeep’s I would sure look harder at this one!
Nice and rare it still retains WWII equipment that was removed…..and ITS’ GONE GONE……..
removed often…….
Engine is locked up and they sold the top already…. $6K may be a bit high. But will be a really cool unit when put back into driving condition.