When we think of vintage military vehicles, the ubiquitous Willys Jeep comes to mind, along with the Dodge Power Wagon. Even Volkswagen’s amphibious vehicles more readily come into view, but less thought of is Ford’s entry to the mix. The “Burma Jeep”, otherwise known as the Ford GTB, was a capable transporter with a tight turning radius for easy operations in all conditions. We don’t see them pop up too often, so check out this example here on craigslist with a $2,500 Buy-It-Now.
Not surprisingly, it’s in Washington State, a place that seems to capture the remaining examples of any obscure vehicles and provide them with an ideal climate for living out their retirement as registered automobiles. This GTB may have been modified slightly for civilian use, but the basic concept remains intact: a small cabin with limited weather protection and an open bed that may have included a canvas tops or seating for troop transport at one point in time.
The engine was located between the driver and passenger under the curved cover seen here. The Burma was powered by a four-cycle, six-cylinder “L-Head” engine producing 90 b.h.p., certainly not overflowing with power but still only returning a paltry nine miles per gallon. The interior appears to have been spray-bombed with red paint at one point, but given the entire vehicle is exposed, cosmetic and comfort are hardly a concern.
A large bumper with a 10,0000 lb. rated winch was practically standard on these Ford war machines, but they didn’t come with any sort of weaponry aside from what soldiers were carrying. The old-school Washington State license plate tells you this rig has been off the road for a while, but it likely wouldn’t take much to fire up the six-cylinder mill and get right back to fjording streams and tricky trails, thanks to its ability to manage waterways and depressions 25 inches deep. Check out MilitaryFactory.com for more info on this wicked rig.
Nice for a commercial business or antique car hauler.
Call me crazy but I like it !
Awesome rig, indeed! Tho not overly powerful, seeing this lumbering lummox in your rear-view mirror will have you trembling!
I like it too however Ford’s “entry” to the mix WAS a Jeep.
That’s pretty cool!
If you see this in your review mirror, you are in second gear. I would think that top speed is maybe 40 to 45 MPH . Weren’t these built to carry material over the Burma road which was mountainous and had many tight turns ? Top speed wasn’t important, and may have been less. This is an inexpensive way to get into miliary vehicles, if that is your thing.
I think most of these were used by the Navy and Marines in the Pacific campaigns, which probably explains how this one ended up in Washington State. I read that the ones used by the Army in Burma were handed over to the Chinese after use. So the next time one of us Barn Finders is in Kunming, China, let’s see if we spot any!
I’m having some terribly perverted ideas looking at this thing. I’m glad it’s too far away to check it out.
“Terribly perverted ideas”? Pray expand on this! Please!
This thing weighs 6900 lbs., no wonder it only gets 9 mpg.
Yep, but I bet it’s a smooth ride.. lol
Would buy in a heartbeat if I were local.
I’m not a Ford fan, but geez, this ugly duckling has utility written all over it. I do love odd utility vehicles and this definitely qualifies.
The lack of freeway capable speeds is a big limitation though.
I would have to do a camo paint scheme on it! Would look alot better if it was mine! That’s one heavy duty wench on it! Overkill I would think unless you are planning on pulling a house down!
Its for hiding the truck in a tree, hook the cable to the top and turn it on……lol
Wench,winch, both useful, but rarely interchangeable.
Sometimes though…………….you need to winch a wench.
How is that an “old school WA plate”? Its been the current standard WA plate since 1987. Old school would be a green/white or white/green plate.
“Evergreen State”……….
Still looking for this “old school” everyone is talking about??
Very cool Piece–hope it gets in the hands of someone who can give it a good home with some other military stuff!!!
Depends on how old you are weather you are ol-school or not! :-)
Old School was the one I went to, was in a cave & we scratched our homework into slate. Pretty sure that a former pupil invented the wheel too
I have one; has a rebuilt engine, and a dump flat bed body. Everything works. Sits inside.
Oh brother.. it would be great to see a picture of it. These are cool!