UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,200.
(05/06/2016) The seller’s bucket is overflowing … just not sure why (first sentence of last paragraph.
“The 1944 Ford GPW offered for sale here has been restored on top of what was a very solid and rust free chassis and tub. The hood and fenders have slight imperfections which indicate to me that the sheet metal is original as well. I purchased this GPW earlier this year from the estate of a Willys collector, restorer and enthusiast. I chose this one of the four MB/GPW’s available because of its originality and condition. There was a museum quality one in olive drab and Army livery but it was beyond my price threshold.
With the exception of the light blue paint (my son suggested it might be a Navy Jeep), the Pirelli Scorpion tires and 12 volt conversion this little GPW is completely stock. It came to me with a brand new canvas top that was still in a plastic bag. Opening it, unfolding it and installing it inside my shop made the whole place smell like a musty old army surplus store!
Equipped with what I believe to be its original drivetrain this GPW is powered by the Willys “Go Devil” 134 cubic inch iron head flat four designed to produce 60hp and 105lbs of torque delivered through the correct T84 three speed transmission and working two speed transfer case to drive the correct front and rear Dana axles and Warn locking hubs. The truck starts right up and idles cold with a little choke from the original one barrel Carter carburetor. It warms up quickly and runs cool with good oil pressure. The gas gauge is the only instrument not indicating. Steering, shifting and braking (four wheel hydraulic drum system) all work as they did when the rig was new, which is to say these are raucous, rough and tumble vehicles that offer little in terms of ergonomics, comfort or safety. Top speed was claimed to be 65mph although I can’t say I have gotten it much over 50mph but I do enjoy a casual cruise around the neighborhood and in the parade line (so long as I can avoid going in and out of that seriously low first gear).
I am going to guess that this car wasn’t driven much at all before I purchased it. I was impressed to see how readily it came to life but not really surprised because so much of it looks freshly restored. The motor is smooth, sounds good and has ample compression. It might grind a bit on a lazy shift and it does have a few weeps and drips after a day’s work but so do a lot of 72 year olds I know.
I fully admit to being a shameless car flipper. As such I have experienced a good percentage of my “bucket list” cars. I can tell you that this car attracts a lot of attention and draws people from walks of life far and away from the average car enthusiast. I have had the privilege of listening to memories of veterans that span the spectrum of emotions evoked by this little Jeep; from saving a life as a getaway vehicle in Korea to saving some sanity as a surfboard hauler in Vietnam. I have watched teenage girls give compelling (and as yet unsuccessful) arguments as to why their parent should buy them this car. One guy offered to store it for me in the foyer of his business. He didn’t want to drive it he just liked looking at it. Everyone loves the GPW.
Now, my bucket floweth over and it is time to move the GPW. This vehicle is located in Rowlett, Texas and is offered as is where is with no warranty implied or otherwise. Texas residents may be subject to sales tax and licensing fees. If the ad is up, it is for sale.”
