The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 20th-22nd February 2026

+ buyer’s premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) 179 The vehicle presented here is a 1943 Ford GPW ‘Willys’ Jeep (chassis #GPW-I48242), which, according to the reference books, was manufactured in October 1943. We understand that it was most likely utilised by The Royal Navy, presenting an original identification alphanumeric under its bonnet of RN/641472/16 and B93, which will require further investigation. It is, perhaps the non-military or civilian life that it has lead that is so interesting and captivating. We are informed by our vendor that her father, an astute businessman, required the use of a lorry in 1957 to convey his workers to the various quarry sites that he operated around the Midlands. With the supply of affordable lorries being limited in post-war Britain, he instead attended a local auction with the aim of buying a more cost-effective ex-Army surplus troop carrier lorry for the job in-hand. He bid on the troop carrier and bought it but couldn’t resist also buying two ‘Army’ Jeeps and several Bantam motorcycles, still in their crates, being left-over in this state after the war. He ended up giving the Bantams to his employees and sold on one of the Jeeps. The other Jeep he kept, with it being used continually on their country estate, his children learning to drive in it (and shoot rabbits from it), as part of the family for the next 70 years. A remarkable connection with one family and a vehicle. We understand the chassis to be original – indeed, its stampings are still present, the engine (#GPA-3885) is also known to the family as being original to the vehicle, whilst likewise, the bodywork is believed to be similarly original. Over the years, in more recent times, the Jeep has been treated to some chassis/ bodywork recommissioning (between 2011-2018 by KD Motor Engineers of Warrington, £19,407, with accompanying photos), also to the suspension and interior, plus work (March/April 2024, £4,780) done by marque experts Dallas Auto, the WWII Jeep, MS01 and Dodge Specialists of Berkshire. Any original but tired/replaced parts have been retained (photo attached) for integrity and will accompany the Jeep. Its ‘Go-Devil’ engine has recently been rebuilt 17 th June 2025 by EngineTech of Worcestershire, costing £3,600) and now runs extremely sweetly, having only been used around the estate for a handful of miles; the Jeep has never been road-registered, ensuring that limited miles have been covered. There is a plethora of invoices for all of this work, in its accompanying history file. There are numerous in-period images (photos attached) of this Jeep being enjoyed by the family, which give any potential buyer a real insight into how cherished, unspoilt and wholesome this characterful vehicle is. This is not perhaps a ‘show or re-enactment-ready’ Jeep, and lacks some finer details/attachments, but these authentic and correctly-dated items can be acquired and fitted, to complete the aesthetic, if any new owner wishes. What there is though, is real integrity, a connection, a survival and a remarkable existence of a utility vehicle that became anything but, it has been a part of family life, and for a very long time; it is hoped that it can now go on to be similarly enjoyed by an enthusiast, it certainly deserves to be. The much sought-after Ford version of the iconic Jeep; with a fascinating back-story, and much investment, this is a very special classic military vehicle. Registration: NOT REGISTERED Chassis No.: I48242 Estimate: £20,000 - £25,000 Specialist: Joseph Watts Telephone No: 07779 082707 Lot 760 1943 Ford GPW ‘Willys’ Jeep - from a 70-year Ownership More Details Lot 760 Bid On Lot 760