All the GPs that left the
Ford factory had the
manufacturer’s logo
stamped onto the rear of
the body work. Ford were
keen to show its design
could meet the needs of
the contract offered to it
to equip the
US Army with a
high-mobility
vehicleridiculous prices on the internet.
“But it doesn’t stop me, it just makes a
project like this a real challenge. Radiators
are extremely hard to find and they’re
different to any other US military vehicle, but
other things by Ford can be crossed over to
the GP. Various mounts are the same as on
a Model A or their early tractors and can be
used on the vehicle. It’s a case of getting all
the parts as the jobs come along. But a GP is
far easier to work on as you can remove the
whole transmission cover from the body so
can actually get to everything. On a GPW you
have to work through a small hole to get to
the gear box.”
Derek and Barry were keen to have the GP
looking as authentic as possible. Although
it arrived at Barry’s in good condition, during
its month-long stay it underwent a general
tidy up, mechanical checks and a repaint. It
was a case of searching Goggle and looking
at period photographs and numerous
reference books to ensure the GP looked
‘wartime right’.
One of the most distinctive features is the
unique dashboard cluster. It’s the same as in a
Ford commercial truck from the 1930-40s, but
the speedo goes up to 100mph compared to
only 60mph in the trucks. The speedo facia is
the same but with a different graph inside.
Sourcing such parts can mean looking around
the globe and tapping into GP internet owners’
Facebook groups.
“A few years ago, there was a chap in Australia
who cast a batch of 100 GP manifolds and I
bought one,” recalls Barry. “I knew it would be
needed at some point on a future project.
“It’s simply a case of trying to source
something. But, if you can’t then, within reason
and with a bit of trial and error, you can make
the missing part,” he said.
Sourcing parts from around the world causes
some of the delays when restoring a GP or any
vehicle. A part coming from Australia can take
up to six weeks to arrive. Fortunately for Derek’s
GP, everything was to hand.
So, owning a GP compared to a regular
Jeep, is it all worth the extra time and effort
searching for elusive parts?
Derek thinks so: “They’re far easier and more
comfortable to drive, particularly as I’m getting
on in age and not as fl exible as I once was.
“Getting in and out is much easier. The
steering wheel is positioned at a better height,so there’s more leg room. And overall there’s
just more space - it’s a totally different driving
experience compared to a Willys.
“Like the other models they have a crash box
in them, but the gearbox is much smoother,
quicker and lighter.”
Barry was quick to support Derek: “Overall,
they are much nicer to drive and far more
comfortable. As long as you don’t put the
canvas tilt up – things are fi ne.”The Ford 9N tractor engine suitably modifi ed for
a GP. At the time of the vehicle’s development in
1940, it was the only engine that Ford had available
in signifi cant quantities. Of note are the reversible
brackets on which the headlights are mounted