Classic Military Vehicle – September 2019

more comfortable. But, unlike later models, the
hood tilt only has one bow which means it’s
absolutely rubbish and doesn’t hold the canvas
down at any speed.”
From evidence from wartime documents,
it seems around 1,500 Series One GPs were
produced by Ford before they switched over
to the Series Two. The differences between
the two models are minor, but one obvious
indication is the rubber windscreen supports on
the bonnet – one centrally mounted on a Series
One, and two fi tted either side of the hood on a
later Series Two.
One of the most signifi cant changes was
the relocation of the headlights from being

mounted behind the front grille. Ford revised

the headlight mounting and replaced it with

hinged brackets. This allowed the light to

be swung up to illuminate the engine bay

so the GP could be fi xed in the dark. This

was a modifi cation adopted by all later Jeep

manufacturers.

Records show that around 3,000 Series Two

models were produced although no defi nitive

fi gure can be found because most GPs were

sent overseas and lost in combat.

Given the rarity of the GPs, it’s inevitable that the

vehicles demand a high price when they do come

up for sale, but acquiring one is only the start of

what can be a ‘wallet-busting’ journey. Master

Jeep restorer Barry explains: “There are parts that

are almost impossible to fi nd. For example,

original carburettors can cost between £5,

to £6,000 - if you can fi nd one.

“Original engines can be diffi cult because

they were slightly different from a 9N

tractor engine. Most owners use a modifi ed

tractor engine as there are plenty about

compared to sourcing and paying for an

original example.

“But it’s the little things that can prove

the most difficult to find like shock

absorber links which are unique to

GPs. Luckily a firm is now making

repro’ examples which are just as

good. Companies are also reproducing

the unique tow-hook used on the

Fords. Original examples fetch

SPECIFICATIONS

Make Ford

Model GP Series Two

Nationality American

Year 1941

Production Run 4,

Engine Ford Model A 3F1R

gearbox

Type

Fuel Petrol

Displacement

Power 46bhp

Torque 4 ft/lbs 1,500 rpm

Transmission Three-speed

Model A

Type Floor-mounted

Gears

Transfer Box Spicer two- speed

Suspension

Brakes Wheels

Tyres 6.00-

Crew/seats Four

Dimensions(overall)

Length 127.85in

Width 60.5in

Wheelbase 80in

Height 65in

Weight 2,100lb

A GP gearbox illustrates the basic design

adopted from a Ford Model A

One of the easiest ways to

distinguish a Series Two

GP is via the two-rubber

windscreen stops mounted

on the front of the bonnet.

The Series One examples

just had one stop mounted

in the centre of the front

bonnet edge

mounted behind the front grille. Ford revised

are almost impossible to fi nd. For example,

original carburettors can cost between £5,

to £6,000 - if you can fi nd one.

“Original engines can be diffi cult because

they were slightly different from a 9N

tractor engine. Most owners use a modifi ed

tractor engine as there are plenty about

compared to sourcing and paying for an

original example.

the most difficult to find like shock

absorber links which are unique to

GPs. Luckily a firm is now making

repro’ examples which are just as

good. Companies are also reproducing

the unique tow-hook used on the

Fords. Original examples fetch

A GP gearbox illustrates the basic design

A GP chassis illustrating the

heavier gauge steel, compared

to later GPWs, used on the main

crossmembers of the frame