c.1942 Ford GPW 'Jeep'

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 18000 - 22000 Registration No: JTC 285 Chassis No: EXFM 6386324 MOT: Exempt � Reputedly allocated to Base Air Depot No.2 (Station 582 of the Eighth USAAF) which later became RAF Warton and RAF Freckleton � Thought to have had its hardtop crafted by the Seabees to protect against inclement weather whilst operating as a 'Follow Me' Jeep � Used for a variety of film and TV work � First UK registered on February 6th 1948 The story which has long accompanied this Jeep is that it served on Base Air Depot No.2 (Station 582 of the US 8th Air Force) during WW2. Forming the basis of both RAF Warton and RAF Freckleton once peace came, BAD-2 handled 45,000 aircraft movements during the conflict. A vital conduit for American operations in the European Theatre, it was home to three runways and 10,000 service personnel. Thought to have been a �Follow Me� Jeep guiding P-51 Mustangs and B24 Liberators around the labyrinthine site, the Ford is rumoured to have had its unique hardtop crafted by the Seabees to provide protection against the English weather. Boasting the highest average age and pay packet in the American forces, the Seabees comprised architects, engineers and skilled tradesmen. Tasked with establishing outposts in active combat zones, the construction of a plywood and doped canvas hardtop would have been well within their skill set (though, the rear reading lamps are a nice touch). A hand painted Seabees logo adorns the 4x4 today and was carefully painted around during a colour change from grey to green. Rumoured to have been gifted to George�s Garage Ltd of Warton when the US forces withdrew, the photocopied buff logbook on file records the Ford�s previous colour, notes it was �ex-Government� and shows that the four-seater has been road registered as �JTC 285� (a Lancashire plate) using its non-standard chassis number since February 6th 1948. The same document suggests its official British duties were on behalf of The Ministry of Fuel and Power. Migrating south over the years, the Jeep has most recently been part of a large Somerset-based collection during which time it has helped to earn its keep via a variety of film and TV roles. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, it rides on comparatively new tyres (although the spare is emblazoned with �Ford� and �Military�). Worthy of close inspection and further research, this storied Jeep is an absolute delight. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.