Historics at Brooklands / Ascot Racecourse 20th May 2017 Cars - 20/05/2017 / 1943 Willys Jeep & Trailer / Lot 145

The Willys MB U.S. Army Jeep and the Ford GPW Jeep were manufactured from 1941 to 1945 and are considered the iconic World War II Jeep; they inspired many similar light-utility vehicles. With America enduring difficult economic times, the U.S. Army instigated a program to modernise its fleet with a 'general purpose, personnel or cargo carrier' especially adaptable for reconnaissance or command and designated as a ¼-tonne, 4x4 truck. Ford Motor. From 1942 to 1945, Willys produced over 360,000 Jeeps and parts used on Willys' MB Jeeps and Ford GPW Jeeps are completely interchangeable mechanically. The story of the Willys Jeep had always resonated with the previous owner and he had always promised himself that his car collection should include one. In the late 2000s, he decided to fulfil that 'obligation' and commissioned Willys Acres Inc. of Ontario, Canada, one of the best in the business, to build one for him - with all the 'bells and whistles'. Using the basis of a 1943 example, this well-known company comprehensively rebuilt the car, with new body and frame, resulting in an example as good as new. The finished article is equipped with rear seat frame, shovel and axe, windshield rifle rack, a capstan winch (for decoration), ammunition box, radio set-up and aerial (including extensions) and jerry cans. Not content with just this, a 1944 Trailer was also sourced and fully restored to match. Its power unit is a contemporary, but slightly later series engine. Completed in 2010, this is as fine a Jeep as one could find, right down to the rare tin mine-flags, still in their paper wrappings. Complete with webbing, ropes and other additional items, this has all you will need for your Willys Jeep and is in lovely condition throughout.