This 1945 Ford GPW Jeep was purchased as a heap of parts in August 2003, but id came with a new body. On inspection, around one third of the parts would have to be scrapped, including the engine block and one combat wheel rim. Work started late august in repairing wings, bonnet, grille etc and repainting. New engine block, petrol tank, radiator, wheel rim, wiring harness, complete brake assy, dampers, lights, hood, seat kit and a host of other small parts, many of those important small brackets etc were missing and had to be found or made up. Work started in October 2003 on the assy and was completed early Feb 2004. The work was carried out by the owner - Mr D. Eastlea, of Creeting St Mary and Mr. J. Holmes of Stowmarket.
This Jeep is marked to represent a vehicle of the 1st Bn. Suffolk Regiment 3rd Infantry Division that landed on Sword Beach D/Day 6th June 1944.
Details
1945 Ford Jeep
Chassis No 253361
Engine Willys 2199cc ( with Hotchkiss engine block )
Reg No UBM 787
1/4 Ton Truck 4X4
First registered civilian 1958
Used by british army until 1956 then stored and sold off as surplus in 1958