Lot 078: Willys MB Jeep

Conceived for the US Military in the late 1930s, the Willys MB and its nearly identical sister, the Ford GPW, was manufactured from 1941 to 1945 and became the iconic symbol of the Allied armed forces during the Second World War. Nicknamed the 'Jeep' either after the Popeye character Eugene or an abbreviation of the military term 'General Purpose' the MB and the GPW served in all theatres of war, from the frozen wastes of Russia to the foetid jungles of Burma. Most famously it was the vehicle that carried the Allies to victory from the beaches of Normandy to the heart of the German Fatherland... This particular Willys MB was originally built around March 1945 and as such is one of the last of the 650,000 jeeps to roll off the production line before it ceased in August of that year. The vehicle was originally imported from the States as a complete wreck and has been in the possession of the current owner for the last 8 years, during which time it has undergone two full chassis-off restorations (the last completed in 2007). Sitting on correct bargrip tyres, this Willys MB is unusual as it retains its original body, chassis and running gear and is not one of the bitsa Jeeps created from Willys, Ford and French Hotchkiss bits in the 50s and 60s, or one of the increasing number of Jeeps made from mainly reproduction parts. It also retains the original 6-volt system and is complete with working 'blackout' convoy lights front and rear. Currently in British markings (different to all those Easy Company 506 PIR Jeeps that abound), this Jeep is complete with first aid kit, grease gun, lube chart, shovel, axe, Jerry can, starting handle and user manual as per original spec. The vehicle also comes with various canvas items, namely a tilt, windscreen cover, seat cushions and light covers from John & Mary Worthing, the name in military canvas, and everything fits as it should. The 2.5-litre 'Go-Devil' engine runs sweetly, starts with ease, drives smoothly, and stops on a dime as the brakes were renewed at the end of 2008. This vehicle has provided many hours of fun, but unfortunately needs to go to make way for another project. Road registered on an age-related plate, taxed until June 2010 and MOT'd until August 2010, it is ready for immediate service.