One of the two surviving jeep pilot models from the original US Army jeep development in 1940. Here is your opportunity to own one of the most significant jeeps. This is one of the two pilot model 1/4-ton command and reconnaissance cars built by the Ford Motor Company in the fall of 1940 for tests for the Quartermaster Corps at Camp Holabird, MD while competing for the WW2 jeep contract. Ford built two pilot models, one that the Ford engineers built and one that they had the Edward G. Budd Manufacturing Company. This one is the one that had the Budd body design. Willys-Overland ended up winning the jeep production contract, but Ford did build jeeps using the Willys design. During the war, two Ford pilot models were used for publicity and war bond drives. After the war, the Ford engineered bodied pilot model went into the Henry Ford Museum and the Budd-bodied pilot model dropped out of sight when it was believed to have been lent to Hollywood (it is believed to have been in the John Wayne movie "Flying Tigers"). For many years, jeep enthusiasts were searching for this vehicle with no success. 53 years later, this vehicle surfaced again in California. The condition of the vehicle is in nice original condition. It has not been restored and alterations from the time it was built has been very minimal (a tow bar was added to the front bumper and the gauge cluster replaced). There also is a modification that Ford made in 1941 when testing shown that the updraft carburetor was too low for the Ford 9n tractor motor. The intake and carb was replaced and an area added for an air cleaner. It does have what I believe is the original 9N tractor engine. The drive train and Model A transmission are all original. The original seat frames, grill guard and windshield are still present. The only significant missing items are the windshield stanchions. Other than some light surface rust in some areas, the only hole is in one of the corners of the rear floor where water collected while is was being stored in the California desert. It would be a fairly easy restoration.
Model & Serial Number | GP 1 |
Registrant's Name | Jeff Polidoro |
City, State/Region, Country | Great Barrington, MA, United States |
Date of Acquisition | 0000-00-00 |
Date this SNdb Record Created | 2004-12-05 23:31:16 |
Date This SNdb Record Last Updated | 2004-12-05 23:32:30 |