Even though the world had seen widespread mechanization of the military during World War I, and the US Army had already used 4x4 trucks in it, supplied by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. (FWD), by the time World War II was dawning, the United States Department of War were still seeking a light, cross-country reconnaissance vehicle.In 1940, Ford, Willys-Overland and the tiny Bantam Company, of Pennsylvania, all submitted designs for a light, sturdy four wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle. Surprisingly, the Bantam version was the best received; however, the Army Quartermasters could see that Bantam didn't have the financial strength or manufacturing capacity to produce the quantities demanded by the military. An initial order for 1,500 from each manufacturer quickly followed and, after further evaluation, the Willys product was selected. The Army, however, proposed awarding the contract to Ford, based upon its much larger production capacity. The Army felt the Jeep showed capabilities and adaptability much greater than its original concept as a reconnaissance car and would be needed in far greater quantities than the few thousand originally contemplated. It was only due to the intervention of former GM Manufacturing Chief Lt. General William S. Knudsen in his role as head of war production that the Willys version was chosen and the first production contract granted. Still, Ford received massive 277,896 unit piece of the Jeep pie. It must have been galling to the giant Dearborn-based automaker to have to build its own version of the Willys MA, including the bulletproof and easily serviced Willys "Go Devil" L-head four. The resulting Ford-built Jeeps were designated GPW, for "General Purpose Willys." The thought of the World War II-era Jeep is almost immediately associated with the Willys.MotoeXotica is proud to offer this incredible, award winning, frame off restored 1945 Ford Army Jeep, in stunning condition. This particular Ford Jeep is one of the far fewer that survived after World War II. Originally believed to be used at Corry Naval Base in Pensacola, Florida before going to the West Virginia Highway Department, this Jeep has a known and documented history since new. This is one of, if not the nicest Ford Jeep in existence. This is the REAL deal that was with the same owner since 1998!The Jeep you see here has been the recipient of a full frame off restoration. Not a single detail has been overlooked and meticulously restored to newer than the day it came off the production line quality! The previous owner spent well over $16,000 for the total restoration. The body of this beauty is exceptionally solid and straight as an arrow. For the sheer reason of an incredibly sound body, the previous owner finished the Jeep in high gloss army green instead of the flat army green that it was manufactured in. It is safe to say that it will be exceptionally hard, if not impossible, to find another Ford Army Jeep in this exceptional condition. Originally built for quick, functional use on the army base, this Jeep maintains the original look of the interior. The olive drab canvas seats are finished in the same fashion that they were back in 1945, including a backseat. Inside the Jeep, the body is finished in the same high gloss army green as the exterior. The removable canvas top is in excellent condition and even has the "Max Speed" warning on the driver's side rear of the Jeep! Under the hood, you'll find that the restoration didn't stop at the body. The engine appears to be brand new, just like the rest of the Jeep! Between the engine bay walls, you'll find the "Go Devil" 2.2 liter Inline 4 cylinder is immaculate! Distributing the power to the wheels is the 3 speed T-84 manual transmission, with reverse. This Jeep is equipped with four wheel drive in the form of a two speed Dana 18 transfer case. It's very rare that a Jeep of this historical stature, in this pristine of condition and with an extremely documented past goes up for sale to the public. This Ford Army Jeep is truly a piece of American history and is an excellent investment vehicle. The VIN to this beauty is 269428 and the mileage currently shows 36,705.