Registration No: TXS 836
Chassis No: 271146
MOT: Exempt

PLEASE NOTE: The registration number for this vehicle is ‘TXS 836’.

• Resided in the ownership of one family since 1947
• Desirable and rare British Army example and features several British changes/items
• A remarkable survivor – notably unmolested and original
• Said by the vendor to a ‘superb drive’

Arguably more iconic than a Sherman Tank or P-51 Mustang, the Jeep is for many the definitive WW2 vehicle; a workhorse of the US and Allied forces during WW2 and kept in service all around the world for decades afterwards. Born out of the American Quartermaster Corps' 1940 invitation to submit a prototype go-anywhere four-wheel drive light reconnaissance vehicle which led to a three-way competition between Bantam, Willys-Overland, and Ford, the winning design's simple but effective chassis, ingenious transmission, rugged suspension, and flathead Go-Devil 60hp 2.2-litre 'four' proved invaluable for hauling troops out of trouble. About 650,000 MB types were built between 1941 and 1945, by Willys and (in greater numbers) by Ford. Finding a Jeep still retaining all its original components is rare because, after WW2, many Jeeps were rebuilt on a ‘mix and match' basis, meaning it is common to find components from all three makers combined in one vehicle.

Chassis number 271146 was manufactured in 1943 and was one of the rare (and now desirable) Jeeps to have served with the British Army. Only approximately 30% of the Willys Jeeps produced during WW2 were supplied to British and Russian forces. Featuring some key differences from the American service Jeeps, these included Darker Green paintwork, strengthening bumperettes on the rear, horsehair seats, Butler marker lights, and a British army plate under the bonnet. This example was retired from active service in 1947 and remarkably has remained in the ownership of just one family for the following seventy-six years. Likely to have helped chassis 271146’s preservation, the outcome of such long-terms custodianship is that the Jeep is an incredible survivor and in super original condition, with the vendor informing us that the 4x4 is both a ‘pleasure and superb to drive’. Time-warp vehicles scarcely come along - especially war-time ones - all of which makes this Jeep an opportunity to not pass up if militaria or originality are your passions.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452