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1942 Ford GPW Jeep that King George VI used on a morale boosting visit to RAF Chelveston in 1942

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Published
02/10/2023 by

FOR SALE WITH SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS FEBRAURY 25 AT STONELEIGH PARK
GUIDE PRICE: £35,000 - £45,000

A remarkably well restored Ford Jeep used to transport His Majesty King George VI and General Carl A. Spaatz, Commander of Strategic Air Forces in Europe, on a morale-boosting visit to RAF Chelveston on 14th November, 1942, comes to sale with Silverstone Auctions on February 25th.

During the visit His Majesty spoke to the crews of Liberators and Fortresses and inspected the aircraft. The airfield was in use by the 301st and then the 305th Bombardment Groups who flew the four engine Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber.

Chelveston Aerodrome was originally opened in August 1941 by the Air Ministry for use as a wartime RAF base. The site was large enough to accommodate three runways, which were laid out in the then standard RAF triangular format. However, RAF Chelveston, known as Station 105, was used by the American Army Air Force (USAAF) from 6th December 1942 until 25th July 1945, for bomber operations over German occupied Europe.

Ford GPW Jeeps were built from 1942 to 1945 and, as well as the Willys built Jeep, are the iconic World War Two Jeep. The Ford Jeep was then designated GPW, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. Over 500,000 were produced. Ford and Willys produced jeeps with fully interchangeable parts and components, making it an invaluable workhorse.

More information about this vehicle and the others consigned for Silverstone Auctions next sale at the Race Retro Show on the 25th February at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, can be found on their website www.silverstoneauctions.com. Here you can also find details of how to get a free valuation for your car if you are looking to sell at auction, along with an online from to submit your vehicle for sale.

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