Why choose a jeep?
There are about 15,000 WW2 jeeps left worldwide and over 5,000 in the UK, making it the most widely available WW2 miltary vehicle for the prospective buyer. But what makes them so popular?
Firstly, they perhaps the most iconic of all WW2 vehicles. Their sheer numbers and widepread use has ensured they appear in most original footage and film makers have showcased them ever since. the Band of Brothers factor sealed their popularity in the early 2000s when ownership soared despite soaring prices. They are easy and fun to drive, once you become accustomed to the left hand drive and gear box. They are the original 4x4 vehicle and offroading with them is a thrill, yet they can be comfortably driven on roads - even motorways. They are practical. They have a compact footprint, about the size of a medium car, so can be stored in a regular single garage - an important consideration to keep them in good condition. Parking is easy and you can take them anywhere. their size and weight means that they can be easily towed on a reasonably sized trailer by large family car. Their size also makes them easily recoverable if the worst happens and you break down. Driving a jeep is more expensive than a modern car but cheaper than larger MVs. Fuel economy varies with condition and modifications but average at 15-20mpg - many owners prefer E5 petrol and use a lead replacement additive. They are one of the most straightforward MV to restore and maintain. They were designed to be serviced in the field and the technology is simple. Advice and expertise is plentiful as are spare parts - a whole industry has evolved to supply the jeep owner with every part imaginable - it is even possible to build one from scratch using parts. |
"The jeep is the perfect choice for someone new to the miltary vehicle scene but twenty years later they will still love it! |
Owing to its diverse and extensive use in WW2, a jeep can be marked up as any allied nationality and any service that used them making them the most popular choice for re-enactors.
Prices vary from £18,000 to over £30,000 depending on condition and rarity making them one of the more expensive choices but values have risen consistently over the years, making them an investment of looked after.
With so many still around, the jeep might not score many points for uniqueness (unless you find a rarity) but nothing
rivals it for fun and practicality.
New to driving Jeeps?
Driving a jeep is much like driving any classic or historic car - once you are used to the basics, as long as you remember that you are driving a vehicle dependent on older technology and make allowances, it is a pleasurable piece of cake.
Before you set off, familiarise yourself with where everything is. Clutch, brake, accelerator - left to right, The handbrake is on the dashboard, there is a choke and hand throttle and there is a starter button cunningly hidden just to the right of the accelerator pedal.
Look at the gear stick - reverse is where you would expect first gear in many modern cars with first second and third. (Pay special attention to this when setting off with vehicles behind you!!) You can only gear down to first if the vehicle is stationary so drive accordingly - fortunately second gear is incredibly forgiving.
If the vehicle has been stored for a while, it is best to prime the fuel pump by pulling the fuel pump lever up and down until you hear liquid flowing in the carburettor and you feel a bit of resistance as the pump primes, making sure the lever is left in the down position.
To set off
On the move
Other tips
The fuel gauge on a jeep is notoriously unreliable but you soon get used to judging how full the tank is by removing the fuel tank lid (located under the driver's seat cushion) and seeing the fuel level. Most jeep owners use a lead replacement fluid when filling up to protect against valve seat recession. Some brands also contain a stabiliser that combats harmful effects of ethanol fuel.
Unless your jeep has retro fitted windscreen wipers, visibility is poor when it rains - a good solution is to use a commercial rain repellant such as rainex.
Even with the roof up, the jeep is far from rain proof - on the other hand, bodytubs are so in heavy rain water can accumulate in footwells. Use a waterproof tarpaulin secured by rope or bungees, making sure it is large enough to cover front to rear bumper and past the lowest point of the bodytub either side.
Before you set off, familiarise yourself with where everything is. Clutch, brake, accelerator - left to right, The handbrake is on the dashboard, there is a choke and hand throttle and there is a starter button cunningly hidden just to the right of the accelerator pedal.
Look at the gear stick - reverse is where you would expect first gear in many modern cars with first second and third. (Pay special attention to this when setting off with vehicles behind you!!) You can only gear down to first if the vehicle is stationary so drive accordingly - fortunately second gear is incredibly forgiving.
If the vehicle has been stored for a while, it is best to prime the fuel pump by pulling the fuel pump lever up and down until you hear liquid flowing in the carburettor and you feel a bit of resistance as the pump primes, making sure the lever is left in the down position.
To set off
- Many jeeps have retro fitted isolator switches - ensure you switch that on.
- Depending on the temperature of the engine, apply some choke. The hand throttle is usually in (off)
- Turn the ignition by rotating the ignition switch clockwise from 6 o'clock to 8.
- Press the starter button with your toe and quickly rev the engine slightly using the accelerator. each jeep seems to be slightly different - some owners like to pump the accerator before the starter button - you soon get used to your vehicle's quirks.
- Select first gear (if you want to go forward) and you are off.
- The more gentle you are with the gear box, the better.
On the move
- The key is to remember that you are not driving a modern vehicle with built in features that we take for granted, like powered steering and brakes. Improvements in tyre technology has also radically improved safety. Allow very generous extra breaking and stopping distances, especially in wet weather.
- Headlights are less bright than in a modern vehicle so reduce speed when driving in the dark.
- Although a jeep has a rear view mirror and wing mirrors, they vibrate and are not as clear as you might be used to.....driving with the hood down improves visibility.
- Remember to gear down early when going uphill - remember that you cannot gear down to first while moving so you need to stop momentarily and change. When going downhill, jeeps are prone to jumping out of gear - so most people advise gently holding it in gear.
- If you have difficulty trying to change into 4 wheel drive or low ratio, go into reverse gear and drive backwards for a couple of metres first.
- Jeep handbrakes are unreliable. It is best to use wheel chocks whenever you park up.
Other tips
The fuel gauge on a jeep is notoriously unreliable but you soon get used to judging how full the tank is by removing the fuel tank lid (located under the driver's seat cushion) and seeing the fuel level. Most jeep owners use a lead replacement fluid when filling up to protect against valve seat recession. Some brands also contain a stabiliser that combats harmful effects of ethanol fuel.
Unless your jeep has retro fitted windscreen wipers, visibility is poor when it rains - a good solution is to use a commercial rain repellant such as rainex.
Even with the roof up, the jeep is far from rain proof - on the other hand, bodytubs are so in heavy rain water can accumulate in footwells. Use a waterproof tarpaulin secured by rope or bungees, making sure it is large enough to cover front to rear bumper and past the lowest point of the bodytub either side.
Carrying safety equipment and spares
There are several items that come strongly recommended:
- High Viz jackets
- Torch(es)
- Wheel Chocks
- Spare Fuel in a safe container
- Warning triangle - and consider buying a safety strobe light to warn other vehicles if you break down
- Tow rope - authentic rope looks the part but carry a modern spec one
- Jack and wheel brace etc
- A few cable tidies and bungee cords
- A litre bottle of water
You can add to this
- fuel additive
- rain repellant
- cloths
Many people use backboards - either powered through the socket at the back of the jeep or just simply a flourescent slow vehicle warning board. Both improve the vehicles visibility especially to those drivers behind you.
Other spares to carry
The amount of spares you might carry depends on many factors such as the length/duration of your journey/trip
and your technical skills.
and your technical skills.
General Spares
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General Tools
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Specialised parts
Clutch mechanism parts (Jeep connecting rod)
Propshaft UJ’s
Leaf spring u bolts and nuts.
Engine/gearbox mounting rubbers
Wiper blades
Steering ball joints
Regulator boxFuel lift pump
Exhaust mountings/rubbers
Brake flexi hoses
Clutch mechanism parts (Jeep connecting rod)
Propshaft UJ’s
Leaf spring u bolts and nuts.
Engine/gearbox mounting rubbers
Wiper blades
Steering ball joints
Regulator boxFuel lift pump
Exhaust mountings/rubbers
Brake flexi hoses
Buying a Jeep
With so many around, prospective buyers are spoilt for choice...... there are some major dealers who have dozens for sale at any time - from concours quality restorations to long term restoration projects. It can be difficut to know where to start.
Start by deciding exactly what you would like - it is worth thinking about the following
Factory-Original Wartime Jeeps: Originality Guide covering wartime Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps: Originality Guide to Willys MB and Ford Gpw Jeeps by James Taylor
Wartime Jeeps: WW2 Jeeps - Prototypes, Production Models & Special Versions by Graham Scott and Simon Clay
Start by deciding exactly what you would like - it is worth thinking about the following
- Are you looking for a WW2 dated vehicle or post war Hotchkiss? It is swings and roundabouts - an original jeep will appeal to people wanting an authentic WW2 vehicle, but very few come with reliable known combat history. How much "originality" do you want? Hotchkiss jeeps are up to 20 years younger and may be more reliable.
- Do you have preference between Ford/Willys, early slat grill or later war? Possibly a specific year?
- Are you looking for a fully restored and ready to drive vehicle or a project?
- Do you want to paint/accessorise the vehicle yourself to portray a particular unit or regiment or do you want to buy one ready to use?
Factory-Original Wartime Jeeps: Originality Guide covering wartime Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps: Originality Guide to Willys MB and Ford Gpw Jeeps by James Taylor
Wartime Jeeps: WW2 Jeeps - Prototypes, Production Models & Special Versions by Graham Scott and Simon Clay
Where to find jeeps for sale : Firstly, check out the MVT Market Place and ask your local Area Secretary. Your local area is a good place to start looking - members there often know if there are any jeeps available locally and an advantage is that you will end up with a vehicle with a known history.
A simple google search will locate private dealers.
When you have found one, it is good advice to take someone who knows what they are looking at, with you if you go and view the vehicle. Contact your local area who will help. With jeeps having been so popular and numerous for so long, many have been modified to an extent that they are unrecognisable form their original form. Replacement body tubs, engines etc can appear original to the untrained eye and while no jeep will be truly original, it is important to know exactly what you are buying.
Again the books above can help you learn what to look for.
When you have found one, it is good advice to take someone who knows what they are looking at, with you if you go and view the vehicle. Contact your local area who will help. With jeeps having been so popular and numerous for so long, many have been modified to an extent that they are unrecognisable form their original form. Replacement body tubs, engines etc can appear original to the untrained eye and while no jeep will be truly original, it is important to know exactly what you are buying.
Again the books above can help you learn what to look for.
Jeep links and resources
BOOKS
‘ All American Wonder’ ‘ The Military Jeep 1941-1945’ by Ray Cowdery and Merrill M Madsen. First published in 1986 so some may feel it had a dated feel. Typical of earlier publications it has drawings as well as black and white photos of the fine details of your Jeep and equipment. The inside front covers describes the contents as’ Information regarding the history, production, features and the restoration of military Jeeps 1941-1945’ if you’re a jeep fan you need this in your library. Sadly not sure if this is till in print, so it may be a case of keeping your eyes open for the secondhand ones |
‘ The All American Wonder’ ‘The military Jeeps 1941-1945 volume two’ by Ray Cowdery and Merrill Madsen. This one is newer and an updated version of Vol one published in 1990. Has even more interesting details and history of the Jeep, including details of all this little details you never knew you needed to know! Stacked full of really useful details including lists of chassis numbers and dates of delivery. There are a couple of sections with colour photos in too. |
The Jeep’ published by Warnes transport Library, by Jean Gabriel Jeudy and Marc Tarrarine. This is an excellent photo journal of the wartime Jeep in action. There are no technical or model details just lots and lots of really good period photos of Jeeps in use. Really useful if you want to recreate the Wartime period look of your Jeep. Not sure if it is still in print but worth looking out for on used book shelves. |
Also see resources for maintenance and restoration
OTHER MEDIA
Websites
https://g503.com/ - US jeep experts with invaluable forum
You Tube Channels
Team G503 YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TeamG503 - a great collection of all things jeep
Greendot 319 - https://www.youtube.com/@Greendot319 - some interesting takes on jeeps
Greendot 319 - https://www.youtube.com/@Greendot319 - some interesting takes on jeeps