Ford Truck, Amphibian, GPA, 1/4 ton, 4x4

The GPA amphibious jeep was developed by Ford Motor Company from components of the Ford GPW 1/4 ton 4x4 jeep. Naval architects designed the amphibious hull, the same firm that designed the 2 1/2-ton DUKW amphibious truck. The GPA was manufactured by Ford during World War II, starting in 1942 and ending in March 1943. The GPA was not popular or successful with the U.S. military, judged too small, difficult to maneuver and subject to swamping in any significant waves. However, GPAs were supplied to the Soviet Union under Lend Lease and the Soviets continued to manufacture the GPA (as the GAZ 011) after Ford's contracts were concluded.

The Ford GPA was also called the "Seep" for "Sea Jeep" or sometimes the "jeep in a bathtub."

Ford Truck, Amphibian, GPA, 1/4 ton, 4x4, 1945 photo
Ford Truck, Amphibian, GPA, 1/4 ton, 4x4, 1945 photo.

Today in WW II: 9 Jul 1940 Battle of Calabria [Battle of Punta Stilo, the toe of Italy] fought between the Italian Royal Navy and the British/Australian Royal Navies, 30 miles [48km] east of Punta Stilo.  More ↓
9 Jul 1943 US-British invasion of Sicily begins [night of 9-10 Jul].
9 Jul 1944 British and Canadian forces capture Caen from the Germans, a critical post-D-Day objective in Normandy, France.
9 Jul 1944 US forces reach the northern end of Saipan, finding thousands of Japanese civilian men, women, and children who commit suicide by leaping off the cliffs rather than be captured.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Ford Truck, Amphibian, GPA, 1/4 ton, 4x4 (G-504) Specifications

Length 182 inches
Width 64 inchest
Height 66 1/4 inches
Gross Weight 4,460 lbs
Net Weight 3,665 lbs
Engine Ford 4 cyl 134 cid, 54 hp
Transmission 3 speed
Transfer case 2 speed
Water speed 5.5 mph
Road speed 5o mph
Number mfg approx. 12,750

The Ford GPA running gear (engine, transmission, transfer case, axles) were essentially the same as the Ford GPW jeep, but the amphibious GPA vehicle was longer than the GPW jeep. The 84 inch wheelbase was four inches longer than the jeep and the hull extended to the front and rear of the axles. The interior layout was similar to the GPW, a spare tire and anchor where stored on the rear deck, a capstan winch on the front deck, and a rifle rack was mounted on the windshield. A propeller and rudder were mounted on the rear of the GPA along with a standard pintle hook.

Ford GPA Amphibian, 1/4-ton, 4x4 Photos

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the Ford GPA Amphibious 1/4-ton 4x4 at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup.

Ford GPA Amphibian, 1/4-ton, 4x4 Photo Gallery

Ford Truck, Amphibian, GPA, 1/4 ton, 4x4 (G-504). Photo: Courtesy of Dennis P. Nolan
Ford Truck, Amphibian, GPA, 1/4 ton, 4x4 (G-504). Photo: Courtesy of Dennis P. Nolan.

45th Division GPAs ready for shipment with the Division for service in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, 27 May 1943. The officer is identified as Capt. W. Young
45th Division GPAs ready for shipment with the Division for service in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, 27 May 1943. The officer is identified as Capt. W. Young.

Ford GPA assigned to Lend Lease for the Soviet Union, employed by the Soviet 14th Army to cross water obstacles
Ford GPA assigned to Lend Lease for the Soviet Union, employed by the Soviet 14th Army to cross water obstacles.

Ford GPA crossing river during training, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, World War II
Ford GPA crossing river during training, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, World War II.

Ford GPA with trailer, during training, World War II.
Ford GPA with trailer, during training, World War II.

Ford GPAs being tested in the Huron River near Ford Motor Company's Rouge plant, Detroit, MI, during World War II. Original caption calls the GPA an amphibian reconnaissance car.
Ford GPAs being tested in the Huron River near Ford Motor Company's Rouge plant, Detroit, MI, during World War II. Original caption calls the GPA an "amphibian reconnaissance car."

Ford GPA amphibious jeeps waiting transport at the factory, Detroit, MI, April 1943
Ford GPA amphibious jeeps waiting transport at the factory, Detroit, MI, April 1943.