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

Length182 inches
Width64 inchest
Height66 1/4 inches
Gross Weight4,460 lbs
Net Weight3,665 lbs
EngineFord 4 cyl 134 cid, 54 hp
Transmission3 speed
Transfer case2 speed
Water speed5.5 mph
Road speed5o mph
Number mfgapprox. 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 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.

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 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.

 
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