The Ford GPA (Seep, or “Seagoing Jeep”) was an amphibious military vehicle developed by Ford during World War II. Designed to meet the U.S. Army’s requirement for a vehicle that could operate both on land and water, the GPA was based on the Willys MB Jeep, with modifications to make it suitable for amphibious operations.
Powered by a V4, 4-cylinder engine producing 55 horsepower, the Ford GPA had a top speed of approximately 65 km/h (40 mph) on land, and a maximum speed of around 8 km/h (5 mph) in water. The vehicle could travel about 300 km (186 miles) on land and was equipped with a propeller at the rear for propulsion in water. The wheels could be locked to rotate in the water, and the vehicle was fully sealed to prevent water ingress.
The GPA was equipped with a manual transmission and had a 4-wheel drive system, which allowed it to maintain good off-road capability on land. It was also fitted with a canvas top and a waterproofed electrical system.
The Ford GPA could carry up to 4 passengers, along with a small cargo load. While it had limited success due to its weight and handling issues, it proved valuable during amphibious operations in Europe and the Pacific, notably during the D-Day landings.
