Ford GPA

Ford GPA 'Seep' (Sea Jeep)
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1942–1943 12,778 built
Assembly	United States
Body and chassis
Class	Amphibious military utility vehicle
Layout	front-engine RWD / 4×4
Platform	Ford GP
Related	GAZ-46 (MAV)
Powertrain
Engine	4-cyl. side valves 134 cu in (2,200 cc), 60 hp
Transmission	3-speed + 2-speed transfer case Low range engages FWD PTO propeller drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase	84 inches (2.13 m)
Length	182 inches (4.62 m)
Width	64 inches (1.63 m)
Height	69 inches (1.75 m) 45 inches (1.14 m) reducible
Curb weight	1,110 kg 1,610 kg (GWV)

The Ford GPA "Seep" (Government 'P' Amphibious, where 'P' stood for its 80-inch wheelbase), with supply catalog number G504, was an amphibious version of the World War II Ford GPW jeep. Over 12 thousand were made and they served with Allied forces in the many theatres of WW2, including the Pacific, Eastern front, and from D-day to the end. After the war as surplus they found many niche roles, and today examples can be found in museums collections or at military history shows.

Design features concept was similar to the larger and successful DUKW amphibious 21⁄2-ton truck were used on the GPA, but unlike these and the jeep, the 'seep' was not as successful a design. It was considered too slow and heavy on land, and lacked sufficient seagoing abilities in open water, due mainly to its low freeboard.^[1] Despite this it did have widespread use across the theatres of WW2.

The Soviet Union received one third of the total GPA production under Lend Lease, and were sufficiently satisfied with its ability to cross calmer inland waters, that they produced a copy, the GAZ-46.