Military Vehicles, May 1997,: [MV] How many MB/GPW's left?
[MV] How many MB/GPW's left?
MVBOATNUT@aol.com
Tue, 13 May 1997 19:06:19 -0400 (EDT)
Three years ago I was fortunate enough to find and acquire a MB slatgrill
that had been stored in a barn for over 20 years. (Serial number MB102223,
DOD 12/4/41.)
Of interest was the fact that the Jeep had engine number GPA6887 in it! No
doubt a motor pool transplant. (If only these things could talk!)
Since there was no title, I had to go to the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle
Department's Involuntary Transfer office and present my case for a title to
be issued in my name.
The first thing they did was run both the frame and engine numbers through
their computer to see if they came up as a vehicle registered in the state of
Wisconsin. Much to my relief, there was no match to my numbers. When the
clerk returned
with the printout I was amazed. Here was a sheet of paper almost half filled
with serial numbers that started with the MB or GPA prefix, all representing
vehicles titled in Wisconsin. (And this didn't include any GPW's!)
Unfortunatly the list was all numbers, no names or addresses. When I asked if
it was possible to obtain this information the look on the clerks face said
it all. At that point I was just glad he wasn't going to deny my application
for a title. It took some time and more paperwork, but I was finally issued a
title for the slatgrill.
As a footnote: Wisconsin and the rest of the upper Midwest have been home for
many WWII Jeeps over the years. Most were taken north for hunting and used
very little the rest of the year. However our harsh climate and salt on the
roads (to melt ice) have taken their toll on the majority of them.
Andy LaBorde
Milwaukee, WI
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