![]() Rounded rear corners were found on the bodies of all the production Jeeps, both Ford’s GPW and Willys’ MB models. Eventually, the need for this type of “branding” was eliminated, as the American military did its own warranty-level work in Ordnance shops. Most components of Ford GPWs had the Ford “F” cast or stamped into them to manage the risk of having to compensate for warranty work on items built by Willys, since the vehicles were mechanically identical. In total, there were several thousand Fords built with the Smith frames, referred to as “transitional” frames by modern restorers.” Smith was the contract builder for Willys, and Ford’s engineers were unable to get their version going in time for their early production, so relied on frames purchased from Smith for a few months. “Although Ford built their own frames for the GPW, the initial production used frames built by the A.O. On the Willys it is a curved tube, while on the Ford it is an inverted, stamped “U” member which pretty much goes straight across the front. Another major observable difference between the Ford and the Willys is the first cross member of the frame, just behind the grille. (Front bumper): On the GPW, the front bumper has three holes in the bumper, the crank hole is just off center, and there are two smaller holes in the bumper at the end of the frame horns. The rear wheel well tool boxes have either a rectangular (Ford) or a circular (Willys) depression where the lock button is installed. On earlier models, the left side of the rear panel has “Ford” or “Willys” stamped into it. How to differentiate a GPW from a Willys MB:Ĭheck the engine block for a serial number starting with either “MB” or “GPW” to identify the motor. During World War II, Ford produced some 280,000 of these vehicles. By October 1941, due to an increased demand for production, Ford was contracted to assist Willys-Overland and changed their model’s name from “GP to “GPW”, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. By July of 1941, the War Department, needing standardization, selected Willys-Overland to fulfill its contract, on account of the MA’s powerful engine, silhouette, low bid ($748.74/unit), and because of the company’s ability to fulfill production needs, ordering another 16,000 vehicles.Ībsorbing some of the design features of the Bantam and Ford entries, the Willys “MA” was then renamed the Willys “MB”, and featured the powerful “Go Devil” engine and a welded flat iron “slat” radiator grille (which was later replaced by a stamped grille in March of 1942). The Willys Quad became the “MA”, the Ford Pygmy became the “GP”, and the “BRC 60” became the “BRC 40”. During these pre-production runs, each vehicle was re-named. The Willys Quad by Willys Overland, the Ford Pygmy by Ford and the BRC 60 by Bantam were accepted and orders were given for 1,500 units per company, with a revised weight limit of 2,160 pounds. The original pilot models were submitted and named accordingly. As as result, Ford and Willys were asked to product their own pilot models for testing, the results of which would determine the contract. While the "Blitz Buggy" did satisfy these requirements, Bantam was not able to match its production and budget needed by the War Department. (115 N m) of torque, along with an empty weight of no more than 1,300 lbs (590 kg). Nicknamed the “Blitz Buggy”, this vehicle concept which was the first bid accepted by the Army, as it satisfied the Army’s Ordnance Technical Committee specifications that the vehicle have: four-wheel drive, a crew of three on a wheelbase of no more than 75 inches and tracks no more than 47 inches, a fold-down windshield, a 660 lb payload, and an engine capable of 85 ft lb. Prior to the production of the MB/GPW, other attempts were made to satisfy the Army’s need for a light utility vehicle including the first prototype presented by the American Bantam Car Company. Soon to become the ubiquitous, world-famous jeep, the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00x16 tires, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000 rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provision for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles. ![]() During WWII, the Ford GPW and Willys MB played a powerful role in increasing the efficiency and mobility of the US Army, adopting distinctive features, some recognizable even today, that would continue to influence the design and silhouette of the modern “sport utility vehicle”.
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