The Willys MB and Ford GPW jeep. Light-duty vehicles. The vehicles. Articles

The Willys MB and Ford GPW jeep

It is of standard model of reconnaissance vehicleused by American and other allied until the victory of 1945. The production of this model is the result of a mad race between three manufacturers after calls it the US Government supply. Read article on the history of the jeep to learn more.

The Jeep MB Slat grill

The Jeep MB type "Slat". Early models with very fine grid on the front

Vehicle has become symbol of the United States ArmyIt was built by Ford and Willys-Overlandtwo American auto giants. He found many names, synonymous with his fame: Jeep Willys, jeep, Army jeep GI...

It is Willys Overland, who started the production of these jeeps, based on the model Willys MA to which were added the benefits of the Bantam BRC-40 and of the Ford GP. When the Government realized that the army would need hundreds of thousands of these models for the war, Ford came into play to build jeeps on the strict model of Willys MB. These models, manufactured by Ford, will be Ford GPW (W referring to Willys).

These two models were very similar visually, but they each had their specificities. Among the major differences:

Model Willys MB:

-On models from 1941 (approximately 25 800 units produced), the front grille is very thin compared to the following models and the mark "Willys" is embossed on the back. It is called "Slat Grill"

-The first crossing on the chassis of the Willys MB is a cylindrical tube.

-Also on the chassis, shock absorbers media are different

-On the left-back, the mark "Willys" is pressed

-The identification until 1941 plates are made in copper. The following years in aluminum.

-Flat tool box lid

Model Ford GPW:

-The first crossing on the chassis of the Ford GPW is a traverse inverse U-shaped (with an exception for the productions of February - early March 1942, as Ford used Willys chassis for production).

-Also on the chassis, shock absorbers media are different

-On the left-back, the "Ford" brand is pressed, and the bolts is buffered to an "F".

-The identification until 1942 plates are made in copper. The following years in aluminum.

-Pressed tool box lid

-Two holes visible on the front bumper

Initially, only Willys produced the engines, but in 1942 Ford also began production. Each manufacturer had its own suppliers with respect to the chassis, but from 1944 it is American Central Body, plant in Connersville, which will manufacture "composite chassis.

After a production of 25,000 models until start 1942, Ford and Willys, with the agreement of the army, made a few changes. One of the most significant changes is the adoption of the front grille Willys by type Ford, to nine holes.

The first 77 Ford GPW were built with Willys motors and chassis Midland in January 1942. Later, Ford was able to build his own plays. An important point required by the US Army was that these pieces were interchangeable between Ford and Willys, something that was 99% done.

During the war, Ford has built 277 896 models of jeeps GPW and Willys 335 531 models MB. Production ended in summer 1945, at the same time as the second world war.

The last Ford GPW released factory on July 30, 1945, and the Willys last August 20, 1945.

Technical specifications:

Motorization	Willys Overland MB, 4 cyl. gasoline, 60 c. 3 820 RPM
Maximum speed	105 km/h
Autonomy	380 km
Length	3.36 m
Width	1.77
Height	1.58 m (with capote)
Armour	None
Weapons	Optional: Machine gun calibre Browning.50 rise aft
Weight	1 400 kgs approximately (responsible for combat)