Ford GPW   

Ford GPW

The Ford GPW went into production in October 1941. It came into production when the government demanded 16,000 vehicles and the Willys Overland Company said that they couldn't keep up with the production. Ford was given the contract to manufacture the vehicle, which was made on the design of the Willys Overland Company. During the war Ford produced some 280,000 jeeps. The contract ended in July 1945 when the far was won. Some 51,000 jeeps were sent to former U.S.S.R under the "Lend Lease" programme. After the war, as the Ford Motor Company stopped production, Willys Overland emerged as the sole contractor to the U.S Army, until it was brought by Kaiser in 1953. Willys also started making Civilian Jeeps after 1947 to sell it to the public.

The Ford featured a front engine, rear wheel drive and four wheel drive layout. A 2.2L "Go Devil" engine with a 3 speed manual gear and a 2 speed "Dana" transfer case.It weighed around 1040kg and was 80in wide.It also had a system of two rims (combat rims) where the rims could be separated enabling the Jeep to ride on rail tracks.

Combat Rims

Many people get confused between a Ford GPW and a Willys MB. I would like to clear their doubts.

1. Ford was the company who designed the flat grille, which we now see in all the jeeps.

2. Early 1942 Ford's featured a Ford stamp under the jerry can holder. 

3. Ford stamped a F on all it's nuts.

4. Ford stamped GPW in front of the serial number on the engine block.

5. Ford had a flat frame behind the grille, unlike Willys who had a pipe.

Ford stamped on the tail.( only early 1942)

GPW stamped serial number

Interior of a 1944 GPW