Did Ford build the Willys Jeep?
Ford did not build the Willys Jeep MB; instead, Ford produced its own parallel Jeep under contract (the GPW) while Willys-Overland built the MB for the U.S. Army. Both companies supplied Jeeps during World War II, contributing to the same essential vehicle plan.
Origins of the Jeep program
To understand how Ford and Willys came to produce Jeeps under separate contracts, it helps to review the wartime path to mass production. The U.S. Army sought a small, versatile 4x4 for reconnaissance and support roles, leading to competing bids from multiple manufacturers. Willys-Overland and Ford both built vehicles to the Army’s specifications, creating two nearly identical workhorses on parallel supply chains:
- Bantam addressed the initial prototype and concept in 1940, catalyzing the opportunity for a light, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- In 1941, Willys-Overland received a contract to produce the MB, while Ford received a separate contract to produce the GPW.
- Both vehicles used the same core design goals and shared key components, enabling widespread production for Allied forces.
- The Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille and rugged, simple construction became a symbol of Allied logistics.
These milestones illustrate the parallel path of Jeep production during the war, with Willys-Overland and Ford delivering combat-proven vehicles to the Army.
Ford's GPW vs Willys MB: how they differed in practice
Even though the GPW and the MB were built to the same military specification, each manufacturer used its own tooling, suppliers, and assembly processes. The vehicles were designed to be interchangeable for field service, but minor differences reflected each company’s production methods and parts sourcing. A common powertrain—the Go Devil engine—appeared in both, along with similar transmissions and transfer cases, while branding and some components were specific to each builder.
- Powertrain: both MB and GPW used the 60-horsepower Go Devil 134 cubic inch inline-4 engine, with similar drivetrain architectures.
- Manufacturing differences: Willys and Ford used distinct suppliers and production lines, leading to parts variation between MB and GPW.
- Branding and markings: MB vehicles bore Willys-Overland markings, while GPW vehicles bore Ford identifiers and logos.
In short, the GPW and MB were functionally very similar and served the same wartime purpose, but they were produced by different manufacturers with their own internal systems and branding.
Postwar era and the Jeep lineage
After the war, the Jeep line transitioned primarily through Willys-Overland into civilian models, beginning with the CJ series (starting with the CJ-2A in 1945). Kaiser Industries later acquired Willys-Overland, continuing the Jeep lineage under Kaiser-Jeep, and the brand eventually became part of Chrysler, where it is known today as Jeep. Ford did not become a major civilian Jeep producer in the postwar era, though the wartime GPA amphibious Jeep remains a separate Ford wartime variant.
- Civilian Jeep evolution: Willys-Overland launched the CJ line after WWII, establishing the modern civilian Jeep market.
- Corporate changes: the Jeep brand moved from Willys to Kaiser-Jeep, and later to Chrysler (now under the Jeep umbrella within Stellantis).
- Ford's later role: Ford did not maintain a parallel civilian Jeep lineup to Willys/Jeep in the postwar period.
Today, the enduring image of the Jeep traces back to the wartime collaboration between Willys-Overland and Ford, with Willys-era designs forming the core of the civilian Jeep tradition that followed.
Summary
Ford did not build the Willys Jeep MB; Ford produced a closely related Jeep under contract (GPW) to meet the Army’s wartime needs. The MB (Willys-Overland) and GPW were designed to the same specifications and shared much of their mechanical heart, but each came from a different manufacturer with its own production style. The Willys name subsequently led the civilian CJ line, while Ford did not continue a parallel civilian Jeep series. The Jeep legacy lives on today under the Jeep brand, rooted in these wartime collaborations between Willys-Overland and Ford.
Was Willy's Jeep made by Ford?
More than 639,000 jeeps were built by Willys and Ford during WWII. Although the origin of the jeep's name is obscure, many believe that it was an abbreviation for general purpose vehicle. The jeep had a four-cylinder 60-hp engine and weighed 2,200 pounds.
What vehicles did Ford make in WWII?
1942. In addition to aircraft, Ford plants built 277,896 vehicles (tanks, armored cars and General Purpose Willys). At the behest of the government, Ford Motor Company engineered a watertight hull and other unique features for the GPW Reconnaissance Vehicles.
What Jeeps were made by Ford?
The Ford GPW (commonly known as a Jeep or jeep, formally as the U.S. Army Truck, 1/4 ton, 4×4), and its Willys MB counterpart, are four-wheel drive utility vehicles that were manufactured during World War II.
Who built the original Willy's Jeep?
The Willys Jeep was made by Willys-Overland Motors. The U.S. War Department contracted Willys-Overland to produce a lightweight, four-wheel-drive vehicle based on a design by the Bantam Car Company. In a competitive process, Willys-Overland's more powerful engine design was selected, and the company, along with Ford, mass-produced the vehicle for the military during World War II.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Willys Jeep: 46sIf This Car Could TalkYouTube · Dec 31, 2020
- Initial design: The initial design concept came from the American Bantam Car Company, which was contracted by the War Department in 1940.
- Competitive bidding: Willys-Overland and the Ford Motor Company also submitted designs.
- Willys-Overland selection: The War Department chose the Willys design, primarily because of its more powerful "Go-Devil" engine.
- Mass production: Willys-Overland produced over 360,000 military jeeps during World War II, and Ford also manufactured a version under license.
- Post-war: After the war, Willys-Overland continued to produce Jeeps for the civilian market, cementing the Jeep name in automotive history.
