What is the difference between Ford GPW and Willys MB?
The Ford GPW and Willys MB were two of the most iconic military vehicles of World War II, both serving as the primary light utility vehicles for the United States Armed Forces. While these vehicles shared many similarities, there were also some key differences between them.
Origins and Manufacturers
The Willys MB was developed by the Willys-Overland company, while the Ford GPW was produced by the Ford Motor Company. Both vehicles were designed to meet the U.S. Army's specifications for a lightweight, four-wheel-drive military vehicle, known as the "Jeep".
Design and Specifications
The Willys MB and Ford GPW shared a nearly identical design, with only minor differences in their appearance and specifications. Both vehicles had a 60-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, a three-speed manual transmission, and a four-wheel-drive system. The key differences were:
- The Ford GPW had a slightly longer wheelbase (80 inches) compared to the Willys MB (78 inches).
- The Ford GPW had a slightly different grille design, with a more rounded appearance compared to the Willys MB's more angular grille.
- The Ford GPW had a different rear-view mirror design and a different placement of the fuel tank.
Despite these minor differences, the Willys MB and Ford GPW were largely interchangeable and could be used for the same military applications.
Production and Deployment
The Willys MB was the first of the two vehicles to enter production, with the first models rolling off the assembly line in 1941. The Ford GPW followed shortly after, with production beginning in 1942. Both vehicles were produced in large numbers, with the Willys MB accounting for around 363,000 units and the Ford GPW accounting for around 277,000 units.
Both the Willys MB and Ford GPW saw extensive use during World War II, serving in a variety of roles, including reconnaissance, transport, and even as mobile command centers. The vehicles were highly versatile and played a crucial role in the Allied war effort.
Where was the Ford GPW made?
The company built its first Dallas, Texas, plant in 1914. Operations moved to a larger facility in east Dallas in 1925. During World War II, employees at the east Dallas factory manufactured jeeps and cargo trucks. The plant closed in 1970.
What is the difference between Willys MB and GPW?
Frame differences:GPW frames have a rectangular upside-down C-channel front cross member, while Willys MBs have a tubular and round front cross member. Also, as previously mentioned, shock mounts and other brackets from a GPW will have F-script cast or stamped into them.
What is the meaning of GPW?
Government Printing Works (GPW) is a government component reporting to the Department of Home Affairs that specializes in security printing of important national documents such as passports, visas, birth certificates, green ID books, smart card identification ID, examination materials, and general government printing ...
What is the nomenclature of a Ford GPW?
Ford agreed to produce what became known as the GPW (Ford's internal designation, G- Government contract, P- any 80” wheelbase vehicle, W- built under Willys license). The Jeep we know and love was really an amalgamation of all three designs, which in hindsight is probably why it was so successful.
What does GPW stand for in Ford?
The jeep was hailed as “the savior of World War II.” The designation “GPW” breaks out as follows: “G” is “Government,” “P” represents “80-inch wheelbase reconnaissance” and “W” for “Willy's” as they were the designers of the original blueprints on which the jeeps were based.
What does the MB in Willys MB stand for?
That amalgamation of manufacturers lead to two different factory designations for the vehicle. Willys jeeps were dubbed the Willys MB. The “M” indicates a military model and the “B” refers to the second design. The Willys MA jeeps are pre-production vehicles submitted for testing. Ford jeeps were called the GPW.
What is the Willys package?
The Willys features a bold design with a "Willys" hood decal, gloss black grille, and mold-in-color bumper. It also includes standard front fog lights, halogen headlamps, and incandescent tail lamps, which are unavailable on the Rubicon.
How much is a 1943 Ford GPW worth?
The value of a 1943 Ford GPW 1/4 Ton can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $27,100 for a 1943 Ford GPW 1/4 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What is special about the Jeep Willy's package?
The off-roading specific features that come with the Willys are 17 inch black aluminum wheels with 32 inch mud terrain tires, LED headlamps and fog lamps, Rubicon shocks and rock rails, and Trac lok limited slip differentials.
When did the Willys MB and Ford GPW jeeps go into production?
1941
Produced from 1941 to 1945, the jeep evolved post-war into the civilian Jeep CJ, and inspired an entire category of recreational four wheel drive vehicles.
