What vehicles did Ford make during WWII?
Ford Motor Company played a pivotal role in the Allied war effort by manufacturing a range of light vehicles, most famously the Jeep GPW and its amphibious counterpart GPA, as well as a large fleet of cargo trucks under the CMP program. These vehicles powered mobility, reconnaissance, and logistics across multiple theaters of operation.
The Jeep Family: GPW and GPA
Ford produced two of the era’s most recognizable light vehicles for military use: a license-built version of the Willys Jeep and an amphibious variant designed for river crossings. These machines became synonymous with mechanized mobility in the conflict.
- GPW Jeep — Ford-built version of the military Jeep, produced under license from Willys-Overland. The GPW served as a compact, versatile 4x4 transport used by U.S. and Allied forces across varied theaters.
- GPA Amphibious Jeep — Ford’s amphibious light utility vehicle designed for water crossings and amphibious operations; used by U.S. Army and Navy units for river and coastal tasks.
Ford’s Jeep family helped redefine rapid, off-road mobility for frontline units and support crews, with the GPW setting the standard for robust, field-ready light transport while the GPA extended capabilities into amphibious operations.
Details on production and role
The GPW and GPA were produced at Ford facilities as part of a broader national effort to scale up light-vehicle production. Their combination of 4x4 capability, simple maintenance, and adaptability made them enduring symbols of Allied logistics and mobility in World War II.
The Allied Truck Fleet: CMP Trucks
Beyond jeeps, Ford contributed to the war effort through the manufacture of a broad range of cargo and utility trucks for Allied forces, produced under the Canadian Military Pattern and related CMP programs. These trucks were essential to keeping supply lines open from North Africa to the Pacific.
- 1.5-ton 4x4 CMP light trucks — used for cargo, personnel transport, and general service in forward areas.
- 2.5-ton 6x6 CMP trucks — served as heavy cargo haulers, ambulances, wreckers, and platform for various support roles.
- Ambulance and other utility variants — built on CMP chassis to support medical evacuation and field operations.
Ford’s CMP lineup helped sustain Allied operations by delivering reliable, rugged platforms capable of operating in rugged terrain and under battlefield conditions.
Impact on logistics and distribution
These CMP vehicles formed the logistical backbone of Allied campaigns, enabling faster movement of troops, supplies, and equipment across diverse theaters of war. Ford’s contribution to this logistical network underscored the company’s critical role in sustaining war efforts beyond front-line combat vehicles.
Other noteworthy outputs
In addition to jeeps and CMP trucks, Ford supported the war effort with other vehicle-related outputs and production capabilities that complemented frontline mobility and logistics. The company’s wartime manufacturing footprint helped accelerate overall Allied capabilities and supply chains.
Summary
During World War II, Ford’s most enduring contributions to military vehicle production included the GPW Jeep, the GPA amphibious jeep, and a robust line of CMP trucks (1.5-ton 4x4 and 2.5-ton 6x6 variants, plus ambulance and utility configurations). Together, these vehicles empowered mobility, reconnaissance, and logistics for Allied forces across multiple theaters, cementing Ford’s role as a critical player in the Allied war economy.
What did Ford do 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.
Did Ford build jeeps in WWII?
Yes, Ford built Jeeps during World War II, producing the nearly identical Ford GPW model under contract alongside Willys-Overland. To meet the massive demand, both companies manufactured versions of the military Jeep, ensuring parts interchangeability between them.
- Production details: Ford produced about 280,000 of its GPW models, which was almost 44% of the total Jeeps built during the war.
- Parts standardization: The U.S. government insisted that Ford build the GPW to be nearly identical to the Willys MB, making the parts interchangeable for easier field repairs and maintenance.
- Initial design contribution: While the final design that won the Army contract was based on Willys' "Go Devil" engine and frame, Ford also contributed to the initial prototype development along with Bantam and Willys.
What did Ford make during World War II?
During WWII, Ford shifted its entire manufacturing capacity to war production, making a wide range of military equipment, most notably aircraft and vehicles. Ford built over 9,000 B-24 "Liberator" heavy bombers at its Willow Run plant, and also manufactured jeeps (Ford GPW models) and tanks, including the M4A3 Sherman tank.
Aircraft
- B-24 "Liberator" bombers: Ford's Willow Run plant became one of the world's largest assembly lines, producing over 9,000 B-24s, which was half of all B-24s built during the war.
- Other aircraft parts: The company also produced gun directors and other components for aircraft.
Vehicles
- Jeeps: Ford produced hundreds of thousands of Jeeps, including the Ford GPW model, which was an identical version of the Willys MB.
- Tanks: Ford manufactured the M4A3 Sherman tank and the M10A1 tank destroyer, and also produced engines for both tanks and military trucks.
- Amphibious Jeeps: The company produced over 12,000 "Seeps" (a naval version of the jeep).
- Military trucks: Ford produced a variety of military trucks for cargo, bomb service, and other uses.
- Armored cars: The company produced thousands of armored cars, including the M-8 and M-20 models.
- Gliders: Ford also produced wooden gliders, utilizing the company's woodworking skills.
Did Ford stop making cars during WWII?
Ford stopped building civilian vehicles in 1942 and turned its attention to the massive job of producing armaments to support the Allied war effort. Ford was certainly not alone in this endeavor. Detroit's Big Three automakers led the way with help from companies across the country.
