What was the wheelbase of the Ford GPW?
The wheelbase of the Ford GPW was 84 inches (2,134 mm).
This article provides context on that measurement, its historical significance for the World War II jeep and how it compared with the Willys MB, to help readers understand why the figure mattered for handling and compatibility with accessories and trailers.
Wheelbase specification
The GPW shared a frame design common to the era's light 4x4s. The nominal wheelbase used in Ford’s wartime catalogs and many restorers' references is 84 inches (2,134 mm). This dimension influences the vehicle's balance, approach/departure angles, and stability over rough terrain, while allowing space for the 60-horsepower Go-Devil engine and 4x4 drivetrain components.
GPW vs MB comparison
Historically, the Willys MB is frequently cited with a similar footprint but often listed with a slightly different wheelbase depending on the source. The Willys MB wheelbase is commonly shown as 81 inches in older or some authoritative references, whereas Ford's GPW is typically listed at 84 inches. In practice, the two jeeps used nearly the same chassis, and small measurement discrepancies can arise from different model years, measurement conventions, or body mounting tolerances.
Context and implications
The wheelbase is one of several dimensions that define a jeep's off-road behavior. A longer wheelbase generally improves ride comfort and straight-line stability, while a shorter wheelbase can enhance maneuverability. For the GPW, the 84-inch wheelbase helped strike a balance suitable for convoy travel, field use, and compatibility with standard trailers and towed equipment of the era.
Conclusion
In sum, the Ford GPW’s wheelbase is widely cited as 84 inches (2,134 mm). This figure reflects Ford’s design choices for a compact, rugged 1/4-ton 4x4 used across multiple theaters in World War II. When comparing to the Willys MB, some sources list a marginally different figure for MB, but the GPW’s 84-inch wheelbase remains the commonly accepted standard in historical references and restoration communities.
Summary
The Ford GPW’s wheelbase: 84 inches (2,134 mm). This measurement helped define the jeep’s handling and compatibility with wartime equipment, and it is a key spec cited in catalogs and restoration guides for this iconic vehicle.
What did GPW stand for?
GPW is an acronym with several meanings depending on the context, such as Gross Product Worth (the value of a crude oil refinery's products), General Programme of Work (a strategic document from the World Health Organization), Government Printing Works (a government entity in South Africa), and Gross Premiums Written (an insurance term). It can also refer to the Warsaw Stock Exchange (Giełda Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie S.A.), the Ford GPW Jeep used in WWII, or various other organizations.
In finance and business
- Gross Product Worth (GPW): The value of all refined products made from a barrel of crude oil, often used in the oil and gas industry.
- Gross Premiums Written: The total premiums an insurer collects from policies before deducting reinsurance and other costs.
- Warsaw Stock Exchange (Giełda Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie S.A.): The stock exchange in Poland, commonly abbreviated as GPW.
In government and public services
- Government Printing Works: A government printing and security printing service, such as the one in South Africa that prints passports and national ID documents.
- General Programme of Work: A strategic plan for the World Health Organization that guides its work on global health for a specific period.
- Gridded Population of the World (GPW): A project from NASA Earthdata that provides population density data.
In other contexts
- Ford GPW: A specific model of Jeep built by Ford during World War II.
- Graphic-Prompt Writing (GPW): A type of writing task, often used in academic testing, that requires a test-taker to write about information presented in a graphic format.
How much is a 1943 Ford GPW worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $27,600 for a 1943 Ford GPW 1/4 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1943 Ford GPW 1/4 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1943 Ford GPW 1/4 Ton at auction over the last three years was $41,250.
What was the wheelbase of the 1960 Ford Starliner?
Riding on a 119-inch wheelbase, the 1960 Starliner was very popular with the NASCAR teams, as its bubbletop design gave it an aerodynamic advantage over previous Ford models.
What is the wheelbase of the 1947 Willys pickup?
118 inches
The Jeep Truck was introduced in 1947 as a 1-ton four -wheel drive truck with a wheelbase of 118 inches (2,997 mm). It was available as a pickup truck, a platform stake truck, a chassis cab, or a bare chassis. A ¾-ton two-wheel drive version became available by 1949.
