1944 Ford GPW Jeep

Lacking capacity to provide an adequate supply of the new vehicle it helped father,

Bantam instead focused on manufacturing trailers for it, leaving Willys and Ford to

produce what soon became known as the jeep.

Though mechanically identical, Willys MB and Ford GPW variants can be distinguished

by a handful of subtle but easily identifiable unique features, including the shape of their

front chassis crossmembers, location and number of bumper holes, and by various

plaques and stampings.

More than one theory exists as to how the jeep was named, though the most credible

points to a natural adaptation combining the first two letters of GPW. More than 600,000

jeeps would be made before the end of WW2, of which Willys accounted for roughly

360,000, and Ford about 278,000.

According to its front bumper markings, this example may have served with the 517th

airborne division, while stenciled numbers on the hood identify its registration number,

beginning with a standard “20” prefix denoting reconnaissance. The “-S” suffix was

applied to radio vehicles, and stood for “suppressed”; such vehicles underwent changes

to minimize potential interference from the ignition system and other sources.

One could spend hours drinking in all the vehicle’s design and construction details,

though a few highlights include the muffler tucked high and tight to the right side of the

chassis, and the standard axe and shovel or “pioneer kit” on the left.

Like its exterior, the little truck’s open cab overflows with interesting things to look at, but

let’s start with its dash plaques. From the left, there are operating instructions for the

transmission and transfer case, a nomenclature plate detailing its type, serial, date of

delivery (July 14th, 1944), and gross weight; note how this figure grew substantially

from the original, optimistic goal of 1,300 lbs. The third and final plate advises on max

speed for given gear ratios and explains the correct coolant draining procedure.

Typical of military vehicles, instrumentation is fairly comprehensive and includes gauges

for monitoring fuel level, amps, oil pressure, coolant temp, and speed. Check out the fire

extinguisher hidden beneath the driver’s side of the dashboard, which is one of several

standard issue types fitted to MBs and GPWs.

Several “F” stampings using the Ford logo’s famous typeface can be found throughout

the interior and exterior, further helping identify this jeep as a GPW.

Despite their small detail differences, MBs and GPWs were essentially identical in their

mechanicals, and both were motivated by Willys’ 134ci L-head “Go-Devil” four-cylinder

of 60 hp. The subject example is no exception, though some sources hint that its

cone-shaped spark plug wire devices may be RF suppression shields unique to radio

cars.

This GPW is offered without known history.

Wartime production MBs and GPWs mark the genesis of Jeep history, and indeed

broader concepts of the SUV and worldwide off-roading culture alike. Arguably one of

the most important vehicles of any type ever, these all-lowercase jeeps helped save

Europe before conquering the world.