A Willys Jeep is not a Ford, but both Willys and Ford played significant roles in the production of the Jeep during World War II. The U.S. Army solicited bids from multiple automakers for a 1/4 ton “light reconnaissance vehicle” in 1940. Only three companies responded: Bantam, Willys, and Ford. Willys-Overland delivered the prototype “Quad” to the U.S. Army in November 1940, and Ford also produced their own version called the GP. Both Willys and Ford produced Jeeps during the war, with Willys making about 360,000 and Ford making about 277,000 [[4]].
While there were some differences between the Willys and Ford Jeeps, many parts were interchangeable, and the two designs were integrated over time. For example, in January 1944, a composite body was agreed upon by both Ford and Willys, and features of both designs were integrated. Some early Ford GPWs even had a Willys design frame, and in late 1943, some GPWs came with an unmodified Willys body.
It’s worth noting that Ford built more than 300,000 GPW military jeeps during WWII, which amounted to roughly half of all jeeps built for the war. However, Willys is often credited with transforming the military jeep into the iconic civilian Jeep that we know today.
I hope this clarifies the relationship between Willys and Ford in the production of the Jeep. Let me know if you have any further questions!
Contents
- Did Ford make Willys?
- How much is a Willys Ford?
- What is the Ford version of the Jeep?
- What is the difference between Ford and Willys Jeep?
- What kind of Jeep is a Willys?
- What is a Ford Jeep called?
- What company made the Willys Jeep?
- Was Jeep ever made by Ford?
- Is a Jeep a Ford car?
- What’s the difference between a Ford Jeep and a Willys Jeep?
Did Ford make Willys?
By October 1941, it became apparent Willys could not keep up with the production demand and Ford was contracted to produce them as well. The Ford car was then designated GPW, with the “W” referring to the “Willys” licensed design. During World War II, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000.
How much is a Willys Ford?
Mahindra Willys price list (Variants)
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Willys Low Bonet(Base Model)2199 cc, Manual, DieselDISCONTINUED | Rs.4.03 Lakh* |
| Willys CJ 3B 4X4(Top Model)2199 cc, Manual, DieselDISCONTINUED | Rs.4.23 Lakh* |
What is the Ford version of the Jeep?
2024 Bronco® SUV
There are two special-edition Bronco models in the stable: Bronco Raptor®, designed for extreme off-roading, and Bronco Everglades®, with a number of factory-installed accessories to help you confidently explore far off the beaten path.
What is the difference between Ford and Willys Jeep?
They were made to the same specs and parts were interchangeable. One of the most visible differences was the front crossmember of the frame. Willys used a curved round tube and Ford used an inverted U shaped channel.
What kind of Jeep is a Willys?
1945-1949 JEEP® CJ-2A
The mighty Willys MB emerged out of the cauldron of war ready for peace time service. The legendary G.I. workhorse of World War II was converted by Willys-Overland into a CJ with the aim of putting farm workhorses out to pasture.
What is a Ford Jeep called?
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 company made the Willys Jeep?
Willys-Overland was purchased by Kaiser Manufacturing Co. in 1953. In 1963, the company dropped the Willys name, becoming Kaiser-Jeep Corp. Six years later, in 1969, the company was acquired by American Motors.
Was Jeep ever made by Ford?
Jeep was never a Ford model. Ford did build a few Army jeeps during WW2, but the vast majority of them were built by Willys-Overland. “Jeep” was only a common nickname for the vehicles at the time, not a registered brand name. The vehicle’s official name was the Willys MB.
Is a Jeep a Ford car?
Jeep is a brand of American automobiles that is a division of Chrysler Group LLC, a consolidated subsidiary of Italian multinational automaker Fiat. The former Chrysler Corporation acquired the Jeep brand, along with the remaining assets of its owner American Motors, in 1987.
What’s the difference between a Ford Jeep and a Willys Jeep?
Predictably, there were still many minor differences; the Ford chassis had an inverted U-shaped front cross member instead of a tubular bar, and a Ford script letter “F” was stamped onto many small parts.
