What is the difference between Ford GPW and Willys?

Difference Between Ford GPW and Willys
The Ford GPW and Willys are both iconic vehicles from World War II, and while they share many similarities, there are some key differences between them:
1. Frame Design and Front Bumper:
– The first cross member of the frame, just behind the grille, is a major observable difference between the Ford and the Willys. On the Willys, it is a curved tube, while on the Ford, it is an inverted, stamped U member which pretty much goes straight across the front.
– The front bumper also differs between the two. The GPW front bumper has three holes, with the crank hole just off center, and two smaller holes at the end of the frame horns. The Willys MB and the Hotchkiss have only the starting handle hole in the center.
2. Front Cross Member:
– The most readily spotted difference between the Willys MB and the GPW involves the front cross member. This is a tubular member on Willys vehicles and an inverted U-channel on the Ford.
3. Engine Serial Number:
– The serial number stamped on the engine can also help identify the manufacturer. Willys engines have numbers that start with specific letters, indicating their origin.
4. Interchangeability of Parts:
– It is important to note that the parts used on Willys MB and Ford GPW jeeps are completely interchangeable mechanically. However, the initial production used frames built by the A.O. Smith Company in Wisconsin for the Ford GPW.
5. Production Numbers:
– Willys produced about 348,849 units, and Ford built about 277,878. Except for a few minor differences, the Ford-built Jeeps were clones of the Willys, and most parts will interchange.
In summary, while the Ford GPW and Willys share many similarities and have interchangeable parts, there are observable differences in their frame design, front bumper, and front cross member.

What makes a Willys Jeep special?

The Willys is a unique trim because it offers off-roading prowess for a cheaper starting price than the Jeep Rubicon and offers some of the same off-roading packages as the higher level Rubicon.

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.

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.

How many Ford GPWS were made?

Throughout the production of the 277,896 GPWs, Ford marked many of the components with the Ford “F” logo. Among these components were pintle hooks, fenders, bolts, etc. Due to materials shortages, non-F-marked parts were sometimes substituted on the assembly line.

What is the Willys package?

The Willy’s package is a Jeep trim that offers classic retro styling with cutting-edge, off-roading technology. In particular, the Wrangler Willys packages include tinted windows, a black dash and comfortable cloth seats. Also included are a gloss black grille, bumper appliques, a hood decal, and “Trail Rated” badges.

How many Ford GPW were made?

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.

What engine does a Ford GPW have?

The Willys L134 (nicknamed Go Devil) is a straight-4 flathead automobile engine that was made famous in the Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeep produced during World War II. It powered nearly all the Jeep vehicles built for the U.S. and Allies. It was later used in a variety of civilian Jeep vehicles.

What is a Willys edition?

Willys takes inspiration from the very first Jeep® Brand vehicles built by Willys-Overland in the 1940s. Willys today combines heavy-duty Trail Rated® component upgrades with classic Jeep Brand styling. Wheels shown on Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe are late availability. Coming Early 2023.

What is special about the Jeep Willys package?

Technically, it is called the Jeep “Willys Wheeler” package. This package is a Jeep trim package that offers special off-roading components and is distinguished by special retro styling.

What does GPW stand for 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.