What is the difference between Willys MB and Ford GPW?

Difference Between Willys MB and Ford GPW
The Willys MB and Ford GPW are both iconic World War II-era vehicles, commonly known as “Jeeps” in the G-503 family. Here are the key differences between the two:
1. Production Numbers and Manufacturers:
– Willys produced about 348,849 units, while Ford built about 277,878 units.
– The Willys MB and Ford GPW were produced by different manufacturers, with Willys being the primary producer of the MB and Ford being licensed to build copies of the Willys design, assigning it the model designation GPW.
2. Front Frame Cross-Member:
– A simple way to tell a Ford GPW from a Willys MB is that the front frame cross-member under the radiator is square on the GPW and round on the MB.
3. Interchangeable Parts:
– Parts used on Willys MB and Ford GPW jeeps are completely interchangeable mechanically. This means that the jeeps are likely a combination of the two types, and owners may refer to their vehicle as a “GPW with an MB motor,” for example.
4. Visual Differences:
– The Ford GPW has two extra holes in the front bumper, one on either side, whereas the Willys MB and the Hotchkiss have only the starting handle hole in the center.
– The Willys MB has a distinctive “slat grill” made from metal slats welded together, which was utilized on the first 25,000 units produced, while the standard MB/GPW grill was designed by Ford and used by Ford on the GPW throughout production.
5. Engine Block Serial Numbers:
– The engine block serial numbers for Willys engines start with the letters “MB,” while Ford GPW engines have numbers that start with “GPW”.
6. Other Differences:
– The Ford GPW has an inverted U-channel front cross member, while the Willys MB has a tubular member.
It’s important to note that while there are many small nuances between a Ford GPW and a Willys MB, most surviving GPWs and Willys MBs are likely to have a combination of both Ford and Willys parts due to maintenance, rebuilding, and modifications over the years.
For a more detailed visual comparison, you can also refer to video tutorials and photos available online.
Overall, while the Willys MB and Ford GPW share many similarities, there are distinct differences that set them apart, making each model unique in its own right.

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 is a Willys MB?

The Willys MB and the Ford GPW, both formally called the U.S. Army Truck, 1⁄4‑ton, 4×4, Command Reconnaissance, commonly known as the Willys Jeep, Jeep, or jeep, and sometimes referred to by its Standard Army vehicle supply nr. G-503, were highly successful American off-road capable, light military utility vehicles.

What is the difference between Willys Jeep and Ford GPW?

A simple way to tell a Ford GPW from a Willys MB is that the front frame cross-member under the radiator is square on the GPW and round on the MB, though Willys bodies, engines and other components can be switched to Ford frames and vice-versa. This was often done by the military itself, especially after the war.

What does Ford GPW mean?

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.

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 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 was the difference between Willys and Ford?

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. Initially they stamped the Ford script or the Willys script on the back of the body tubs, but the war department put a stop to that.

Was Willys Jeep made by Ford?

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.

What makes a Wrangler a Willys?

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.