Crompton’s Column
Bruce Crompton discusses the restoration of a wartime Jeep
Some 25 years ago, I purchased a Ford GPW (commonly known as a Jeep or formerly as the US Army truck, ¼ ton – 4x4), a four-wheel drive utility vehicle that was manufactured during World War Two.
The name ‘Jeep’ is generally believed to be derived from the Ford’s vehicle initials – GP. Wanting to add mobility to its forces in 1937, the US army solicited proposals from domestic automobile manufacturers for a replacement for its existing and ageing light motor vehicles. The army formalised its requirements on July 11, 1940 and submitted them to 135 different US automotive manufacturers.
Initially, only American Bantam Company and Willys Overland Motors entered the competition; Ford Motor Company joined later. After extended development and testing, a production contract was awarded to Willys. By October 1941, it became apparent Willys could not keep up with demand and Ford was contracted to produce them as well. The Ford version was then designated GPW with the W referring to the Willys licence design.
During World War Two, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000.
Both the Willys MB and the Ford GPW models were ve…
