World War II 1942 Ford GPW Jeep with Rare Factory Ford Script Emblem Stampings. Did Ford Make This?

The World War II Jeep is an American icon, but did you know that Ford built them too? I meet the owner of this amazing World War 2 1942 Ford GPW Jeep. This jeep manufactured at the Louisville Kentucky Ford Assembly Plant has some very unique features to it not found on later Ford and Willys Jeeps made for WWII including the Ford Logo stamped into the body.

The owner tells his story about how he acquired and exhibits his unique vehicle. Ford produced these Jeeps for the military to nearly 300,000 during the course of the war. Willys may get credit for the Jeep but Ford had some differences and some are shown in this video. The owner and GI WWII Re enactor shows some special details most common folks like me might not even notice.

The owner was kind enough to do a very impromptu interview as I was not actually aware of the vehicle even being there nor was I in a full position to create a much better audio track but non the less, it is still worthy to share with all of you. I was actually with our Model A group in Jonesborough, TN celebrating Heritage Days when I had a chance to meet Jeff and hear about his Ford Jeep.

According to information from the National Museum of World War II Aviation, they state on their website the following:

The Ford GPW (commonly known as a Jeep or jeep, formally as the U.S. Army Truck, 1/4 ton, 4×4), and its Willys MB counterpart, are four-wheel drive utility vehicles that were manufactured during World War II. Produced from 1941 to 1945, the jeep evolved post-war into the civilian Jeep CJ, and inspired an entire category of recreational four wheel drive vehicles. The name “jeep” is generally believed to be derived from the Ford’s vehicle initials – GP. This Ford GPW Jeep was built in 1943.

Wanting to add mobility to its forces, in 1937 the U.S. Army solicited proposals from domestic automobile manufacturers for a replacement for its existing, aging light motor vehicles. The Army formalized its requirements on July 11, 1940, and submitted them to 135 U.S. automotive manufacturers. Initially, only American Bantam Car 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 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. Both the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00×16 tires, 60 horsepower at 4,000 rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provision for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.

Jeeps were used by every service of the U.S. military. An average of 145 were supplied to Army infantry regiments. Jeeps were used for many purposes, including reconnaissance, gun towing, cable laying, saw milling, firefighting pumpers, field ambulances, tractors and with suitable wheels would even run on railway tracks.