Military Vehicle Spotlight: 1945 GPW 4X4
With WWII raging, Ford joined forces to get as many jeeps produced as possible. To manufacture those jeeps in record time, a copy of the Willys design was chosen and designated with the naming convention “GPW.”
Ford GPW 1/4-ton Truck (G-503)
Gross Weight: 3,650 lbs.
Engine: Ford GPW 4-Cylinder
Displacement: 134 cu. in.
Fuel: Gasoline
Horsepower: 54 @ 4,000 rpm
Maximum Speed: 65 mph
Maximum Range: 285 miles
HISTORICAL NOTE:
Once the design of the jeep was standardized, the Government gave a production contract to Willys for its MB model. Ford received contract to put into production a copy of the Willys design which it designated the “GPW” (G=Government Vehicle, P=80-inch wheelbase reconnaissance car and W=Willys-designed engine). Ford built the GPW at six plants.
Early production GPWs have a large, script “Ford” embossed on the rear panel. Ford discontinued embossing the rear panel in July 1942. Ford built 277,896 GPW jeeps in addition to 4,458 GP jeeps, and 12,774 Ford GPA amphibious jeeps.
From the staff of North America's no. 1 historic military vehicle source -- Military Vehicles Magazine
