Slat Grille Willys MB Jeeps You Will Want to See
With “WILLYS” embossed on the back panel and the grille made of welded flat steel bars, these early WW2 Jeeps are some of the most desirable historic military vehicles collected today. You will enjoy these original views of Jeeps as well as restored examples.
By July 1941, the U.S. War Department wanted to standardize the 4x4 ¼-ton truck and and select a single manufacturer to supply them with an order for 16,000 vehicles. Willys won the contract mostly due to its more powerful engine and its lower cost. Each of the first 25,808 Jeeps to roll out of the Willys factory had welded flat iron "slat" radiator grille. Vehicles produced after June 12, 1942, were fitted with the now-familiar, stamped-steel grille.
"GRILL" or "GRILLE?"
Collectors and enthusiasts seem to use the two terms interchangeably have you ever wondered which is correct?
Grammatically speaking, “grill” — both as a verb and as a noun— relates to cooking food over a metal structure placed over a fire.
“Grille,” on the other hand, refers to a metal structure of bars built around or across something to ensure its protection.
Based on that, the thing protecting the radiator on either your Willys or Ford Jeep is a "grille."
But if you really want to be correct, Ord 9 SNL G-503, List of Service Parts for Truck, 1/4-ton, 4x4, Command Reconnaissance (Ford Model GPW; Willys, Model MB), refers to that protective piece in front of the radiator as neither. Instead, it labels it as a "guard" (part number WO-A3615).
Whether you call a "slat grille" or an "early MB," we invite you to view a few of these lovely vehicles in original WWII photos and as restored tributes to the men and women who relied on them during WWII.
You may also enjoy
*As an Amazon Associate, Military Trader / Military Vehicles earns from qualifying purchases.
John Adams-Graf ("JAG" to most) is the editor of Military Trader and Military Vehicles Magazine. He has been a military collector for his entire life. The son of a WWII veteran, his writings carry many lessons from the Greatest Generation. JAG has authored several books, including multiple editions of Warman's WWII Collectibles, Civil War Collectibles, and the Standard Catalog of Civil War Firearms. He is a passionate shooter, wood-splitter, kayaker, and WWI AEF Tank Corps collector.
