1944 Ford GPW

Among the 300,000 military jeeps Ford produced for World War II, this 1944 Ford GPW stands out. Explore additional images of Ford's iconic vehicles.

It’s almost instinctive. Mention a renowned small, four-wheel-drive American military reconnaissance vehicle from World War II—often referred to as a lowercase 'jeep'—and most will immediately call it a Willys jeep. However, this particular model deserves recognition as a 1944 Ford GPW.

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The reasons behind this are clear. The Army Quartermaster Corps approved a Willys design for such a vehicle in 1941, and Willys-Overland later popularized civilian versions post-war. However, this narrative overlooks the significant contributions of two other automakers integral to the jeep's history—American Bantam and Ford.

The Ford jeep designed for World War II has become a rare and highly sought-after collectible.

In 1938, American Bantam initiated the project by capturing the Army

's interest with a modified roadster, fulfilling the military's long-standing need for a lightweight field car. With the expertise of consultant Karl Probst, American Bantam finalized the core jeep design by late summer 1940. Although the vehicle performed well in tests, military officials were skeptical of the small company's production capacity.

The Ford jeep received the lowest ratings in the Army's road tests.

To ensure options, the Army shared Bantam's plans with Willys and Ford to explore potential improvements. While Willys' version exceeded weight limits, its powerful 61-bhp four-cylinder engine, developed by engineer Delmar "Barney" Roos, delivered exceptional performance. Ford's prototype, despite poor test results, couldn't be overlooked due to the company's massive production capabilities.

Although the Willys model was ultimately chosen, Ford was contracted to produce nearly 300,000 GPW (General Purpose Willys) jeeps. The final design incorporated key features from Ford's prototype, such as the flush grille, inboard headlights, and flat hood.

The interior of the 1944 Ford GPW Military Jeep contrasts sharply with its practical, no-frills purpose.

This meticulously restored 1944 Ford GPW, owned by Michael Hall from Metropolis, Illinois, has become a cherished family heirloom. Acquired at a military surplus sale in Indiana around 1948 or 1949, it has remained in his family since the early 1950s.

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