One of the most famous military vehicles of World War II, the jeep originated in a prewar US Army requirement for a simple, inexpensive, and robust vehicle for basic utility chores. Its simple design proved to be adaptable to a host of military tasks including use as a scout vehicle, battlefield ambulance, communications vehicle, and staff car. The jeep was hailed as “the savior of World War II.”
The designation “GPW” breaks out as follows: “G” is “Government,” “P” represents “80-inch wheelbase reconnaissance” and “W” for “Willy’s” as they were the designers of the original blueprints on which the jeeps were based.
Date of Manufacture:
January 6, 1943
Chassis Number:
GPW91525
Engine:
Ford 4-cylinder L-head
Engine Displacement:
134.2 cubic inches
Drive:
3-speed synchromesh, with two-speed transfer case
Horse Power:
54
Weight:
2,430 pounds
Length:
132.25 inches
Width:
62 inches
Height:
Top up – 69.75 inches Top down – 52 inches
Electrical System:
6 volt, negative ground
Wheelbase:
80 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.75 inches
Fording Depth:
21 inches maximum
Number Built:
647,343 (All 1/4–ton Jeep models, 1940-1945)