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Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
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This March 02, 1941, photo from the Evening Star appears to show the original Pygmy.
During a 75,000 mile adventure between 1940 and 1942 Life photographer George Rodger photographed the growing war across Africa, Europe, and Asia. During the latter part of his adventures he found himself using, then abandoning, Two Ford GPs sent to the Chinese as he and his fellow adventurers escaped Burma. He reported on these adventures, through photos, in the August 10, 1942, issue of Life Magazine.
This series of photos was published June 14, 1942, in the Evening Star. There’s also a post from 2015 that includes some similar photos. Becky Bergmann in a Ford GP was featured in several.
UPDATE: The bottom clip seems to have been a small part of this nearly eight-minute clip of the Ford GPs being rolled off the line for the QMC. Some of this video we’ve seen and some we haven’t. This was the first batch of 400 Ford GPs, delivered March 19, 1941 (which was part of the first contract of 1500 Ford GPs).
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Originally posted September 7, 2018:
The video only lasts 23 seconds, but it’s the only one I’ve seen of Ford GPs leaving the factory:
This article was published in the May 20, 1941, issue of the Evening Star. It’s rare to see a Willys MA in newspaper photos.
This May 23, 1943, American Car Company Ad was published in the Evening Star, out of Washington, D. C.. Given Bantam lost the production contract in 1941, it seems an unusual ad, especially many folks probably hadn’t heard of nor seen a Bantam vehicle.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $37,500.
(12/08/2018) Includes the trailer. Seller will accept offers.
“1941 Ford GP # 9223. The 1941 Ford GP, as well as the Bantam BRC and Willy’s MA were pre-WW2 limited production models, often labeled as “prototypes” which developed into the common WW2 GPW and MB. The production of the Ford GP, which is very unique to itself, was approximately 4500 units with most going overseas. It is estimated that only a few hundred of the GP’s exist today, most of which are in the hands of collectors. Of the total, it is estimated that less than 100 are restored, with the vast majority of the balance being as non-restorable and in dire condition.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on BAT.
Matt spotted this nice looking Ford GP.
“This 1941 Ford GP (#9223) is an early model Series 1, one of 1500 from the earliest series. Restored over 30 years ago by an active member of the MVCC (Military Vehicle Collectors of California), it was sold to the most recent Montana owner over 20 years ago. It is powered by the original spec 120 cubic inch 4-cylinder engine with a 3-speed manual transmission and includes a matching military trailer. This GP checks all the boxes with correct top, trailer with canvas, all of the blinkers , reflectors, extinguisher, flashlight, engine crank handle, and correct lighting.
The correct instructional tags are mounted on the dash, and the combo gauge is center mounted. There are 2341 showing on the odometer, but the true mileage is unknown.
The genuine GP engine # 9547 and drivetrain were rebuilt at the time of restoration. The seller says that it runs and drives great, and smokes a little when cold but clears up once warm. An oil service was completed five miles ago and coolant was also flushed. Brakes and steering operate as designed, and the engine does drip some oil after driving.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
I can’t tell for sure, but that might be a Ford GP. The hood doesn’t look very tall to me. The date makes it probable.
“This is an original press photo. New River, N.C. — Jeep splashes shoreward from a marine landing barge during maneuvers of the Marines Amphibious Force. Sturdy little car tows a light field piece.Photo measures 8.75 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 11-25-1941.”
John stopped by the Military Air Museum in Pungo, Virginia, the other day. There he found this nicely restored Ford GP. I asked him how he liked the museum. HIs response was,
“Dave, The whole facility is extraordinary! Two surprises, 1) a hanger from Cottbus, Germany, was found intact but damaged. The guy bought it, had it disassembled, shipped to the states and restored and reassembled. Every thing inside is German with one Italian with some of the stuff experimental.
2) Same for a British control tower, every brick was shipped here, rebuilt, and what was broken or missing was replaced from Britain, not the States.“
Additional pics:
