While earlier black-out lamps for the MB were used as aids to see other vehicles in the convoy, later MBs feature a large blackout headlamp mounted on the left front fender that was used to help the driver see where he was going. In the earlier model MBs, the gas tank still had rectangular lower corners, as opposed to later versions. The later models had a 6 inch measurement, and were noticeably taller. The first 3,500 produced used an MA-type frame, which had a shorter distance between the cowl and the glass frames (4 inches). Early MBs had a wiper for each side of the windshield, which were hand operated in contrast to later configurations. decided not to feature the logo and removed them. The MA and early MBs had the “Willys” name stamped into the left rear panel however, in the spring of 1942, the War Dept. During World War II, Ford produced some 280,000 of these vehicles. By October 1941, due to an increased demand for production, Ford was contracted to assist Willys-Overland and changed their model’s name from “GP to “GPW”, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. By July of 1941, the War Department, needing standardization, selected Willys-Overland to fulfill its contract, on account of the MA’s powerful engine, silhouette, low bid ($748.74/unit), and because of the company’s ability to fulfill production needs, ordering another 16,000 vehicles.Ībsorbing some of the design features of the Bantam and Ford entries, the Willys “MA” was then renamed the Willys “MB”, and featured the powerful “Go Devil” engine and a welded flat iron “slat” radiator grille (which was later replaced by a stamped grille in March of 1942). The Willys Quad became the “MA”, the Ford Pygmy became the “GP”, and the “BRC 60” became the “BRC 40”. During these pre-production runs, each vehicle was re-named. The Willys Quad by Willys Overland, the Ford Pygmy by Ford and the BRC 60 by Bantam were accepted and orders were given for 1,500 units per company, with a revised weight limit of 2,160 pounds. The original pilot models were submitted and named accordingly. As as result, Ford and Willys were asked to product their own pilot models for testing, the results of which would determine the contract. While the “Blitz Buggy” did satisfy these requirements, Bantam was not able to deliver with the fiscal strength or production capability needed to win the contract with the War Department. (115 N m) of torque, along with an empty weight of no more than 1,300 lbs (590 kg). Nicknamed the "Blitz Buggy", this vehicle concept which was the first bid accepted by the Army, as it satisfied the Army’s Ordnance Technical Committee specifications that the vehicle have: four-wheel drive, a crew of three on a wheelbase of no more than 75 inches and tracks no more than 47 inches, a fold-down windshield, a 660 lb payload, and an engine capable of 85 ft lb. Prior to the production of the MB/GPW, other attempts were made to satisfy the Army's need for a light utility vehicle including the first prototype presented by the American Bantam Car Company. Soon to become the ubiquitous, "world-famous" jeep, the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00x16 tires, 60 honest horsepower at 4,000 rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provisions for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles. For details of delivery costs and times by country please click here.įor full shipping details please see the delivery section of our website here.One of the first military vehicles mass-produced in the United States, the Willys MB (and Ford GPW) US Army jeep is the culmination of war-time ingenuity, standardization and strategic personalization for transport of personnel and cargo. A list of applicable postcodes can be seen here.Įuropean deliveries are sent by DPD. The courier does not deliver on a weekend or bank holidays.Įxpress delivery is two days to some postcodes, and these incur a £6 surcharge. The express service requires a signature on delivery and must be ordered before 2pm for next working day delivery. Please be sure to give us your mobile phone number when ordering as DPD offer an email/text message option to enable you to receive notification of despatch and estimated delivery time. UK Delivery: Order value (Including postage) Orders will only be dispatched once payment has been received. We endeavour to dispatch orders immediately but certainly within 48 hours of receipt. Wonderland Models deliver throughout the UK and Overseas.
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