Ford Manufacturers a Jeep
The Ford Motor Company
jumped into the race after Willys Overland and Bantam after being
directly approached. Their first model was called the GP and dubbed the
Pygmy as a � ton truck with 4x4. Under the hood was a modified 1966cc
four cylinder engine right out of a 9N tractor with a three speed Model
A Ford gearbox and Spicer transfer Box. A couple noteworthy features was
the overall comfort drivers reported. In addition, the headlamps were
put behind the grill where they were less likely to be damaged from
rough terrain (stones, pebbles, debris, etc�). The ford version of the
Jeep also innovated a way that allowed the headlights to swivel to light
up the engine compartment. This was very valuable and allowed
maintenance at night.
After forceful testing at Camp Holobird, tests showed that the GP
overheated and the transmission got stuck on occasion. Regardless of
these results, Ford was given the green light to manufacture 1,00
vehicles. The GP�s were manufactured at the Rouge River plant in
Dearborn, Michigan and charged the US Government $925.00 for each Jeep. |