Jeep History

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 1/2 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.