Unpacking the Original Jeep: The Story of the Willys MB

Updated on Jul 18, 2023

Written by

Tyler Coolidge

Whether you refer to the model as the Willys MB or the Ford GPW, spending time around Jeep enthusiasts or on Jeep forums will likely flood your eyes and ears with mentions of the prestigious and acclaimed WWII-era Jeep.

But what makes this simple 4x4 so special, why is it so well-regarded, and what makes it so desirable even today? Our experts answer all of these questions and more in the following article, proving once and for all the importance of the first Jeep: the Willys MB.

History

During WWII, the Allied forces needed a lightweight, 4x4 vehicle for reconnaissance missions; they required something light enough to ship via air and sea but heavy-duty and capable enough to traverse even the most war-torn and treacherous terrain to reach behind enemy lines.

To accomplish said task, the United States government bid the job to three U.S. companies: the American Bantam Car Company, Willys-Overland, and Ford Motor Company.

These prototypes led to a single, easily-replicable design just before the United States entered WWII. Willys-Overland and Ford produced most of these first Jeeps, while Bantam built only a fraction (approximately 2,5000 units). Though sharing the same general design–including a doorless steel tub, inline 4-cylinder engine, and 4x4 drivetrain–the two models were built in separate factories and given different titles: the Ford GPW and Willys MB, respectively.

Nearly 650,000 of the lightweight 4x4s were produced between 1941 and 1945, making up approximately a quarter of the total U.S. non-combat motor vehicles produced during the war, or almost two-thirds of all light-duty 4x4s.

After the war, surplus Willys MB and Ford GPW wound up at auctions throughout the United States. Most veterans were offered first go at the light 4x4s for pennies on the dollar, using the Jeeps as farm vehicles and around-town cruisers.

The Jeeps that active military members didn’t purchase and veterans fell into the hands of delighted civilians, enamored to own a piece of history.

Once the demand for civilian 4x4s increased beyond the surplus Jeeps, Willys initiated production of the MB’s civilian counterpart in 1945: the Civilian Jeep 2A, or CJ-2A for short. As we’re all familiar, the CJ-2A paved the way for the ubiquitously-popular Kaiser/AMC CJ-5, CJ-6, CJ-7, CJ-8 Scrambler, which developed into the Chrysler-based Jeep Wrangler JK, YJ, TJ, and modern JL.

In short, without the Willys MB, the off-road landscape would look entirely different; can you imagine navigating a trail without spotting the iconic seven-bar grille?

Are Willys Jeeps Still Out There?

While it’s unclear how many MB and GPW Jeeps returned stateside after the war, and even more unclear how many running, driving, or salvageable examples of the WWII-era Jeep exist today; they do exist. Most remaining Willys MBs are in the possession of WWII museums, collectors, or Jeep enthusiasts.

While not necessarily commonplace, it’s not abnormal to spot an MB or GPW at vintage car and truck shows or on the auction block, either in restored or all-original condition. Most Willys MBs are valued between $30–$40K; however, Bullet actor Steve McQueen’s personal MB sold for a blistering $108K at the UK-based Silverstone Auctions’ NEC Classic Motor Show back in 2018.

What Differentiates a Willys MB from a CJ-2A?

As aforementioned, the going rate for a genuine military MB is between $30–40K, relatively substantial for an eighty-plus-year-old Jeep. However, that purchase isn’t just for the physical vehicle, it’s also for the history that accompanies it. The Willys MB is more than an old Jeep, it’s a piece of history dating back to one of the most polarizing and devastating battles ever to take place.

Even if you aren't a history buff, the MB is the grandfather of all modern Wranglers; it’s the Jeep that started it all. The price tag seems relatively fair when considering all of these factors.

Best Accessories for the Willys MB or CJ-2A

You may call us purists, but if you happen to be the proud owner of a genuine, pre-45 military MB, we’d recommend doing as little as possible to keep it on the road. In these instances, originality is part of the appeal, and unrestored examples often go for more than their fully-restored counterparts. The Willys MB is a time capsule, and anything you can do to preserve its heritage is worthwhile.

However, an early CJ-2A, while somewhat rare, brings all of the style and cool factor without the decorated history. As such, we’d recommend accessories ranging from wheels and tires to aftermarket tops and various interior accessories to bolster comfort and driveability. Besides mild mods like these, focus on maintenance and keep these old Jeeps where they belong, on (or off) the road!