Description
The MA was the prototype that won Willys the contract with
the U.S. Government. Willys built approximately 1550 of them in 1941.
From late 1941 until mid 1945, Willys built MBs and Ford built GPWs
based on the Willys design.
The first 25,808 MBs produced by Willys used a "slat grill".
This grill was welded together rather than the stamped grill most
people are familiar with. Very few "slat grill" MBs remain in
existence.
Drive Train
The MA, MB, and GPW used the
"Go Devil" L-head 134 I4
engine,
T-84 3 Speed manual transmission,
Dana 18
two speed transfer case, Dana 25
front axle, and Dana 23-2 rear axle.
Production Information
MA
| Year |
Serial Number Range |
Production |
| 1941 |
78401 - 79900 |
1500 |
|
| 1941 |
85501 - 85550 |
50 |
|
MB
| Year |
Serial Number Range |
Production |
| 1941 |
100001 - 108598 |
8598 |
|
| 1942 |
108599 - 200022 |
91424 |
|
| 1943 |
200023 - 293232 |
93210 |
|
| 1944 |
293233 - 402334 |
109102 |
|
| 1945 |
402335 - 459851 |
57517 |
|
GPW
| Year |
Serial Number Range |
Production |
| 1942 |
- |
? |
|
| 1943 |
- |
? |
|
| 1944 |
- |
? |
|
| 1945 |
- |
? |
|
Serial numbers are located on the left front of the
frame and on the back of the bumper. The engine
number was located at the front of the engine
block on the water pump boss.
Contributor
Thanks to Charlie Weaver for sending me the MA and MB serial numbers.
