Willys-Overland MB and Ford Model GPW Jeep - Technical Manual (TM 9-803)
Designated as a light truck, the Jeep was the primary four-wheel drive vehicle for the U.S. Army during WWII. The Jeep's design owed a great deal to Karl Probst, a freelance designer employed by the American Bantam Car Co. Probst's prototype "Blitz Buggy" was built in a mere 49 days.
It clearly impressed the Army in head-to-head competition against a design submitted by Willys-Overland. However the Buggy's engine failed to meet requirements, and the Army determined that Bantam could not produce the vehicle in quantity. As a result, the Army bought the Bantam design and asked both Willys and Ford to improve it.
The Willys model MB was equipped with a L134 straight-4 "Go Devil" engine. Ford models built to Willys specifications were designated GPW ("G" for government vehicle, "P" designating the 80" wheelbase, and "W" indicating the Willys engine design).
Roughly 640, 000 Jeeps were built during WWII by Ford and Willys, and used on every front. Utilitarian, rugged, and easy to maintain, Jeeps saw service as scout cars, ambulances, firefighting vehicles, as tractors for artillery, and more. Jeeps remained in service for the U.S. military in Korea and in the Vietnam War.
Created in 1944, this technical manual TM 9-803 reveals a great deal about the Jeep's design and capabilities. Intended as a manual for those charged with operation and maintenance, this manual shows many aspects of its engine, cooling, power, drive train and other systems.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.
Author: | U.S. Army War Department |
Specs: | 248 pages, 23 x 15.5 cm / 9.1 x 6.1 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | numerous photos and drawings |
Publisher: | Periscope Film (USA, 2011) |
ISBN: | 9781937684952 |