Jay Leno takes a deep dive into the "original dune buggy"—his authentic 1942 Ford GPW. While many associate the Jeep solely with Willys, Jay explains the fascinating history of how Henry Ford, a noted pacifist, was tapped by the government to mass-produce this legendary 4x4 using the Willys patent.
In this episode, Jay discusses:
The Ford-Willys Collaboration: How Ford’s manufacturing genius allowed them to stamp out grilles and bodies to meet the government’s desperate need for speed.
The "$100 Jeep" Legend: Jay recalls the famous ads in the back of Mechanics Illustrated where veterans could buy surplus Jeeps still packed in original Cosmoline for just a hundred bucks.
Battlefield Engineering: A look at the "bulletproof" 134 cubic inch flathead motor, the blackout lights for nighttime convoys, and the brilliant folding headlights that double as work lights for repairs in the field.
Off-Road Prowess: Why this 2,400-lb vehicle feels more at home on the dirt than on the bad roads of Los Angeles.
A Veteran’s Legacy: Jay shares a personal story about Senator Bob Dole and reflects on the brave soldiers who protected the world in these simple, mechanical machines.
Whether you call it a GPW or a Jeep, this 1942 Ford is a classic example of American ingenuity that helped win WWII.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMOnxDZB0qE