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 4×4 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.
