Jeep Willis MB is a car with a special charisma, there is a certain Aura of Victory, which there is no doubt about the Soviet technique, this is the power that helped our go ahead and forced the fascist scum back. From 1942 year, the Americans set 52,000 such cars in the USSR in the USSR, and many of them drove through Berlin. Since then, not a little time has passed, but Jeep Willis is honored all over the world to this day, many young Americans, and our drivers, too, would like to led a similar stylistically, but a more comfortable car - it created prerequisites for release. Willis not only helped win us war, it still has a significant impact on the modern automotive industry.

Even before the start of the war, the American military command was interested in the idea of \u200b\u200ba light SUV, which could raise only four soldiers and which can use not only for the carriage of the military, but also for towing light artillery. During the tests, Willys from Overland Motors showed itself better than competing machines, and even better than an SUV from Ford. That's just the war that started soon forced Overland Motors, shares the order for the release of their same jerseys with. According to some experts, the quality of Fords was even better. Together, two of these American automakers released 659,000 all-terrain vehicles. Excellent permeability, maintainability, versatility, mobility and reliability allowed to effectively use this SUV and on the fronts of the Japanese American War. These lines will dedicate the Willis, a car that today you can no longer meet on the public roads, but which you can see on some kind of automotive exhibition.

Take a look at the photo Willys MB, don't you see this simple beauty in it? Willis MB did not fit the doors, imagine that you are traveling by car that fell under the shelling, you need to leave the car as soon as possible and hide in the shelter, and you can do it on the car without doors you can quickly. The windshield can be folded forward, a very useful "feature" in Africa, but besides the fact that the glass has been working down as "air conditioning", it also lowers the circuit of the machine, and this is very important when it is necessary to shut off. It is worth noting here that Willys MB painted paint which is not glittered in the sun - this is a clear plus to the disguise. The curb weight of such a typewriter is 1020kg, as for the machine long at 3 378mm, this weight may seem rather impressive, but still it is worth remembering that this is a all-wheel drive car. The road clearance in 220mm at a wheelbase in 2032mm seems very impressive, planting the jean "on the belly" is not easy at all, but of course it is quite possible in front-line conditions.

It is very interesting that the benzobac of this American all-terrain vehicle is located under the driver's seat. If you look at the photo, you will immediately understand that there can be no speech about comfort here. The salon is so utilitated that even the "wipers" on the windshield seems to be something, without which it would be possible and to do. The thin three-spin steering wheel is better to strengthen the off-road, so as not to lose it from the hands.

Specifications Jeep Willys MB

As a power plant for a jeep, the VILLIS MB is provided by a four-cylinder, the low-flaped engine with a volume of 2.2 liters, with a capacity of 54l.s. This motor is calculated on the 66th gasoline and is able to disperse the all-terrain vehicle to 104 kilometers per hour. The gearbox is three-speed, mechanical. Suspension and front and rear spring, interest can cause a fully hydraulic braking system, in those years, and even for such a utilitarian car - this is actually what it is worth paying attention to.

Price Jeep Willys MB

How much can you buy Jeep Willys today? The price of such a car as Jeep Willis is interested in very few people. The fact is that most drivers need a significantly more practical vehicle, we have it, or not too expensive new foreign cars. Lovers of road off-road ride will rather buy Niva, but not Willis. Of course, it's easy to find such a car on the expanses of the former USSR - this is not the task of not the lungs, today the Internet will help, and before the search would be sophisticated.

Jeep Willis is a great car for the soul, driving such a car can be wondering, what was the soldiers who saved the world in the 45th, and it was very good that there were such cars, because they also brought our victory.

During the Great Patriotic War, American Automotive Mark Willis became the name of the nominal one in our country - this word was called the car unprecedented in the Soviet Union.

The History of the Willys brand began in 1908 in Indiana, when John Willis, having decided to make business on the sale of cars, put his funds in a small automobile station Overland. In a few years, Mark Willys Overland declared itself on the beginning of the conveyor production of inexpensive cars - in this D. Villis took an example with Henry Ford. In the 20-30s, Willys consistently produced cars of various models, but it was not always successful. There were especially many problems with Willys as a result of the crisis of the Great Depression. The starry hour of this enterprise came with the beginning of World War II, when his administration decided to participate in the competition announced by the Commission of the American Army for the best small-sized vehicle of increased passability.

The military sent a proposal to cooperate more than a hundred American firms, but only three automotive companies - American Bantam, Ford Motor and Willys Overland - decided to develop machines that meet the technical task to put them on the competition. According to the requirements of the command, a new car had to develop the maximum speed of at least 80 km / h, to overcome the brother to 29 cm, have an angle of entry 45 and an angle of the congress of 35 degrees, to have a cutting mass of only 585 kg, but at the same time carry no less than 270 kg . And the main thing he was obliged to possess new for the world automotive industry of those years driven for all four wheels. The wheeled base of 2032 mm also was regulated, 194 mm, and the road clearance is 60 mm. Interestingly, the car's mass itself was repeatedly revised both into a smaller and most.

Aversion of competitors, in September 1940, a prototype of the car presented Bantam. Two months later, their prototypes completed Willys Overland and Ford Motor. The first options differed significantly from future serial cars. The Willys model was called Quad (quarter), Ford Model - Pigmy (Pigmey). By the summer of 1941, all three cars were tested in the US Army, and were recognized as suitable for weapons.

By the way, the sample of Fords "Pagmya" soon after its appearance on the light fell into the USSR for tests, and the designer of Gaza Vitaly Grachev wrote a guide a memorandum on the advantages of the car "Pigmeus" before the motorcycle with a carriage, about the need to create a domestic model of this type. As a result, in the Soviet Union in the pre-war months of 1941, the same competition was held as in America - gas and Nati participated in it. Gorkovsky prototype GAZ-64 was created under the leadership of V.A. Gracheva, and the leading designer of the Moscow version of Nati-AR became A.F. Andronov, the future chief designer of the MSMA factory.

Meanwhile, in the first months of 1941, Willys Overland improved its prototype, and a new version of MA (in modern sources this abbreviation is usually decrypted as "Military, model A") The US military recognized the best of three samples. He possessed the lowest price of 738 dollars 74 cents.

However, the army required a large number of cars in the shortest possible time, so the order was placed on all three firms. American Bantam owned a small power automobile plant, so managed to release quite a bit - only 2605 copies of the original Bantam BRC40 car faces design. True, some of these machines were delivered even to the Red Army. Among the Soviet military cars "Bans" received a nickname "Banti". Assessing the limitations of its production facilities, Bantam decided to make a business in the delivery of freight trailers to the cars of competitors Willys and Ford, and switched to their release.

At the same time, Willys mastered the final version of his car with the MV index ("Military, model B"). It was different from ma headlights installed separately on the wings, as was customary in those years, and transferred to the lining, under the hood. The headlights put on the swivel brackets. In the case of engine repair at night, the headlight has become possible to turn around its axis and bring light on the engine. Also, the length and width of the machine increased slightly. The traditional for the American auto industry change of the model year once touched and Willys MV. The modernized version of 1942 was distinguished from the predecessor of 1941 with a stamped facing instead of the bands recruited and an additional headlight on the left wing.

At the same time, the Ford Motor Company concern decided not to lose a favorable order for the mass production of the car necessary during the war. But the military agreed to buy strictly identical standard machines. Therefore, Ford had to buy a license for the production of MV model from Willys. From the conveyor in Detroit, the identical car went under the brand Ford GPW. The first two letters of this designation gave rise to the conversational word "jeep".

All cars all the war were equipped with a 4-cylinder engine 441/442 Willys. It possessed a solid power and an impressive torque at the bottom range of revolutions. It significantly increased the dynamics and cargo of the car, made it possible to use it as a tractor of heavy artillery guns of the Big Caliber. Americans called such a motor GO-DEVIL - "Go to the Devil". But in the Red Army there were problems with the exploitation of such engines, since the gasoline was not enough with an octane number of not lower than 66 and the oil of suitable quality. In the Soviet Union, it was necessary to send Willys engines to overhaul after 15 thousand mileage kilometers. True, in the conditions of combat actions, not every car managed to "live" to such a run.

Willys vessels were as simple as possible, suitable for repair in field conditions. The basis of the machine, of course, lay the usual sturdy frame of the staircase type. The power unit was completely within the wheelbase. This, forced to abandon any luggage compartment from behind and place the back seat between the arches of the wheels, but provided a profitable weight distribution - the weight distribution between the front and rear wheels.

Transmission, of course, a mechanical three-step. However, in contrast, for example, from cars gas, she had a synchronizer of the second and third gear. The dispensing box was shown directly with the gearbox. The driver controlled the transmission using three levers. One, as usual, switched the transfer, the other two were controlled by a transfer box: connecting the front axle and the transition from the main stage to the downward. The inter-axis differential was absent, simple symmetric conical differentials of bridges were not blocked. Therefore, on the roads with a solid coating, connect the front axle and was not recommended. The hydraulic drive of the brakes in the 30-40s was considered more advanced than mechanical. But the brake fluid was not always available in the war.

Fucked lightly compact machine crew could push off on its own. For this, metal brackets were welded to the sides. Willys overcomed the brother depth to half a meter, and with special equipment - up to one and a half meters. In order not to pull the water that fell into the boxed body, a drain plug was provided in the bottom. The appearance of the "Willis" is unthinkable without the footage of the shovel and the ax on the left side and the canisters in the back. Like other American military vehicles, light reflectors were installed on the body - cataphose.

In the Red Army, the Willys Machine under the Treaty of Land Liza began to supply in the summer of 1942. Usually cars came in a semi-discharged form in the vehicle wooden boxes. However, it was not a semi-finished product. Before shipping from cars, running, filmed wheels and equipment - a compact package was obtained. Assembly in the USSR were engaged in Kolomna Plant No. 4, the transshipment in Gorky and other enterprises.

According to official data, 350 349 Willys MB and 277 896 Ford GPW released. In England, 104,430 pieces were delivered, in the USSR - 50 501, in France - 9736. The license for the production of such cars Willys also sold the French company Hotchkiss.

After the war, constructive solutions embodied in Willys MB were based on numerous models of military and civil jeeps, produced by automotive firms around the world.

Technical specifications

Number of places	4
Load capacity	250 kg
dimensions	3335x1585x1830 mm
Base	2030 mm
Ground clearance	210 mm
Engine	petrol, carburetor in line, four-cylinder
Working volume	2199 cm 3.
Power	60 hp
Curb weight	950 kg
Maximum speed	105 km / h
Fuel consumption	12 l / 100 km

N O to understand why Willys MB, Ford GPW, a little to the famous Bantam BRC 40 and not a well-known Ford Pygmy more often called "Just Willis", we will have to return to the history of this car.

One for all and all for one

So, we repeat the fatty truths. In May 1940, a competition for the development and mass production of an easy army all-terrain vehicle was announced in the United States. Since the deadlines were very compressed, then even a very hooker to the light (and to the complex) earnings, American automakers could not pounce to order the entire crowd.

Only three producers were able to make experienced machines to the designated date: Willys-overland Motors, American Bantam and a small delay - Ford. Bantam just after 49 days showed the BRC 40 car. Willys-Overland, somehow having received a Bantam's drawings, took the race with his Willys Ma car, strikingly like a "banta". Some sources suggest that the documentation on the bans got the Willis from the military who had to the light bulb who would make cars, the main thing to make as much as possible and faster.

In the photo: Bantam BRC-40	In the photo: Willys Ma

An even longer pause ended up Ford, presenting his pygmy in the end. By the way, Ford just won the first stage of the competition and had already quite rubbed his hands, but it happened that after an urgent order to all firms on an experienced party at 1,500 pieces, the best recognized the Willis, not Ford. It is possible that a more powerful engine of the jet of jils (60 liters is made. Against 45-46 from competitors).

In the photo: Ford Pygmy

It is now difficult to understand the history of obtaining a military order by Ford (most likely, it was not without bribes or "kickbacks"), but after the end of the release of Willys Ma in November 1941 (the same 1,500 pieces, which were in the Red Army) The release of the new modification of Willys MB began, and in 1942, Ford began to release the Willis.

The Fords car was called Ford GPW and a little different from the actual Willys MB, although we all call them just with jerseys. So it turned out: whether the Willis earned a fame to himself thanks to the efforts of Ford, whether Ford Zaographer's money shovel, starting the release of the Willis. Well, and American Bantam, who made the greatest contribution to the creation of the Willis (and Ford GPW), insulantly graduated from his existence by the release of BRC 40 in 1941 and now forgotten by many, although in fact it was his development became one of the signs of the twentieth century.

In the photo: Ford GPW	In the photo: Ford GPW

Today we have a very rare Willys MB Slat Grill, released in December 1941. There are no more than a dozen such cars in the world: with the original body (not blinded in Taiwan) and even in the original color. And it is Willys MB, and not later mass Ford GPW. About how these cars are different, we will talk below.

Olive on grill

This car was recently brought from America from America, where she belonged to an amateur of autosharines and left a couple of times a year at the exhibition, which allowed her after restoration to be preserved in pristine. Nearly tires here - there is no such rubber, which would serve as faithfully and truth. Therefore, in this car everything is interesting from color and ending with a regular set of tool.

So, pay attention to the color. It is these cars in the color of the olives and came to the USSR on Land Liza. And let it not surprise you dull color of the jeep: these cars (and not only these) painted with matte paint on the advice of the military, because the army technique should not be glad. Evaluating the tint of the car, moving to a more detailed examination.

Early Willys MB received in the title of Slat Grill, which translated from the language of the Nobel laureate Bob Dilan means something like a "lattice of planks". This is one of the features of the Willis, Ford had such a lattice. Another "chip" of the Willis is a frame tube that is clearly visible under the radiator. Already on these features, Willys MB can be easily distinguished from car manufactured by Ford. However, this is not all differences - in the course of the inspection we will talk about some.

If you look at the inner side of the bumper in the place where it is attached to the frame, you can see the serial number of the car. By the way, the bumper itself is very solid: right behind him are visible steering thrust that needed to somehow defend. Rubber stops on the hood are needed to fold the windshield (which, by the way, Ford is also somewhat different). In the crowded state, it falls on the hood and fixed by two clashes.

Along the left side was fucked by a shovel and an ax, which were included in the car's package, but there were no doors from the car, only the tarpaulin gestures that could be put together with the same riding. However, so that the front passenger does not fly out on the first turn, the work closes the belt with a caravel. In the rear wheel niche, a drain hole of the gas tank is seen. It seems that, a trifle, but greatly simplifies the plums of fuel in the case of transporting the car by rail or sea either (they should be transported without fuel).

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Behind the Willis on Ford does not look like. First, he has no extra canister on his back board, and secondly, on the spot of this canister there is a relief inscription Willys, which on Ford, of course, was removed. From interesting trifles it is impossible not to note the lock with a chain on the telly: whether to steal can be everywhere, or they knew where these cars would be sent.

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The rear lights of military army technique of the Second World War deserve a separate material (probably, it is someday to write). This is not just a backgrowers or stop signals, it is a whole system of light alarm. Rear lights on the right and left are different, but the most interesting part is the bottom, similar to a rectangular slot. If you look closely, it shows the elements of different shapes. All this thing is needed not only to designate dimensions or braking start. This is a light system that allows you to determine the interval defined in the column when moving. Switch the light using a central switch that turns on and the headlight.

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Before viewing the interior, we climb under the hood, and then under the car.

"A box is weak!"

As I said, one of the advantages of the Willis was a more powerful engine. This is a gasoline four-cylinder unit Willys L134 volume of 2.2 liters and developing 60 liters. from. With 3,600 revolutions. If you compare it with the fact that then stood on the Soviet technique, this motor seems very "turning", on our machines the maximum power was then reached at no higher 2,000. However, we did not have such cars, and almost all the motors of the Passenger Technique. We took our start from trucks.

I will add several of any meaningful numbers and facts: the valves in the motor eight, the piston move and the diameter of the cylinder - 111x79, the compression ratio is 6.5, the block and head of the cast iron block. This motor is very reliable and the abundance, when transferring the production of Jilly to the Henry Ford plant, did not interfere with its principal construction, but they changed the oil refining neck with a dipstone, put another carburetor, oil and air filters.

Electrical equipment (it is sixhow) does not assume anything unusual. The wiring was performed high quality, and most importantly - thoughtfully. It is hard to find modern oxidizing and forever from this green connectors, referred to as the "Pope Mom" \u200b\u200bpeople. Only bolts and screws, and even the hood is connected to the body of an additional "mass" despite the fact that the "mass" on the hood will be at least through the loops. In general, the ubiquitous duplication of "mass" - the thing for the joy is familiar, the more - the more reliable.

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And the Americans would not be Americans if they had not come up with a lot of useful and pleasant little things. For example, under the hood stands the maslinka (the same is, if you remember). And the front headlight can generally unfold upwards: weaken the lambs and fold it down. Now you can dig in the motor even at night, the light will be enough. And in order not to spoil the wiring of the headlights, it is made of the twisted wire, which is not terrible.

It is believed that Willis Bridges are able to survive the Willis himself. The justice of this opinion is fully confirmed by the practice. So that in the process of repair, it is randomly confused by places in some places, the words "Front Axle" and "Rear Axle" are cast on their cards. Also, the distribution showed himself perfectly, but the gearbox had a bad glory. They said that it is weak and no longer serves. It would be necessary: \u200b\u200bit was impossible to take and not overload the car, for example, having tied three fallen wood to the hook. Here any box will die, no matter how good it is. Therefore, these statements are not too true: if the Willis does not overload, the gearbox serves a long time.

Suspension Spring. At a modern look - nothing interesting. But I have suspicions that in the USSR, the depreciation racks were watched with surprise: we had lever shock absorbers in circulation, and even one-sided action, so the jet shock absorbers then could seem to the wonder.

Well, now it's time to climb into the car and inspect her salon, if you can only call the space inside this car.

Full set

Before climbing the driver's seat and put the starter pedal, we will examine the rear passenger seat. To be honest, I did not understand, one or two of them. For one person too spacious, but two do not fit, especially soldiers with equipment. To the left and right of the seat are instrumental boxes, which, too, in this form were only on the job.

In one of them lies a complete set of tools that came with the car. What is decomposed on the seat is not all. We did not fit the horned keys - there are many of them. Particularly pleased with the pressure gauge with a spring scale, which is extended from the body under the air pressure in the tire. There is nothing more here, and we finally move forward.

Let's start the inspection from the dashboard. Behind the wheel instead of speedometer inscription: "45 MAX". The harsh warning is not driven by car faster than 45 miles per hour (about 72.5 km / h). In fact, the Willis is able to ride quickly. In any case, it is possible to overclock it up to 80 km / h, but, as cautious Americans said, do not need. The devices are a bit, but the entire required set is: fuel level, oil pressure, speedometer with odometer, ammeter and coolant temperature pointer (in fact, of course, water). Own backlight The devices do not have, but above them there are two floors with light bulbs.

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The passenger has traditional plates for Americans with warnings and mining technical information. On the extreme left - transmission scheme and turning on the front axle and a series of dispensing box. In the center - limit speeds on each transmission and a brief instruction on a plum of water from the cooling system, and on the right general information about the car. From her it is possible to find out that the delivery date of our car from the plant - December 15, 1941. The lever located between the devices and information sheets is the parking brake drive. Making sure that nothing incomprehensible on the panel remains, consider the floor and pedal node.

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Three pedals, and you probably have already guessed that it is a clutch, brake and gas. Left - button switching of distant and near light. The largest lever - gearbox, two nearby - the inclusion of anterior bridge and "razdatka", on the tunnel behind the levers - the starter button. The passenger has a fire extinguisher.

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And now we will raise the driver's seat. Under it we see the benzobak that it never surprises us. Now look at the windshield. It has a wiper brushes with the most reliable drive in the world - the driver's hand or passenger. Despite the fact that this Willis is beautiful, there is nothing more to look in it. It has long been scratching hands to sit behind the wheel and give the heat on a snow-covered road with steep lifts and descents. So let's wake up the demon of the unrestrained fun and the demon of reckless chicastics!

To stick to the last!

The landing in the Willis is interesting: on the side, but multiplied by the structural features of the body: the narrowing in front of the engine compartment gives birth to the excited brain fears to fall out of the car to hell on the first bar. Partly the fear of the justified, but only for those who sit behind - shakes there incredibly. But the driver can cling to the steering wheel and feel "on horseback." A balling, flying, maybe even unnecessted, but horse. Therefore, we sit down, a few seconds rejoice in a relatively comfortable seat (for 1941) and run the engine.

We make it a button on the floor, although it is much easier to run the motor "curved starter". Still twist a low-power starter a two-liter motor is not too fun, and almost all the current starter greedily and ruthlessly trying to pick up. But if you turn the engine with a handle, then the spark will be noticeably better. However, to start the engine with hands, too, you need to be able to be able to, there is our secrets in this, and I'm already sitting at the wheel, so I will give my foot - and from half turn the motor comes to life and starts smoothly.

Squeeze the clutch and turn on the first transmission, not forgetting to look at the diagram again: left and back, and if you push the lever forward, the rear gear will turn on. Let's release the clutch and ... and begin to experience the mad delight of the fact that this 75-year-old car is not at all similar to the veteran of hostilities, on a sort of half-hearted riddle with wild backlats, the lever of the gearbox, unmanaged and indifferent to dance on the gas pedal. Willis is very quickly gaining speed - and now you can already turn on the second gear.

The elasticity of the motor is simply amazing: pulls from the lowest and feels like a banging magnifier and on medium, and on high revs. Yes, times when humanity did not know about Downsayzing with a turbine, were truly beautiful! We turn on the third gear, and without double squeezing and passages - there is a synchronized box, imagine? Down, too, you can switch without all these already obsolete manipulations, unfamiliar to the utmost drivers of modernity. The car is just perfectly listening to the steering wheel, and we are already gaining arrogance to climb the mountain.

Include reduced gear and front axle. Now we start up. And here we start to love the Willis even more Lyutu than a couple of minutes ago. Remember what is usually seen from the car that crawls down the slope up? A piece of heaven and - if lucky - the edge of the hood. But here you can lean to the left and look at the road side, and right under your left hand the handle is on board the car.

Keep and go up. And no effort, Willis climbs into the mountain as true and uncontrollably, as penalties for an overdue penalty, as tariffs for utilities, like NATO east, like an alcoholic beer than a bottle of beer. Conquer all the elevations available in the district, go down and try to give heat on a more or less smooth road.

On the Internet there is a stable meme - "sick bastard". That's it, I felt myself and felt when I chose several pyataks on this car on a flat site and decided to pour sideways on turns. To this, I was pushed by the owner of the car - it is you who you see in the photos. It is impossible not to repeat all his frills if it allows you to do! Of course, the front axle is already disabled - it is impossible to ride with it. Therefore, we accelerate well (Wow, what a young acne from this "grandfather"!) And we entered the rear axle. Feelings are just beautiful, and only the feeling of guilt for this foolishness on the Willis is a little disturbing my sick soul. It is necessary to end this disgrace - I will better check how the Willis goes on the wells and uhabam.

Here you really need to be careful. Increased jumping of the back of the car sometimes causes concerns, especially if at this time someone sits on the rear bench and periodically involuntarily, but sincerely and enthusiastically shines obscenity. And despite this, it is not too difficult to keep the car on the course, unless, of course, do not try to drive too quickly.

The only thing that lacks the Willis is effective brakes. They do not work in the best way, and it is much easier to slow down the engine, especially since it is still not worth over to overclocking the car, but for a complete stop at a small speed of the brakes enough. The drive of them, by the word, hydraulic.

Not just jeep

More than 50 thousand jerseys were sent to the Land Lesu in the USSR (including those that were issued by Ford). They used an excellent reputation. Most often, the team composition was moved on them, but also they were often used as a tractor for guns. But with the end of the war, the history of the Willis has not ended. Already in 1944, the civil version of the CJ1A Willis, which was produced until 1986 (of course, with change). In the middle of the last century under license, the japan was collected in Japan, then in India and Korea (Toyota, Nissan, Mahindra, Kia and a number of other manufacturers). A huge number of modifications with different wheelbases and bodies of various purposes were built.

Well, the most important contribution was made to the philology: it was the Willis that enriched the word "jeep", for which we are grateful to and so far.

For help in preparing the material, we thank the restoration workshop Retrotruck.

US Tolido 1916-1963

The American company Willis-Overland (Willys-Overland) has become famous as the manufacturer of the Light All-wheel Driving Car "Willis-MV" (4x4), which has entered the Jeep (JEEP). Meanwhile, the company engaged in the manufacture of civil passenger cars and small trucks. In 1909, it was founded by John North Willis, acquiring a small company "Overland" (Overland), producing cars from 1905. His first Army Pickups "Willis-Overland" began to produce in the midst of the First World War. At that time, they were part of a small standardized family of light trucks of the US Army and were produced at once by three firms. All machines equipped with a 38-strong engine and a 3-speed gearbox.

Willis Chew, 4x4,1940

Willis Ma, 4x4,1941

Willis-MV "Jeep", 4x4,1943

After that, in the military history of Willis-Overland, there was a long break, which lasted until June 1940, when the US landfill system was offered to develop a lightweight 3-seater all-wheel drive vehicle with a payload of 250 kg. The machine with a simple open body without doors was supposed to carry a machine gun, to have a wheelbase of 80 inches (2032 mm) and develop the speed of 50 miles per hour (80 km / h). Its dry mass was originally estimated at 1,200 pounds (545 kg), then it was increased to 1275 pounds (580 kg), and subsequently brought to 2160 pounds (980 kg). The prototype should be submitted to tests in 49 days, and during the next month there are still 70 cars. Such invitations sent 135 American firms, but only two were given a positive response, including Willis-Overland. By that time, the company was in a state of severe crisis, and the prospect of obtaining a large state order could save it from bankruptcy.

For the prescribed period, only a small company "Amerikan Batam" (American Bantam) presented his car, which has long collaborated with the military department. The first sample of the "Willis", developed by the chief engineer of Delmar Barney Roos (Delmar Barney Roos), entered the tests only on November 11, 1940. The car was called "KUAD" (Quad) and externally reminded the car of the main competitor "Bantama". Its power unit has become a reliable and time-tested 4-cylinder engine "Willis-441" (2199 cm3, 54 hp), which worked with a 3-speed gearbox and a 2-speed handout. The "curios" was equipped with a spa frame, spring suspensions of both continuous bridges, drum brakes with hydraulic drive, electrical equipment with voltage B in and wheels with tires size 6.00 ~ 16. The car was built in two copies, and one of them also received the rear controlled wheels.

In the November tests of 1940, the prototype "Pigmey" (Pygmy) of Ford (Ford) took part, which was recognized as the winner of the competition, and the "Willis Kud" was the hardest: it weighed 1100 kg - 120 kg above the norm . As a result of this refinement and reduction of the mass, a second sample of "Willis-Ma" was appeared with a flat grid of the radiator and a more angular hood, weighing 980 kg and the most acceptable for mass production. In order to avoid unhealthy competition between the three firms, in early 1941, the Commission, chaired by President Roosevelt, decided to issue each of them to a batch of 1500 cars. The release of Willi-SA-MA began in June 1941 in addition to a multipurpose version, he was offered in sanitation and as a t54 anti-aircraft installation with a sprayed 12.7-mm machine gun. In the meantime, the second world war and the prospect of the United States joining it forced Europe forced Europe to intervene in these works and instruct the mass production of new cars to urgently deploy the mass production. On July 1, 1941, contrary to the hopes of the Ford company that built an improved version of GP, a modernized "Willis-MV" was adopted as a basis. The mass production of the machine at the Willis plant in Tolido, Ohio, began on November 18, and Ford began to release it under the GPW indexes only at the beginning of the following 1942

Repair workshop on the chassis "Willis-MV", 4x4,1944

Bronenavomotomobile T25 on the chassis "Willis-MV", 4x4,1943

Willis-MV "Jeep", 4x4,1942

Willis-Wac, 4x4,1943

Willis Super Jeep, 6x6,1943

Willis-MV was a universal, durable and reliable machine that could be easily adjusted for a variety of military needs, transportation and installation of various military equipment and weapons. Externally from the Ma model, it was distinguished by the headlights transferred from the wings in the facing of the radiator, and the body parts. In terms of technical terms, 4-seater "Willis-MV" was practically identical to its predecessors, although he received a Dernized engine "442", which developed the former 54 hp

It had a wheelbase of 2032 mm, a wheelchair - 1230 mm, a dimensional length - 3378 mm, width - 1574 mm and height by tend -1778 mm. Its dry mass was 1108 kg, complete -1657 kg. The maximum speed is 105 km / h, the average fuel consumption is 11-12 liters per 100 km. This car made a real coup in military business and automotive technician, no wonder the popular "Willis-MV" received the title of "Automotive Hero of the 20th Century", but the beam neck is known under the name "Jeep". The origin of this word is still definitely unknown, but the main thing is that it was a modified version of the GP abbreviation (General Purpose) - "Ji Pi", which denoted a new class of "general purpose cars".

The legendary "Willis-MV" was produced mainly in universal execution with an open body and a tarpaulin. During the war, his base created a huge number of different options: staff and sanitary, with various weapons, armored, airborne, 10-seater long-base, tracked, semi-bargaining or railway track. The most famous combat machines on such a chassis were self-propelled plants T47 with a 12.7 mm machine gun and T21 C75-mm by a tuitless tool, 8-charging system of volley fire TZB, SAS anti-aircraft complexes and light armored vehicles of the T25 series. In the USSR, they experienced the easiest "Katyusha" - the reactive installation of BM-8-8 with 8 rockets of 80 mm caliber. In the USA, in the midst of war, experienced samples of ultralight jeeps "Willis-MBL" or "Pilot" (Pilot) with a 5-speed gearbox and wooden bodies, weighing about 700 kg, and also "Willis-Wac" (Willys Air Cooled) or Jeeplet (Jeeplet) of a special design with a motorcycle 2-cylinder 24-strong air cooling motor, independent suspension and aluminum bodies. The mass of the mini-jeep was only 450 kg. In 1944, he became the base of the light open transport trolley Wac-3, the predecessor of an equally well-known "mechanical mule". At the same time, work was carried out on creating heavy MLW (4x4) loading capacity of 750 kg and 1-ton "super jeep" (Super Jeep) 6x6 with a 60-strong motor. At its base, a batch of sanitary machines, half-barrel artillery tractors T29 / T29E1, 37 mm of anti-aircraft plants T14 and T24 armored vehicles with an open top and a 12.7 mm machine gun that weighing about 2.5 tons were made.

Willis-MV has become the most massive car of the period of World War II, the world's first serial all-wheel drive machine and the most popular light military car of all time.

In total, until August 1945, Willis and Ford on state orders manufactured 626727 jeeps, of which 348849 specimens had to "Willis", and taking into account other deliveries of -359851 car. With the advent of "Willis-MV", almost the entire batch of MA series issued by that time was put in the USSR on Land Lisa. During the war, another 52 thousand jeeps "Willis-MV" and Ford GPW were joined, some of which were collected in Kolomna and Omsk, and on "Willis" also produced ammunition and components for aircraft.

VILLIS CJ2A, 4X4, 1948

"Willis-MO (M38) with a tuitless gun M27,1953

VILLIS-MD (M38A1C) with anti-tank missiles "Dart"

The end of the war for the company "Willis", firmly tied to the production of army jeeps, has become a precursor of difficult times. With the cessation of a thread of large military orders, she could not develop anything new and for a long time upgraded its version of MB, turning it into the next military and civil models, the fates of which closely intertwined each other. Back in 1944, Villyan developed a civilian oscidence of CJ (Civilian Jeep) or CJA, produced since 1946 in the improved execution of CJ2a, which after two years he entered the US Army. The needs of the armed forces in such machines and the habit of the jeeps of military times were so strong that the production of a new Jeep "Willis-MS" began on the G3A civilian chassis in the winter, which is better known under the military index M38. It received an enhanced running part, the tires of 7.00-16, one-piece windshield, the fencing of the rotation indicators, 24-volt electrical equipment, the front winch and weighed 1250 kg. Until 1953, about 60 thousand such cars were manufactured, in the release of which the Canadian plant of Ford was also participating. One of the few variants of the M38 series was the experienced Aero Jeep "Aero Jeep" or Bobcat (Bobcat), weighing 700 kg.

Almost simultaneously with Jeep M38, the company developed a more solid version of "Willis-MD" or M38A1. He was distinguished by the Harrcaneine top engine (Hurricane) of the previous working volume, which developed the capacity of 67 hp and identifying a higher location of the hood elongated on a 1-inch wheelbase (2057 mm), wider tires of 7.50-16, and increased dimensions. In 1952, Willis began his serial production and released this jeep until the last days of its existence. The reinforced M38A1S chassis was used to install a custom-effective guns, anti-aircraft guns and anti-tank missiles "Dart" (DART). Since 1954, the program included a long-beaded 6-seater jeep "Willis-MDA" (base 2565 mm), the chase of which was used mainly for sanitary machines M170. A total of cars of the M38A1 series built about 100 thousand copies.

Since 1953, the CJ3B chassis with a topless 62-strong motor was manufactured with an army jeep M606, designed mainly for exports and assembly under licenses in many countries of the world. In turn, the military series MD and MDA served as the basis of civilian osses CJ5 and CJ6 remaining in production to the middle of the 80s, and at the end of the 50s. The CJ5 model has become the base of the updated jeep M606A2 .. from the end of the 40s. The US Armed Forces received the same modified options for civilian all-wheel drive pickups and cargo-passenger cars Station Wagon.

Such a deep interchangeability and variety of models practically not distinguished from each other, reflected the difficult position of "Willis", which is not able to create fundamentally new all-wheel drive cars independently.

Willis M274A1 "Mechanical Mul", 4x4,1960

VILLIS HM676 (FC170), 4x4 1958

Willis Hm443E1, 4x4,1958

On April 28, 1953, the Kaiser Industries Corporation (Kaiser Industries) bought him, turning into his department "Kaiser-Willis" (Kaiser-Willys Division), but retaining the former trademark. The influx of large funds allowed "Willis" to make a fundamentally new military equipment. The development of experienced works of the end of World War II became a landing transport cart "Mechanical Mul" (Mechanical Mule) 4x4 with a carrying capacity of 500 kg with a wheel base 1448 mm, a tubular aluminum frame, two or four controlled wheels. The folding steering wheel could be installed both in the front and rear parts of the freight platform or on the side of it and under the car, which made it possible to control it, following the car, whose height was only 685 mm. The prototype HM274 appeared in 1951, and the mass production of "mechanical mule" M274 began only in 1956. The 4-cylinder Opposite engine "Willis AO-53" (876 cm3, 15 hp) was placed in the rear of the platform (876 cm3, 15 hp) air Cooling and 3-speed gearbox.

Option M274A1 received a 17-strong motor with enhanced cooling. In 1958, the development of the "mechanical mule" in 1958 was an experienced Multi-Purpose Battle-Freasted Car HM443 car with a payload of 750 kg, equipped with a 4-cylinder fluid cooling module (2.7 liters, 72 hp) located in the central part of the chassis, independent spring Suspension and open aluminum body. The HM443E1 option was also offered in the form of a multi-purpose trolley. From the experienced stage, a series of multi-purpose military on the basis of the standard 1-tonless FC series (4x4) has actually noted. At the end of the 50s. On the FC170 chassis with a 4-cylinder diesel engine, 3-speed basic and dispensing boxes

Willis manufactured test samples of CM676 and hm677 pickups (with a double cab) and hm678 / hm679 vans with all-metal bodies that were tested in the US Navy.

With the appearance at the beginning of the 60s. The more advanced and cheap jeep M151 of Ford company Financial position "Willis" began to deteriorate sharply. This brand ceased to exist in 1963, when the Kaiser-Willis branch was transformed into Kaiser Jeep (Kaiser Jeep). Subsequently, she moved to the Amerikan Motors concern, and at present, the Jeep company (Daimler-Chrysler) is a direct heir to the "Willisa" (Daimler-Chrysler).

- The American SUV of Hypersed Pateuries, which was produced during the Second World War (1941-1945). This model of army cars went from the conveyors of such factories as Willys-Overland Motors and Ford (having another name - Ford GPW).

A little story about the first army SUV

In the spring of 1940, the head of the American army was issued a task on the urgent manufacture of an army car with its further use at the front. The complexity was also in very compressed lines, and in the technical characteristics of the future "horse". It was strictly stated that the SUV should have a maximum speed of at least 80 km / h, overcoming the depth of brodes - from 29 cm, drive on all wheels, equipped mass - no more than 585 kg, ground clearance - 16 cm, and loading capacity - at least 270 kg. By the way, in the process of writing a task, the customers did not go to any concessions, although the mass was still revised, both in the greater and in a smaller side. Proposals for the manufacture of future cars received about a hundred enterprises and only three of them went to the risk to help their army. They became American Bantam, Willys-Overland and German Ford Motor Company.

After 4 months, the first copy of the company American Bantam was introduced to the court - the Bantam BRC SUV, created on the basis of Bantam 60. Although the engineers coped with the task in principle, the only minus was a strong deviation of the car's weight from the norm. Despite this, it was still possible to release 2605 units, but everything was taken to another continent. Not only the Commission, but also specialists from Ford and Willis, observed for the test drive of Modifications BRC. At that time, the "VILLISTS" version of the car was not ready yet. They created a reliable bodies design, put a powerful engine, but it was not possible to create a suitable suspension. After the engineers have seen Bantam BRC with their own eyes, they decided to copy some elements and after a couple of months later presented their own version of the SUV.

By the way, an interesting fact: a few years later, "theft" by Willys design and the characteristics of the car from Bantam was officially proven. But at that time, American Bantam no longer existed, so the conflict quickly subsided. But back to the story ... Willys Quad also turned out to be very heavy (almost 1,100 kg), therefore the model was upgraded in Willys MA with a weight of 980 kg. At about the same time, Ford was presented by the Pygmy SUV, also satisfied the commission. Saving the results of the work of all three companies, the Commission put "satisfactory assessments" to everyone and allowed each of them along a small trial party. But the true "winner" should be alone, so I had to choose ... at least the Bantam BRC itself, according to characteristics and manageability, showed the best results, respectively, the price turned out to be the highest. Slightly cheaper were the Fords and the cheapest were the jeap - only 738 dollars and 74 cents. All three cars were almost identical and only differed in small details, therefore the crucial role, no matter how surprisingly, the price was played.

The contract was signed with Willis and after she lowered the last instance of Willys Ma from the conveyor, immediately launched mass production at the factory in Tolido Willys Military V. Series. By the way, at that time, the company Willys walked did not in the best way, and More precisely - they were on the verge of bankruptcy. Subscribe a contract for the manufacture of such a huge amount of cars, especially for such an important goal, it was very risky, therefore, for help from Ford, and also concluded a contract with them. Soon all the necessary documentation was sent to them who began to produce a copy of the job - the Ford GPW SUV

These cars were used not only in domestic lands, but also massively supplied to the Allies. By the way, throughout the entire period of production of only the "Red Army", about 52,000 copies were delivered, where they used commanders as intelligence machines or tractors of anti-tank guns. Taking into account the Ford Copies, 659,031 cars left the conveyor, many of which live to this day.

Life Willys MB on the front

The United Kingdom and the USSR were the main "sales centers" of Willis MB. They were loved and respected, with them moved forward to victory and were always confident in reliability and indeliability. As a rule, the Red Army was supplied by semi-broken cars in special packages. It simplified the transportation, and guaranteed their integrity. It is impossible to say that ordinary boxes "with iron" went, because before sending every car was completely going and even passed a small run, and then again disassembled.

The Soviet Union began to receive cars from the summer of 1942, after which they sent an assembly to Kolomna Plant No. 4 and the plant. Gorky. A year later, the USSR finally decided to experience the Willis MB. There was an action not far from the suburban cubes at the Big Polygon. The car showed himself from the best side, and even comparing it with domestic, the soldiers noted the best hydraulic, easier handling and comfort. But the fact remains a fact - the jeep often was out of order, not even reaching the run of 20 thousand km, and the reason for this was inadequate service and low quality gasoline. American cars have differed simply with impeccable quality and durability, but in response they demanded gasoline with an octane number of at least 66, as well as - regular lubrication of parts. On the territory of the Soviet Union, these factors often neglected, and the deficit of high-quality raw materials gave his imprint.

Studying the history of the Second World War and, Actually, the history of Willys MB, you can see this car in a variety of informal modifications that were remade "on their own" by Soviet engineers. For example, machine guns with a caliber 12.7 or 7.62 mm, anti-tank guns or unique "reflectors" were attached to the car for the car for the destruction of German trap wires.

In 1943, the magazine Popular Science with the support of Congressman from Alabama Carter Malacco was organized a competition for the best idea for the use of Army Willis in peacetime, in various directions. Villais Vice President was even sent a request for further cooperation, but the leadership did not see any prospects, and, in fact, wanted to move away from the production of SUVs of this type, concentrating on more sought-after cars. But in 1944, the situation has sharply changed its direction when the Presidential Chair Willys-Overland took one of the former managers. He began to actively popularize the topic of adaptations of the army SUV for agriculture and promote his wagon "Station Wagon". Soon these cars enriched the American army, and the civil modification of Willys MB was called CJ1A and has already begun massively produced from the middle of 1944.

Technical and design features Willys MB

Now it was necessary to drive the car not only with the help of one KP lever, but also two more dispensing boxes, one of which served to connect the front axle, and the other to turn off and transition to reduced transmission. The brake system of the car was hydraulic and distributed to 4 wheels, which was a huge plus. Despite the fact that all the wheels were leading, for some reason the differential between the axes was not provided, so it was not distributed between the front and rear bridges. The thrust was distributed only between the wheels themselves, with conventional conical differentials without blocking nodes. Since the car was intended for the most complex and extreme conditions, it has repeatedly had to overcome deep brodes, which in some cases reached almost one and a half meters. Therefore, the designers decided to make a drain hole in the bottom of the body, which was closed by a plug.

Technical characteristics of the car Willys MB

Production year	1941-1945
Body	Carrying, open, retransable
Dimensions (d / w / c)	3335/1586/1830 mm
Weight	1020 kg
Load capacity	250 kg (with driver and passenger - 363 kg)
505/515 kg
Maximum speed	104 km / h
Fuel consumption	13.2 l / 100 km.
Corners entry / Congress	45/35 degrees
Towed mass (max)	453 km
Radius of rotation	5.3 M.
Engine	4-cylinder, gasoline, nipped
Diameter of cylinders	79.37 mm
Engine dimensions (d / w / c)	680/570/670 mm
Working volume	2.2 liters
Max. Power (at 3600 rpm)	60 hp
Compression ratio	6,48
The order of the cylinders	1-3-4-2
Lubrication system	Mixed
	Gear, with internal gearing
Cooling system	Water, with forced circulation
Fan	4-bladed wedge-shaped belt from pulley
	Centrifugal
Carburetor model	"Carter", model WO-539-S
Fuel pump	Diaphragm
Air filter	With oil bath and filter packing, model A-19386,
Fuel filter	Plateled with sump
Clutch	One-piece, dry with depreciation springs
Transmission	Mechanical, 3-speed
main gear	Hypoid, single with conical gears with spiral teeth
Transfer case	Mechanical, 2-speed, with a demultiplier
Cardan shafts	Hard, tubular, with needle bearings
Rear / Front Bridge	Presenter with unloaded semi-axes
Wheels	Disk
Tire size	16 inches
Suspension	Longitudinal, with semi-elliptical springs (4 pcs) and hydraulic double-sided shock absorbers (4 pcs)
Steering wheel	Three-spoke worm, model T-12
Brake foot / manual	Hydraulic, plated, 4 wheels / mechanical, tape
Frame	Stamped, cockpit

Main differences between Ford GPW and Willys MB cars

Outwardly, these cars were almost identical and in the Soviet Union, both modifications were called the Willisa, but in fact they had a number of differences that manifest themselves not only in the technical, but also of the structural part. In fact, to identify this or that model, great efforts are required, since not everyone knows that both the line of Willis MB and the ruler of Fords GPV had three modifications: Warlis Early (11.1941-03.1942), Standard Willis (03.1941 -12.1943) and Zhilis Composite (12.1943-10.1945); Ford Standard (04.1942-12.1943), Ford Transitional (12.1943 - 01.1944) and Ford Composite (01.1944-06.1945). Additional complexity delivers the lack of accurate data on the date of change or making new parts. For four years both Willys and Ford are constantly upgraded, so as soon as possible to compare them, unfortunately, it will not be possible, but the main differences to collect all the same managed.

To begin with, we take the frame: the Willis front transverse beam was a tubular shape, and the shock absorbers brackets are rectangular-boxed, while Ford The beam had a rectangular (as an inverted letter U), and the brackets were in the form of a breath. The stand under the battery also had differences - she was in the form of a rectangular plastic of the metal, and the German had an extra hole in the center of the oval hole. Comparing both cars, you can see the differences in the image of the number marks of the frame and engine. By the way, it was at the engine number that could most accurately determine the car: Willys MB number consisted of the MB index and six digits, and Ford GPW from the GPW index and the same six digits.

The body of the case occurs a little more difficult. So early Willis had a relief stamping of his name on the back of the body, the radiator was out of 10 spokes, and there was no glove box. Stamping standard jeep was already located on the arc of the wheel under the castle of the tool niche. He also acquired a glove compartment, a bottom of two amplifier ribs, support for the legs and a rectangular rear seat bracket. As for Ford, his modification "Standard" had an anterior support bracket of type ACM II, the body number was absent, the name of the name was in the archer of the niche castle, and the logo on the rear panel; The rear seat had a triangular bracket, and the rear lights - vertically installed brackets. In addition, compared to Willis, the early models of Ford have already had a glove box, and a bottom with two amplifier ribs, and a support for the feet of the rear passengers. The transitional Ford was acquired by a triangular rear body amplifier, a rectangular bracket was installed on the back seat, but the names of the car's name on the side parts of the wheel arch disappeared on both sides of the rear seat bracket. Accurate modifications that occurred with composite Willis and Ford were unnecessary, so they can be omitted.

• The engine engine "GO-DEVIL" installed a new world record for "long-spectability", because the course of its piston is 111.1 mm, with a diameter of the cylinder only 79.4 mm.
• During the tests of the Willis on the expanses of the Soviet Union, the Willis showed the worst characteristics, rather than the manufacturer declared. The case concerned the torque and the power itself, which barely reached 56.6 hp Wine all this was the regular use of very low quality fuel.
• The front panel of the instruments had a special plate from the metal, which depicted allowed speed speeds. For example, if you activate the "Redeyaku" while moving forward, it reduced the speed of the car 2 times, and on a downgrade in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the reverse mode, the speed of movement was supposed to be no more than 9 miles / hour. By the way, when driving on solid coatings (asphalt), the front axle is not recommended.
• In subsequent years, all Willys SUVs have found a new name - Jeep, which appeared as a result of auditing (hearing perception) combination of the words "General Purpose".
• Willys MB SUVs were supplied by large parties to different allies. But these were not "gifts", not help and not selling. Cars were leased, and after the war, the American government was announced to return the jerks in full configuration and good condition.
• American Willismi admired almost the whole world, and now these cars can surely overcome the harsh off-road. As a result, after the war, some countries have "score" the right to the license edition of copies under their name (French HOTCHKISS, Japanese Mitsubishi, Spaniard EBRO, etc.).