David EilersApril 29, 2017

1941 Photo of Ford GP at Fort Custer

Three examples of Ford GP photos testing a footbridge at Fort Custer that sold on eBay over the last few years.

Posted April of 2017: "1941- Army engineers at Fort Custer test footbridge by driving Ford GP jeep across it. Photo measures approx. 7" x 9"

Posted August of 2015: "1941- Army engineers at Fort Custer test footbridge by driving Ford GP jeep across it."

Posted February of 2015: "WWII Engineers Test Bridge in Ford GP Jeep at Fort Custer Original Press Photo"

MorganApril 29, 2017 at 12:16 PM
This is an early reference to the term 'jeep'. Has anyone seen an older one?
David EilersApril 29, 2017 at 2:38 PM
Yes, as early as February of 1941 (I have a 2/5/41 press photo with caption for example) the term was being used in the media. However, as early as the first few days at Holabird the term was applied to the Bantams according to court testimony from the mid 1940s.
Barry WestApril 29, 2017 at 6:16 PM
Is it mine eyes or does this model have a centered front axle chunk?
David EilersApril 29, 2017 at 6:26 PM
Correct. At least some (all maybe?) GPs have a driver's side drop. Here's a photo showing the shifters on the driver's side. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ea/b7/62/eab76268df17675adc56409cbd3b3345.jpg
Mark S.April 29, 2017 at 9:34 PM
Been raining all day in the Midwest, fortunately e-willys has a large variety of great posts today, sorry if excessive comments today.