After the U.S. entered WWII, the Jeep was one of the most prolific military vehicles in use by troops all across the conflict zones. As a companion, Ford was asked to create an amphibious version, which resulted in the Ford GPA. It used as many parts as possible from the original Willys Jeep to keep costs down and simplify production. These were powered by the same Ford four-cylinder engine and transmission, delivering 60 horsepower through the four-wheel-drive system with a power take-off for a screw propeller housed in a tunnel in the hull that kept it available at all times, but out of the way from obstacles on the road.
This vehicle was inspired by the DUKW and its success, and top brass wanted them produced to ferry troops from ship to shore. However, it was ill-suited for rough seas and too heavy on land. Most American troops did not care for it and many would call this a failure. But in the East, the Red Army took a liking to the GPA as their troops faced multiple river crossings on the way to Berlin and found the small amphibious Jeep perfect for the task. The Russians liked the GPA so much that after the war ended, they produced an exact copy called the GAZ-46 MAV. It could be said then that it was not a failure but was deployed in the wrong role and it did find success when put into service in the right elements.
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