Comparing the 1945 Willys MB and the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 41 highlights just how much things have changed over the years, while some features still look familiar. These two vehicles, seen side by side, show major differences in size, design, and technology, but also share important details that connect the newest Wrangler to its roots.
Seeing an original 1945 Willys MB next to a modern build lets experts and fans notice details like bumper width, suspension changes, and the design of parts like headlights and wheels. Exploring these vehicles up close provides insight into how Jeep’s features have evolved while still keeping the spirit of the original model.
Key Takeaways
- Classic and modern Jeeps show both similarities and big differences in design.
- Many parts and features have transformed, but some original ideas are still present.
- A close look reveals how history has shaped today’s off-road vehicles.
Comparison Between the 1945 Willys MB and the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 41
The 1945 Willys MB and the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 41 have several features in common, but also many clear differences. Seeing both models side by side highlights changes in size, design, and technology over 80 years.
Key Differences and Similarities
| Feature | 1945 Willys MB | 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys 41 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller, narrow tires | Much larger, wider tires |
| Front Bumper | 46 inches wide | 46 inches wide |
| Grille | 9 slots | 7 slots |
| Lighting | Blackout front light | Blackout light from MB model, custom mount |
| Springs | Leaf springs | Coil springs |
| Axles | Dana 20 front, Dana 30 rear | Dana 30 front, Dana 35 rear |
| Wheels | 2-piece split rims | Standard Wrangler wheels |
| Transmission | Manual | Automatic |
| Steering Wheel | Larger | Smaller, with throwback spoke design |
| Body Color | Olive drab (oil paint) | Multiple colors |
| Doors | No doors | Modern styling |
| Fuel Tank | Under driver’s seat | Modern location |
| Top | Soft top bows | Modern options |
| Rear Features | Lunette pintle hitch, soft top hardware, jerry can | Tire carrier, roto packs, similar lunette hitch |
| Other Details | Bumper “rats”, star paint | Modern bumpers, star decal in same spot |
- The 2025 model is noticeably bigger, with wider fenders and tires, and higher ground clearance.
- The original Willys MB has unique features such as split rim wheels and a larger simple steering wheel.
- Both vehicles share retro styling cues, including the front blackout light and star decals, but the newer Jeep uses modern fabrication and paint.
- The original also has many practical, field-ready elements such as the split wheels and soft top bows.
The comparison makes it easy to spot which design choices carried over and which elements were updated for comfort, size, and technology in the modern build.
Comparing the Outside Look
Shape, Size, and Overall Appearance
The 1945 Willys MB and the 2025 Wrangler show a clear difference in size, with the new model being much larger even on its factory suspension. When parked side by side, the increase in width is easy to spot. The old Willys has a narrow, simple body, while the new Wrangler appears much wider. The older vehicle has no doors and sticks with a full olive drab color. The new build uses more color and adds modern touches. The steering wheel on the Willys is noticeably bigger. The team matched design details like the star placement to keep a classic touch.
| Feature | 1945 Willys MB | 2025 Wrangler Willies 41 Build |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Narrow | Much wider |
| Door presence | None | Present |
| Color scheme | Olive drab | More colorful |
| Steering wheel | Larger | Smaller, but classic styled |
| Suspension type | Leaf springs | Coil springs |
Fender Shapes and Bumper Changes
Both Jeeps have bumpers measuring 46 inches, but how they sit against the tires is quite different. The bumper on the Willys stretches to the center of the tire tread, while the Wrangler’s bumper does not reach the tire at all due to the wider body. The original fenders are much more pronounced on the old Jeep. Getting the same old-style fenders for the newer model was not possible, so aftermarket motor fenders were used, which look different but still give narrow, strong lines. The rear features classic touches such as bumperettes and a pintle hitch on the old Willys, while the newer build added a tire carrier instead.
Fender and Bumper Highlights:
- Willys MB: Large, factory fenders, original bumperettes, narrower tire and body stance
- 2025 Wrangler: Aftermarket fenders, added tire carrier, wider frame, custom solutions to fit style
Lights and Modern Lighting Changes
Lighting between the two models shows a blend of old and new. The new build uses a blackout light from an original Willys. To fit it, they custom made a bracket as the fender setup is quite different from the classic one. Original Willys lights ran on a 6-volt system, but this vehicle was swapped to 12 volts for better function. The headlights remain the classic 5-inch size, with details like cat’s eyes and blackout covers appearing on the old Willys. The newer build includes side markers, brake lights, and reflectors to match modern safety needs, but keeps much of the vintage look.
Notable Lighting Features:
- Willys MB: 5-inch headlights, blackout and cat’s eye lights, 6-volt (upgraded to 12-volt) wiring
- 2025 Wrangler Build: Real Willys blackout light installed, custom brackets, modern wiring, extra side and rear lights for safety
Frame and Suspension Elements
Different Suspension Setups
Both vehicles use strong setups for their suspensions, but they are quite different in design. The original Willys MB has leaf springs on all four corners, which was very common in World War II Jeeps. The 2025 build uses coil springs, giving it a smoother ride and improved handling compared to the leaf spring design.
Axle Details and Steering
The axles differ between the two models. Up front, the Willys MB comes with a Dana 20 axle, while the new Jeep build uses a Dana 30. On the rear, the Willys MB has a Dana 30, but the latest model features a Dana 35.
The steering system on the Willys MB stands out. It has dual arms that go to each side, with a pitman arm fixed almost in the center of the axle. This setup connects straight to the steering shaft, which is not typical on newer Jeeps.
| Component | 1945 Willys MB | 2025 Wrangler Build |
|---|---|---|
| Front Axle | Dana 20 | Dana 30 |
| Rear Axle | Dana 30 | Dana 35 |
| Front Suspension | Leaf Springs | Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Springs | Coil Springs |
Rims and Tire Options
Wheels and tires create a clear difference between the two. The Willys MB features split rim wheels, popular in the 1940s. These two-piece wheels let users replace tires in the field more quickly. The tires themselves are much narrower, measuring only 6 inches wide, while the modern Jeep uses a much wider tire suited for today’s roads and trails.
The classic wheels also have a different look, with visible stud heads and a style that connects directly to field use. In comparison, the 2025 build sticks with a more common modern wheel design for improved safety and performance.
Cabin Details and Practical Changes
Steering Mechanisms
The steering setup on the original Willys MB used a unique twin-arm design. These arms connected to each side and linked to a pitman arm that sat almost centered on the axle. The pitman arm then attached straight to the steering shaft. The modern 2025 version kept some nods to the older design; for example, the steering wheel shape tries to match the classic look with three spoke-like marks around the center. Notably, the steering wheel on the Willys MB was much larger than the modern version, making it easier to handle without power steering.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | 1945 Willys MB | 2025 Jeep Wrangler Build |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Wheel Size | Larger | Smaller, modern |
| Design Details | Classic three-spoke look | Modern homage to classic |
| Linkage Style | Twin-arm system | Updated, modern system |
Gear Selector Choices
The original Willys MB came with a manual gear shifter and a twin-stick transfer case, letting drivers control both the gears and the 4WD functionality by hand. The focus was on direct control for rough conditions. In the new Wrangler build, there’s an automatic transmission instead. This change was partly due to availability, as the automatic was the first version of its kind that could be used for the project.
- Original Willys MB: Manual gears, twin-stick for 4WD.
- 2025 Build: Automatic transmission for ease of use.
Gas Tank Location
On the 1945 Willys MB, the gas tank was placed right under the driver’s seat. Back then, this made sense for saving space and keeping the vehicle’s profile low, but it would be considered unsafe today. In the newer build, the fuel tank isn’t under the seat anymore, reflecting updated safety standards and design priorities.
Fuel Tank Placement Summary:
- Willys MB: Directly below the driver’s seat.
- 2025 Build: Moved to a safer, modern location.
Everyday Use and Custom Adjustments
Winch Additions
Both vehicles show major differences at the front. The original Jeep did not come with a built-in winch, relying instead on a hand crank system for recovery work in the field. That model had an open space near the bumper, where a rope winch would be attached as needed. In the new build, a winch is installed for quick and modern use. This change supports practical needs today, especially when heading off-road.
| Jeep Model | Winch Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 Willys MB | Hand crank | Front, removable |
| 2025 Wrangler | Electric winch | Mounted on bumper |
Soft Roof Upgrades and Extra Parts
Soft top choices and accessories make each vehicle stand out. The older Jeep uses folding metal bows on the sides for easy soft top attachment. These let drivers add or remove covers depending on the weather or event.
During the custom build, there was a careful look at details such as side tie-downs and grab handles. While not every original touch was added, these details show how soft tops and exterior hardware can be changed for new needs or looks.
Soft Top Options:
- Folding bows on the older Jeep
- Choices about adding similar or new hardware on the modern model
Plate Placement and Back-End Details
The rear of both Jeeps has been updated to match safety and law requirements. The original needed a license plate bracket added, based on state rules. The bracket was custom-made for the older body design.
On the new build, the rear holds a spare tire carrier, pintle hitch, and new reflectors to echo the classic look but offer better function. Modern RotoPax containers sit next to where the Jerry can is on the original, helping to keep the same layout. The size difference is clear, but placement and accessory choices help blend the styles. Additional features such as marker lights, brake lights, and other reflectors were added to meet today’s road needs.
Design Roots from the Past
Changes in Grille Shape
The early Willys models used a fabricated grille with nine slots. Newer Jeeps switched to a grille with seven slots. This shift sets the historic and modern vehicles apart at first glance. The reason for changing the slot count is often debated by Jeep fans.
| Model Year | Grille Slot Count |
|---|---|
| 1941-1945 | 9 |
| 2025 | 7 |
The size and style of the headlights also differ. Historic models used 5-inch headlights, while modern versions may use blackout or “cat’s eye” lighting upfront.
Features with Military Origins
Many early Jeep design elements come straight from military needs. The original Willys MB has features such as blackout lights, which are added to the newer builds for accuracy. The blackout lights on the original were wired differently and attached to the broader fenders compared to current models.
- Manual transmission: The Willys MB ran on a manual gearbox, while many new models use automatics.
- Split rim wheels: Older Jeeps had two-piece wheels for quick tire replacement in the field.
- Olive drab paint: Early Jeeps were painted in a single oil-based green color with no doors, highlighting their military use.
- Fuel tank under seat: For space and clearance, the fuel tank sat right under the driver’s seat.
- Leaf springs: Suspension was leaf-sprung on all four corners for rugged use.
Other military-inspired elements include the fold-down windshield, soft top bows, and large grab handles or tie-downs on the sides. The addition of accessories, like a pintle hitch or jerry can on the back, also matches how the originals were outfitted. Even the spokes on the steering wheel in modern Jeeps echo the look of the early military version’s wheel design.
Wrapping Up the Comparison
Comparing the 1945 Willys MB to the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willies 41 build shows many updates alongside noticeable similarities.
Key Differences Noted:
- Size: The 2025 model is much wider and taller, even retaining its stock suspension.
- Lighting: The blackout light from the original MB was adapted for the new build, requiring a custom bracket.
- Suspension & Axles: The original Willys uses leaf springs all around, while the modern build features upgraded axles (Dana 30/35).
- Wheels: The 1945 model has split rim wheels, which allow for easier tire changes in the field.
- Fenders and Color: The classic Jeep is all olive drab with original-style fenders, while the new version uses updated Moto Fenders and shows off more color.
Other Observations:
- The fuel tank in the older model sits just below the driver’s seat.
- The steering wheel in the Willys is noticeably larger, and the three-spoke design influenced the newer Jeep’s wheel.
| Feature | 1945 Willys MB | 2025 Willies 41 Build |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Leaf springs | Modern suspension setup |
| Headlights | Blackout/Cat’s eyes | Adapted blackout light |
| Wheels | Split rim, 6″ wide | Wider, modern style |
| Transmission | Manual | Automatic |
| Color | Olive drab | Custom colors |
This side-by-side review highlights how the spirit of the classic Jeep lives on, but many features have evolved for function, safety, and style.