How the Jeep Was Invented for World War II
The iconic Jeep is known all over the world for its rugged dependability and go-anywhere capability and fun. But what you may not know that the original Jeep wasn’t designed for leisure, but for the U.S. Army. Each Jeep vehicle has a unique history and link back to the original Willys MB that helped fight World War II. This President’s Day Weekend, we at Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are looking back at Jeep’s tremendous history as we honor our troops and veterans who have served our country. Read on to learn more about this American classic!
Willys “Quad” MA
In June of 1940, the U.S. Army solicited bids from 135 automakers for a “light reconnaissance vehicle” tailored to Army specifications. Only two automakers initially responded: American Bantam Auto Company and Willys-Overland. Bantam’s bid was completed July 22, 1940, complete with blueprints. However, the Army thought that Bantam didn’t have the production capacity to build the required number of vehicles, so they turned over production to Willys-Overland and Ford, encouraging them to make changes to the design. Three prototypes were made: The Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC), Ford Pygmy and Willys “Quad”. Each vehicle went through extensive testing, but the Willys-Overland Jeep won the contract!
The Willys Jeep became known as the standard Jeep design. The final design incorporated features from all three automakers. Interestingly enough, the iconic pressed-metal grille that Jeep is known for today was originally a part of Ford’s design that the Army used in the final revised model, the Willys MB. Most of Willys “Quad” MA vehicles were sent to U.S. allies fighting in Russia and England. Today, the Willys MA is the rarest Jeep, with only about 30 models known to exist!
The Army called for 16,000 Willys MB Jeeps in July of 1941 at a unit price of $738.74. The Willys MB revolutionized the use of small military vehicles in combat. They were durable, capable and incredibly versatile. They could be modified for different purposes such as snow plowing, desert patrolling, laying telephone lines, serving as a field ambulance and more. One Willys MB even received a purple heart and was sent home. General George C. Marshall, US Army Chief of Staff during World War II, and later U.S. Secretary of State, described the Jeep Brand 4×4 as “America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare”.
The Willys MB could be loaded into aircraft carriers for quick deployment. They were also compact enough to fit into the gliders used in the D-Day invasion. Over the course of World War II, custom kits were created for different weather and terrain conditions from desert, snow, water-fording and other combat needs.
The first Willys MB Jeep inspired every Jeep that came after it, and courageous and adventurous spirit lives on today! We at Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are proud to represent a brand with such an incredible history, and this Memorial Day, we’re glad we get to celebrate the amazing veterans who drove the Willys Jeep bravely into battle. Thank you to all of our troop, military personnel, veterans and military families for your sacrifice. We are grateful to you today and every day!
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