In June of 1940, the US Army began looking for a "light reconnaissance vehicle" to replace its motorcycles and Model-T trucks. One-hundred-thirty-five manufacturers were invited to bid on production of a vehicle with these specs:
- 600 lb. load capacity
- wheelbase under 75 inches
- height under 36 inches
- smooth-running engine from 3 to 50 mph
- rectangular body
- two-speed transfer case with four-wheel-drive
- fold-down windshield
- three bucket seats
- blackout and driving lights
- gross vehicle weight under 1,300 lbs.
Willys-Overland, American Bantam Car Manufacturing Company and Ford Motor Company entered the competition and delivered prototypes to the Army in record time. The Willys Jeeps in this gallery are the long-term result of that first delivery.
The information in this gallery was supplied by Jeep. If you disagree with their dates or other info, let me know.
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