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.
 Jeep Ad, circa 1946 |
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