In June of 1940, the US Army began looking for a "light reconnaissance vehicle" to replace its motorcycle and Model-Ts. 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.