WILLYS JEEP

Around 1938 as the situation in Western Europe worsened and the prospect of a second world war looked a possibility, the US Army indicated to all automobile manufacturers that they were looking for a light reconnaissance vehicle to replace the motorcycles previously used in this role. First to respond was the American Bantam Car Company who were invited to supply three test models in September 1939, but these were rejected as too light. Shortly afterwards Willys-Overland produced sketches of a concept vehicle which would soon be known to the world… Read more