The Jeep Willys history

During the Second World War, the U.S. Army was looking for a light, fast and versatile vehicle to replace the motorcycles and reconnaissance vehicles then in service. In 1940, the U.S. Army issued a strict request for proposals to automobile manufacturers, asking them to design a rugged, mass-produced all-terrain vehicle.

Three companies answered the call:

1. Bantam: Presented the first prototype, the Bantam BRC 40, which served as the basis for the project.
2. Willys-Overland: Designed the Willys MA model, then perfected it with the Willys MB.
3. Ford: Developed the Ford GP, a competing version of the Willys.

In 1941, after several tests, the army mainly chose Willys-Overland for production, notably because of its powerful engine, the Go Devil (2.2L, 60 hp), which offered superior torque and endurance to other models. But demand was enormous, and Ford also received a contract to produce Jeeps under license, under the name Ford GPW. In all, between 1941 and 1945, over 640,000 Jeeps were produced, of which around 360,000 by Willys and 280,000 by Ford. 1942 marked the first full year of production for the Willys MB. This model was used on all fronts: in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. It was used for a wide range of missions: troop and equipment transport, reconnaissance vehicle, improvised ambulance, platform for machine guns and light cannons, fast messenger on the battlefield…

The origin of the word “Jeep” is not entirely clear.
Some say that “Jeep” comes from the rapid pronunciation of “GP” (General Purpose or Government Purpose). Others think it’s a nod to the cartoon character “Eugene the Jeep”, a magical, go-anywhere animal from Popeye’s adventures. After the war, the Willys Jeep became a symbol of freedom and endurance. Willys-Overland patented the design in 1945 and adapted the model for civilian use under the name Jeep CJ (Civilian Jeep), thus initiating the birth of the Jeep brand we know today.

Even today, the 1942 Willys Jeep remains an icon and a sought-after vehicle for collectors and military history enthusiasts.