Where It All Started
The "Go Anywhere, Do Anything" Jeep 4x4 vehicle became the hero for thousands of Allied soldiers around the world in the 1940's. Later becoming the civilian hero for many decades to come as Jeep in now an American Icon.
During the war the US infantry needed a low-profile, powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive. Three commercial companies put in their bids, American Bantam, Willys Overland Motors, and Ford Motor Company.
Off Road Insiders Podcast: Who Created the First Jeep
Each company was tasked to build a vehicle for testing. In July of 1941 the contract was awarded to Willys using combined parts of all three prototypes. The Willys MB was born.
THE THREE DESIGNS
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| Willys Quad |
Willys Quad
Designed by Willys Overland Motors in Toledo, Ohio. This little beast of a machine was powered by it's "Go Devil" engine that produced 61 mph, along with 105 foot pounds of torque.
There is debate over how to pronounce Willys. I set the record straight in my blog post How to Pronounce Willys.
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| Blitz Buggy |
Blitz Buggy
Designed by American Bantam out of Butler, Pennsylvania. Working with Spicer, one of Bantam's focuses was axles and transfer case.
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| Pigmy |
Pigmy
Designed by Ford Motor Company. The two Ford pilot vehicles are now sitting in museums. It is said neither the original Bantam Pilot nor the Willys Quad survived.
Check out my page Jeep Culture and History for more Jeep knowledge.
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