The World War Two Jeep
World War Two saw the introduction many innovations, including the “jeep”. These vehicles were built by three different manufacturers for the military. The very first was Bantam with the introduction of their Bantam Reconnaissance Car pilot. Ford submitted two prototypes, the Pygmy and the Budd. The Budd looked similar in construction to Bantam’s car with headlights on the fenders. The Pygmy was different in that it placed the headlights behind the grille or brush guard. Willys submitted prototype during the testing phase called the “Quad”. This first Willys product was not too successful as it was too heavy in part because of its engine. The Willys engine at 60 bhp was the most power engine of the three. Bantam used a 40 hp Continental Motors engine and Ford used a 40 hp tractor engine. All three vehicles led to what would ultimately become known the world over as the “Jeep”
The jeep. Is there a finer machine created by man during the twentieth century? I know I can’t think of anything. This is a machine that so many people had a hand in designing and creating. Of course top honors should go to American Bantam Car Company where the first vehicle recognizable as a jeep was created. Honors go to Willys Overland for building the most powerful engine used in the wartime jeep. And, of course, Ford Motor Company for designing the grille that later with a small alteration would become famous and instantly recognizable as the jeep. Finally, those engineers, both military and civilian that had a direct hand in molding the specifications that led to the first successful 1/4-ton, Truck 4×4 — the jeep, a machine forged for war that has excelled in peace for more than 60 years!