Jan 11 2012
Military Jeeps Through the Years
The 1st “Jeep” used by the Division was produced in 1940, and they started with 70 of them. These were manufactured by the North American Bantam Car Company of Butler, Pennsylvania. That same year, Willys built two quads for the Division in a competition. Ford also attempted to get into the game with the Midget, but it was a particularly giant vehicle, and both the Ford and the Bantam slipped to the power of the Willys power. After 1941, Bantam was no longer being ordered by the military, and all that stayed was Willys, and Ford. In mid-1945, the term “jeep” came to be, to describe the army autos.
Jeeps were used in every branch of the army, and had various purposes. Each infantry regiment were issued about 145. Some of the many uses for the Jeep included being used as firefighting pump carriers, cable laying, tractors, and carrying the wounded, simply to name a couple. It was actually a multi purpose vehicle, and it became around swiftly and easily.
When the Regiment figured that the Bantam company was not big enough to make all of its required vehicles, it gave the plan to both Ford and Willy with instructions to make tiny changes of their own. They all looked alike in style, and 1500 of them were selected for field testing. While heavy, the Willys engine was quite forceful for its time, and that was an enormous reason why they won that contract.
In World War Two, America provided to Great Britain and the Soviet Red Military approximately 30% of their Jeep production. And humorously, in Korea, troops created a JEEP acronym, Just Enough Essential Parts, as their jeeps were intensely basic. After the war, Jeeps became available in surplus sales. And in parts of the planet where America had been, some Jeeps were left in the dust, and then utilized in various ways, for example being used as taxis in the Philippines. And for the army, lately it has seen the Jeep slowly replaced by such cars as the Humvee.
The Jeep has had many nicknames. And has gone thru varied owners. From 1944-1953, Jeep proprietorship belonged to Willys-Overland. From 1953-1964, it was Kaiser-Jeep, more widely known as Willys Motors. From 1964-1970, it was known as Kaiser-Jeep. From 1970-1987, the product belonged to AMC/Renault. And finally, possession of the name fell into the hands of Chrysler in 1987. In 1998, Daimler Chrysler combined, but up to this day, Jeep remains the registered trademark of Chrysler.
Jeep history has a storied and proud army history. Through out the years, the Jeep has served lifesaving functions, has had practical applications, and has represented America in numerous proud ways. There are stills that show Jeep has played a role in making history, and helping the world become a better place for all humankind. Its practical functions made it what it was. And its style and usefulness keep it what it is. Jeep holds a place in army history, and it's a place it earned and deserves.
Mr. Harris owns and operates Army Jeeps for Sale, where he has great articles on all things Jeep.
