World War II Origins
1940-1945
Jeeps proved invaluable across every theater of World War II
On June 27, 1940, with Nazi Germany conquering Europe and war looming for America, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps issued an urgent request for a 'light reconnaissance and command car.' The specifications were nearly impossible: weigh no more than 1,300 pounds, have a wheelbase under 75 inches, feature four-wheel drive, and be delivered in just 49 days.
The Three Competitors
American Bantam
A tiny Butler, Pennsylvania company on the verge of bankruptcy. Chief engineer Karl Probst, working without pay, designed the Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC) in just five days—the first Jeep ever made.
First to deliver • September 23, 1940Willys-Overland
Though late with their prototype, Willys had the crucial "Go Devil" engine—a 60-hp L-head four-cylinder that delivered more power than competitors. The Willys MB became the standard.
363,000 MBs produced • 55% of totalFord Motor Company
Entering late, Ford submitted their Ford GP. When Willys couldn't meet demand alone, Ford built Jeeps using Willys' design—the Ford GPW.
280,000 GPWs produced • 45% of totalThe Name "Jeep"
The origin remains debated among historians:
Soldiers slurred "G.P." (General Purpose) into "Jeep"
A magical creature from Popeye comics that could go anywhere
Willys test driver "Red" Hausmann called it a "Jeep" for journalists
"Jeep" was already slang for new, unproven vehicles and recruits
First documented in print: Washington Daily News, February 19, 1941
Willys MB Specifications
| Engine | Willys "Go Devil" L-134, 2.2L I4 |
| Horsepower | 60 hp @ 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 105 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual with 2-speed transfer case |
| Wheelbase | 80 inches |
| Curb Weight | 2,453 lbs |
| Total Produced | ~640,000 (MB + GPW combined) |
“The Jeep, the Dakota, and the Landing Craft were the three tools that won the war.”
“It's as faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat.”
