1940 - Bantam BRC (Prototype)

The 40BRC was developed from the Bantam Blitz Buggy. It was equipped with the Continental BY 4112, 4 cylinder, T-head engine that produced 45hp at 3500rpm. With a gross weight of 2600 pounds, its performance suffered in comparison to the Willys MA. A few four wheel steering units were produced (about 30 to 50). Because it was judged unable to maintain production quotas, Bantam never made another jeep, but was contracted to produce the MBT quarter ton trailer until the end of the war.

1941 - Willys MA

This is the vehicle that won the bidding competition for production of the quarter ton truck. Its most distinctive feature is the Willys name prominently displayed at the forefront of the vehicle along with the grill design. It won the competition because WillyÕs bid was lower than both Bantam and Ford. The vehicle was equipped with the more powerful 60hp ÒGo DevilÓ 4 cylinder L-head engine. After incorporating a series of improvements, the Model MB was introduced and became the standard for all subsequent WWII production.

1941 - Ford GP Four-Wheel Steer (Prototype)

The Ford GP was the next generation from FordÕs pilot vehicle, the Pigmy (Nov. 23, 1940). This vehicle was equipped with an upscale version of the Ford 9N farm tractor engine and Model A transmission. The engine horsepower was raised to 45hp at 3600rpm and was fitted with a downcraft carburetor and mechanical fuel pump. Various innovations were added, like placing the headlamps under the hood where they would not be damaged by brush, or easily seen by enemy forces in the air. Ford went on to produce jeeps under the Willys design which were designed the Ford GPW.

1941 - Willy's MB (Slatgrill)

This Willys model MB became the standard jeep, and the early slatgrill version was built from November 1941 to May 1942. It was a major refinement of the Willys MA and was most recognized by its iron bar grill and lack of glove box on the instrument panel, along with the Willys script stamp on the rear panel. Most slatgrill jeeps were equipped with the solid disc proto-type wheels found on the MA, GP and BRC40. Very early units had a shorter windshield. After Ford Motor Company joined Willys in making jeeps, the iron bar grill design was dropped in favor of the pressed steel grill.

1942 - Ford GPW Script

For all intent and purposes, the Ford Jeep was for all the world a duplicate of the Willys MB and never changed its design. The early Ford shown here had Script on the rear panel as did Willys. The addition of a gas can to the reverse covered the spot of the Ford or Willys Script so it was removed. Ford developed the stamped grill and Willys used the same supplier as Ford. Thus they were exactly alike, so was the body or tub.

1943 - Ford GPA (Amphibious)

The GPA is a seaworthy amphibious vehicle built around the Ford GPW jeep chassis. It incorporates the same engine and drivetrain as the Ford GPW jeep. It has a bilge pump and propeller that is operated by the PTO, and the rudder is cable controlled from the steering column. The unit is also equipped with the Braden capstan winch. It has a wheelbase of 84 inches, as compared to 80 inches on the standard jeep, and a weight of 3660 pounds. Being 1200 pounds heavier than a standard jeep, it suffered from a substantial lack in performance. ThisjeephasbeenrestoredbyLÕCarsofCameron,Wisconsin,aconcoursqualityrestorer. Thisisagrounduprestoration and is the finest GPA restoration in North America, as every mechanical device has been restored, all interior bracing has been replaced as new, and the entire skin is new. The restoration was completed in March 2008.

1942- Willys MB Stamped Grill

The Willys MB was the unit built the same time as the Ford GPW. These vehicles were so much alike that it was hard to tell them apart. Toolbox locks were on the top in the case of the Willys, on the side in the case of Ford. The front cross of the frame was round in the case of Willys, hat shaped on Fords.

1942 - Ford GPW

The second or later model of the Ford GPW lacked the embossed logo of Ford on the rear panel. Parts from the Willys MB were interchangeable. Today, many jeeps contain parts from both Willys and Ford. This was Mr. KrauseÕs first jeep, delivered to him in Nashville, Tennessee during his unitÕs (565th AAA) reunion in 1988 from Los Angeles. All parts of this jeep carry the ÒFÓ of Ford, even the bolt heads.

M8251

Much like the M825, each mounted with a 106mm recoilless rifle as opposed to the 105 rifle as on the M38A1C1. They all use the same ammunition. The jeep pictured here is actually an M151A2 with the proper 106mm gun mounted on it. It is doubtful that a complete M825 or an M825A1 exists, but pictured here is very close to the real thing.

1940 - VC1 Command Car

From 1939 through the 1950Õs, Dodge was the major supplier of 1Ú2 and 3Ú4 ton Army pickup trucks of various models. The first was a VC3. In effect a 1939 Dodge 1Ú2 ton pickup with a few added features, such as a brush guard, pintle hook, military front and rear bumper and hooks, a side mount spare tire, and a coat of olive drab paint. Today, a few have an original T202 engine, rather than replaced by later engines that which fit perfectly. Thus, to own a VC Dodge of any type with a T202 engine is indeed unusual.

1940 - VC1 Command Car

From 1939 through the 1950Õs, Dodge was the major supplier of 1Ú2 and 3Ú4 ton Army pickup trucks of various models. The first was a VC3. In effect a 1939 Dodge 1Ú2 ton pickup with a few added features, such as a brush guard, pintle hook, military front and rear bumper and hooks, a side mount spare tire, and a coat of olive drab paint. Today, a few have an original T202 engine, rather than replaced by later engines that which fit perfectly. Thus, to own a VC Dodge of any type with a T202 engine is indeed unusual.

1940 - VC5 Open Cab Weapons Carrier

VC5 was for all the world built like the VC3, except for an open cab design with a fold down windshield. The open cab was designed so that a 50 caliber machine gun could be mounted on a pedestal in the box. It was intended as an anti aircraft gun, but sorely lacked space for ammunition handlers or when the driver was in his seat (the driverÕs eardrum would have been 24 inches from the machine gun barrel). It did have 4 wheel drive and was a better vehicle for a solider to use in practice than a civilian pickup. Of course in 1940 most machine guns were made to operate on a ground tripod and water cooled. This may have been the first mobile machine gun mount. They could of course be fitted with a canvas over the box and a canvas roof over the driver.

1940 - VC3 Weapons Carrier

The VC3 is a bare bones 1939 Dodge truck with a brush guard, pintle hook, rear bumperettes, a straight front bumper along with two slip hooks, and olive, drab paint. To this has been added a canvas top over the pickup box. This was accomplished with a front, center and rear bow. Hooks were attached to the box so that ropes attached to the canvas (tarpaulin) could be tied

1940 - VC6

Sources state that between 12 to 24 VC6Õs were produced. Whatever the number, the VC6 pictured here remains the sole survivor. Dodge likely never intended a large sale of this body style to the civilian market, so the ones they had were merely painted olive drab and sent to the Army, as they were woefully short of vehicles in 1940. Thus this is truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

1939 - Ford Marmon - Herrington

While the name of this vehicle might seem a bit odd, the fact remains that Marmon-Herrington has built all of FordÕs 4x4 and 4x6 as well as tandem drives from day one. Today, they have plants side by side and build all of FordÕs 4 wheel and tandem drives. Prior to WWII, all Army Reserve and National Guard units bought their own vehicles. This was one that was bought by the New York National Guard. Because of Marmon-HerringtonÕs experience, it was a far superior unit to its counterpart, the Dodge VC5. The Ford pickup had its hard cab removed and bucket seats made to replace the bench seat. It also sported a brush grill, and the front bumper was placed by a channel iron. The rear bumper was removed and a pintle hook bolted to the frame. A new straight across bumper replaced the original.

M274 Mule

So named because of its capabilities to haul heavy loads of material over rough terrain. Built for and used in Vietnam, where few roads existed and those that did were full of bomb craters. The mule had four wheel steering and four wheel drive. It had a unique feature in that the driver, while the mule was being driven, was able to unlock the steering wheel from a fixed position and move it so that he could walk behind or in front of whatever the case called for. Often there was no room for him to sit. If being fired upon, he could crouch behind the load and use it for protection. It was the prime mover for the 106mm recoiless rifle as well as being used as a beast of burden. It used a universal 14 H.P. air cooled engine, usually with a rope start, although later models did have a starter. It was manufactured by six different companies. All parts were interchangeable. Rated a 1/2 ton as it could haul more than 1/4 ton jeep. It has a high to low range and a three speed transmission with a top speed of 25 miles per hour. Used by the Army and Marine Corps.

M416B1 Mighty Might Trailer

M416 Vietnam Era Trailer

Bantam Trailer (WWII)

1950 - Willys CJV35U

While but 1000 of these hybrid CJ3A and an MA were built, it was the first purchase by the military since the WWII versions, and was purchased by the Marine Corps. They were for a twofold purpose Ð fording rivers or shallow bodies of water and as communication vehicles. The ÒUÓ stood for underwater. Serial numbers started with 1001 and ended with 11000. Its electrical system is 6 volt, unusual for a radio vehicle. The radios had their own 12 volt system run from an auxiliary generator between the two seat and the two 6 volt batteries, one behind each seat. There are probably a dozen or so of these in existence. This is the best of those known.

1950 - Willys M38

In 1950 the Army ordered an improved military jeep based on the civilian jeep model CJ3A. It replaced the WWII Ford GPW and Willys MB. This vehicle was equipped with the 24 volt waterproof electrical system and could be fitted with deep water fording equipment. It is fitted with a tailgate, an unusual feature on a jeep. Other differences from previous models include a square tube windshield with a single pane of glass, pioneer tools mounted on the curb side of the vehicle and larger 7 x 16 inch wheels.

1954 - Willys M38A1

The M38A1 is a radical design departure from the flat fender predecessor. It was equipped with the 4 cylinder F-head engine (overhead valves) rated at 73hp. The 24 volt waterproof electrical system as well as 7:00 x 16 inch wheels came standard, and the unit could be fitted with deep water fording equipment. There were two variants of the jeep, the M170 Front-line Ambulance and the M38A1C with the 105mm recoilless rifle. The M38A1 unit was produced from 1952-1957 (US) and from 1958-1971 (Export). This incorporated all the best features Willys has designed in both military and civilian jeeps thus far. It was far superior to the MG/ GPW and the M38. The front fender had a distinct curved front versus the normal straight fender.

1954 - Willys M170

A variant of the M38A1, the M170 has a lengthened body and 101 inch wheel base. It required a two person crew, a driver and a medical attendant. This vehicle transports either six ambulatory (sitting) patients or three litter patients. The body design was used later as a basis for the civilian jeep CJ6 model. It was the ArmyÕs first departure from the square box type ambulance body on the 1Ú2 and 3Ú4 ton Dodge trucks. It allows the ambulance to travel much closer to pick up casualties. The 17 inch extended chassis was used to produce the new frontline ambulance. The Dodge 1Ú2 and 3Ú4 ton had always been used as the military ambulance. Apparently, the powers that be finally figured out a jeep would be much more versatile near the frontline than the big, bulky and wide 3Ú4 ton Dodge.

1960 - AMC M422

Built by Mid American Research Corp., the original Mighty Mite had a 52hp air cooled engine drive on a 1496 lb vehicle. It could carry a 500 lb pay load. It was but 96 inches long and 45 inches high with the windshield folded onto the hood. It had a 64-1/2 inch wheelbase (as opposed to 80Ó on regular jeeps). Early models were all wheel drive. It was indeed a very rough riding vehicle because of its short wheel base and the springs designed to carry 500 lbs. (two men). Each wheel was separately suspended with the universal joint at the differential. Built basically from aluminum. It was rejected by the Army, but the Marine Corps did accept it.

1960 - AMC 422E1 (Prototype)

It must have been apparent after it was built that the M-422 was too short to mount radios and still have room for operators to ride in the back of the Mighty Mite. This M422 has been field lengthened by six inches to the exact measurement of the M422A1. A new side panel was produced to cover the side of the jeep just above the rear wheel fender where screws were used to attach the sheet metal. A six inch plate was welded flat to the surface on top of the wheel well. The floor was also covered with a six inch strip of aluminum diamond plate. The frame, being steel, was easily lengthened to six inches. While the jeep needs repairing, it is in amazingly great shape. New seat covers were added during restoration. This would have been the only one made, or it could have several like it for Marine Corp. testing. It was left as it was found and could use a new paint job. This is one of six produced in a field modification.