Willys Jeep MB

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The Jeep – in its Willys MB or almost identical Ford GPW guise - is a rare example of rival car manufacturers and central government working together successfully. The US Army had started to look at the viability of a ¼ ton four-wheel drive utility truck in the late ‘30s but the need for such a vehicle became more urgent when the rest of the world went to war in 1939.

The Army gave US manufacturers a whole 11 days to come up with a design for a new utility vehicle.  A minnow amongst manufacturers, the American Bantam Car Company came up with a design in the time available and produced a prototype two months later.  After some to-ing and fro-ing, the design was improved and handed over to Willys and Ford as American Bantam did not have the production capacity required.  Within six months the Jeep was in production and over the next four years nearly 650,000 Jeeps were produced. The rest is history.

We understand that this 1945 Willys Jeep was imported from the Philippines in February 2016.  Whilst in the Philippines, a 2.2 Litre Toyota Engine was fitted, which we would expect will take away some of the uncertainty of running a vehicle with a 73 year old engine.  However, the spares situation for Jeeps is good and if the new owner rates originality over practicality an original engine should be easy to procure.

To compliment the engine replacement servo assisted brakes were fitted with new cylinders and brake linings, plus new wheel bearings. Upon import to the UK new Bar Grip Tyres were fitted plus a new hood, fuel tank and steering box.

Driving exactly as you would expect a WW2 Jeep to drive on the day we took the photographs it was highly amusing in a Kelly’s Heroes style, and will no doubt give the new owner endless amusement!

It’s ready to go and most importantly; there is on file a letter to the DVLA from the Military Vehicle Trust confirming the opinion that this Jeep has a World War II pedigree.