Willys MB Jeep

Hailed as the vehicle which won the Second World War, the Jeep was developed by Willys-Overland, Bantam and Ford, with production shared by Ford and Willys. The vehicles from both manufacturers were almost identical, the Willys designed 2.2 litre Go-Devil engine used in all models. The inspiration for Maurice Wilkes' later Land Rover, the Jeep was the first truly practical four-wheel drive vehicle, and was equipped with a three-speed synchromesh gearbox and two speed transfer box. Hydraulic brakes were standard, and a top speed of 65mph was on tap.

Production of the standard Jeep was 630,245 from late 1941 to the end of the war, split almost half-and-half between Ford and Willys, with the latter in the slight majority. Hugely popular with all ranks from Montgomery and Eisenhower down, the Jeep was treated like a go-anywhere sports car, with bucket seats, fold-flat windscreen, taut suspension and agile road-holding. The design looked right, and was right, and the Jeep has always had its admirers. Wartime examples are now highly collectible and an industry has mushroomed to supply any part required to restore and run them. Considering how many were made, it is amazing how few of them now survive.

This particular Willys MB is a genuine wartime vehicle that was manufactured in 1942. It has recently undergone a total nut-and-bolt rebuild and is claimed by the vendor to be “as good an example as you could ever hope to find”. Restoration work included: a new engine and radiator; rebuilt transmission with all new parts; rebuilt axles; all new braking system including fitment of a servo and silicone brake fluid; new tyres; new body painted in two pack paint; new canvas seats and summer top; new 12-volt electric system. As a concession to modern road conditions, halogen headlamps have been fitted and indicators discreetly fitted into the blackout lights to preserve the original looks.

Once the restoration was completed the Jeep went to Normandy in France in 2009 and covered 586 trouble-free miles. The vendor sates that it is “a real pleasure to drive and very confidence inspiring on modern day roads with it’s uprated braking system”. Currently taxed and with a fresh MOT, it is ready for immediate action.