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 example, properly known as a Willys Model MB 1/4 Ton 4x4 Government Truck, dates from 1944. Apparently serving its war time years on a Norfolk air base, it was fully restored in 1998 which included everything from a complete rewire to the fitting of a new body.
Finished in the correct Matt Camouflage Green, it comes with every conceivable accessory including: canvas hood and sidescreens; folding windscreen; air raid siren (very loud!); blackout lights; combat split rim wheels; wireless aerial; rear seat; spare wheel; tow rope; Jerry can; axe and shovel. In superb condition throughout and ready for immediate use, kids of all ages will love it, charging across the fields with the screen down and bugs between their teeth!
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