Armed Forces Jeeps Thru The Years
The first "Jeep" used by the Regiment was produced in 1940, and they started with 70 of them. These were made by the North American Bantam Vehicle Company of Butler, Pennsylvania. That very same year, Willys built 2 quads for the Division in a challenge. Ford also attempted to get into the game with the Pygmy, although it was a particularly giant car, and both the Ford and the Bantam fell to the power of the Willys power. After 1941, Bantam was no longer being ordered by the army, and all that stayed was Willys, and Ford. In mid-1945, the term "jeep" came to be, to describe the army vehicles.
Jeeps were used in each branch of the army, and had numerous purposes. Each infantry regiment were issued about 145. Some of the many uses for the Jeep included being used as firefighting pump carriers, wire laying, tractors, and carrying the hurt, solely to name a couple. It was truly a multi purpose vehicle, and it became around easily and quickly.
When the Division figured that the Bantam company was not sufficiently large to make all of its required automobiles, it gave the plan to both Ford and Willy with instructions to make little changes of their own. All of them looked similar in style, and 1500 of them were chosen for field testing. While heavy, the Willys engine was quite powerful for its time, and that was a massive reason why they won that contract.
In World War Two, America provided to Great Britain and the Soviet Red Armed forces roughly 30% of their Jeep production. And amusingly, in Korea, troops came up with a JEEP acronym, Just Enough Essential Parts, as their jeeps were very basic. After the war, Jeeps became available in surplus sales. And in parts of the Earth where America had been, some Jeeps were left behind, and then used in various ways, such as being used as taxis in the Philippines. And for the army, in recent years it saw the Jeep slowly replaced by such vehicles as the Humvee.
The Jeep has had many nicknames. And has gone through diverse owners. From 1944-1953, Jeep proprietorship belonged to Willys-Overland. From 1953-1964, it was Kaiser-Jeep, better known as Willys Motors. From 1964-1970, it was known as Kaiser-Jeep. From 1970-1987, the product belonged to AMC/Renault. And ultimately, possession of the name fell into the hands of Chrysler in 1987. In 1998, Daimler Chrysler combined, but up to this day, Jeep is still the registered trademark of Chrysler.
Jeep history has a storied and proud army history. Through out the years, the Jeep has served lifesaving functions, has had practical applications, and has represented America in numerous proud ways. There are photos that show Jeep has performed a part in making history, and helping the world become a better place for all humankind. Its utilitarian functions made it what it was. And its style and utility keep it what it is. Jeep holds a place in military history, and it is a place it earned and merits.
Mr. Harris owns and operates Army Jeeps for Sale, where he has great articles on all things Jeep.
