One of World War II's most iconic historic vehicles is the Truck ¼ ton 4×4, better known by its nickname ‘Jeep’. This little vehicle was and is so common its origins and details are largely ignored except by the many thousands of collectors who collect and own one.
In 1940, the US Army requested industry to provide a small general-purpose four-wheel drive vehicle. Several trials and offers proceeded but by late 1941 the design of the Truck ¼ ton 4×4 was standardised. The outcome is often referred to as having been designed by committee as it comprised of a Willys L134 “Go-Devil” engine, Spicer four-wheel drive and Ford bodywork.
The power of the U.S. industry can be seen in the numbers produced up to the end of the war in Europe in early May 1945. Willys starting in November 1941, produced about 336,000 of their Willys MB. Ford starting in February 1942 produced approximately 260,000 of their Ford GPW.
A special thanks to the Heritage Fund and Arms and Armour Trust for their generous support in producing this video. And to the National Archive and The Henry Ford Trust for support with archive videos and photos.
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We are a charitable organisation set up to preserve, restore and maintain historic military vehicles from both world wars, and to educate the public about their history. Our unique line-up of rare and important military vehicles, including tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, is considered one of the world's finest working collections.
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