It is the most American of brands, one whose influence on competitors and popular culture is undeniable. Yet surprisingly, Jeep’s 75 year traverse through history has often been as rough and rugged as the terrain it always crosses.
July 18, 1940
Karl Probst, a freelance designer from Detroit, working for American Bantam Car Co., of Butler, Pa., designs an all-new reconnaissance car for the Army in 18 hours.
July 22, 1940
Willys-Overland of Toledo, Ohio, and Bantam deliver the only two bids for the Army reconnaissance car. Bantam is awarded the contract on Aug. 5.
Sept. 23, 1940
Bantam delivers its finished prototype. Probst drives it 300 miles to Camp Holabird, Md., arriving 30 minutes before deadline.
November 1940
Army contracts awarded to Willys-Overland and Ford Motor Co. to build competing models using Probst's design. Willys produces the 60-hp MA; Ford makes the 46-hp Pygmy, or GP. Full testing begins.
July 16, 1941
Willys-Overland awarded first contract for 16,000 copies of the MB, later increased to 18,600, to be delivered by Jan. 18, 1942.