1942 Willys Jeep

A genuine early Willys Jeep and not a post-war import

1942 Willys early pressed rear panel

Sympathetic nut and bolt rebuild in 2011 by well known Land Rover specialist and historian

Over £8,000 spent on parts alone, not including labour

Well sorted and ready to go.Original registration number

Although forever associated with Willys-Overland, the original Jeep military vehicle was developed by American Bantam, formerly American Austin. Designed to meet the US Army's requirement for a rugged, go-anywhere, four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of surviving on the barest minimum of unskilled maintenance, Bantam's prototype was up and running by 1940, meeting the Army's requirements apart from the engine, which was deemed insufficiently powerful. The Pentagon though, doubted Bantam's ability to meet the military's post-Pearl Harbour demands so the major contracts went to Willys and the Ford Motor Company, which would be responsible for the Jeep's trademark slotted radiator grille. Willys made various modifications to take advantage of a revised maximum weight requirement, which meant it was able to use its relatively heavy but adequately powerful 'Go Devil' engine. It was in this revised form that the Jeep would enter volume production. Willys-Overland's final production version was the Model MB, Ford's being designated the Model GPW. Produced by the million, the ubiquitous Jeep saw service in every theatre of WW2 and continued in military service with armies worldwide for several decades thereafter. Today the Jeep remains highly sought after by discerning military vehicle enthusiasts.

This example is a June 1942, Willys M.B with an early pressed rear panel, no blackout lamp and no Jerry can. It's ex-British Army, was released in1958, and comes from long-term ownership.

In 2011, it was subject to a sympathetic rebuild with body parts renewed but still retains the original bulkhead and wheel arches. Many new parts including, rebuilt engine and ancillaries, new gearbox, loom, allied Canvas set, Firestones tyres, 12V alternator conversion, brakes and bearings replaced, wire loom, fuel system and much more. The driver's seat has been modified to suit a larger build driver!

Comments from our vendor;

“It had £8,000.00 spent on parts alone, not including labour. Purchased in March 2011 and rebuild carried out then. This is an early pattern 1942 and still has all the correct parts and look. Jerry cans, rifle brackets, tow plug, and blackout lamps were not fitted at this stage. The blue markings are correct for the age and would have been changed to white when in active service. The British Army rebuild plate is on the Chassis by LHF Spring which would have been fitted in the 1950s. The vehicle was registered in Taunton and lived between Devon and London after release. The 2nd keeper was related and purchased it in 1970 and owned it until Philip Bashall purchased it in 2011. Apart from a flat battery hence the alternator conversion it has never let me down, though when it was used it was 800 miles at a time in Europe. It attended the 70th anniversary of Jeep in London and a parade with around 100 plus others. It has been on two trips to Normandy and a couple of local shows in 4 years.”

This is a well sorted, reliable, ready to go Jeep with its original registration number and is not a post-war import. If you are an enthusiast, it's well worth a closer look.