1944 Willys Jeep

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 WWII, and continued in military service with armies worldwide for several decades thereafter. Today, the Jeep remains highly sought after by discerning military vehicle enthusiasts.

First registered in the UK in 1977, this splendid 1944 Willys is on offer from TLO Film Services, suppliers of action vehicles to the film and television industry since 1962. It was purchased by them from reputable Jeep specialists, Dallas Auto Parts near Newbury, in January 1996 and we understand has three former registered keepers. With a large number of unusual vehicles to look after, they have their own team of engineers/mechanics and have access to a number of marque specialists. ESU 623 was subject to a full rebuild of its original engine in late February 2023 by World War 2 Jeeps at a cost of £4,970 and will be fully serviced prior to the auction.

According to TLO's records, this particular vehicle has appeared in numerous productions including Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Pennyworth, and others. Jeeps of all designations are an integral part of the British Summer, whizzing around from county shows to military parades to classic car days at the local pub, and are always appreciated and regarded as rather 'cool', however this well-presented Willys with remarkable movie provenance is fairly well up there on the 'street credibility' scale.

Sensibly guided given its provenance, come along to the NEC, jump in and see how it feels.