1945 Willys Jeep Radio Car

In 1940, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps released a tender for ‘a general purpose personnel or cargo carrier’. The first respondent was perhaps the most unlikely manufacturer, the American Bantam Car Company, which had begun as a licensed builder of the Austin Seven. Eventually, Willys-Overland received the largest of the military contracts for this ¼-ton 4x4, which soon became beloved of American GIs for its versatility and reliability. Featuring a 60 bhp, 2.2-litre four-cylinder side valve engine, mated to a three-speed manual gearbox with two-speed transfer case, live front and rear axles with semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The Willys MB model offered here was built after the Willys model’s change to a stamped vertical-slot steel grille later in 1942. It was acquired by the previous owner from a fellow European enthusiast who had acquired it from the military, and it was subsequently restored to very authentic 1942 United States Military specifications. Among the accessories are a first aid kit, a bumper-mounted emergency siren, a hand-operated klaxon horn, a military radio and communication set, as well as a petrol can and rear-mounted spare. A full canvas tilt is fitted along with doors. The olive drab livery is correctly decorated with the appropriate stars and insignias.

Purchased at auction by our vendor in 2016 the Jeep has been in his private collection since. Kept in very good order, the Jeep is an interesting and highly detailed military Jeep, a great addition to any collection of military or World War II memorabilia – Goodwood Revival is just around the corner!