Jeep

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New and used Jeep Information:

Early History of the Jeep: In 1939 the US military wanted to create a new automobile to replace many of its’ other vehicles (such as the Ford Model-T and the motorcycle). They invited 135 different car companies to compete for the contract to build the new vehicle. The companies had to meet various specifications handed down by the military (such as a wheelbase under 75 inches, a capacity of 600lbs, 4 Wheel drive). This meant that only 3 out of the 135 invited would take up the challenge: Bantam, Willy-Overland and Ford.

The Bantam company enlisted the help of a man called Karl Probst and in 1940 they produced the first prototype for the military called the ‘Bantam Blitzbuggy’ (the forerunner for the 'Jeep' name) . The other two companies submitted prototypes but ultimately were copies of the Bantam model. However the military used Willy-Overland who eventually won the new contract due to its more powerful engine.

Due to the demand for such vehicles, the Ford company were also given a contract for the Jeep. They called their model the GP and many believe this is where the term ‘Jeep’ originated.