Willys MB and Ford GPW: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Hail to the Jeep - A Factual and Pictorial History of the WW2 Jeep

Re-issue of a rare book on the Jeep in WW2 by A. Wade Wells, telling the story of the gallant four-wheeled vehicle that meant so much to everyone in war & peace.
Describes the concept and production of the Jeep and depicts it in many combat areas before concluding with a look at its peacetime possibilities.

Product details

Author:	A. Wade Wells
Details:	120 pages, 9.1 x 8.25 x 0.28 in (23 x 21 x 0.7 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	180 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Harper & Brothers (USA, 2006)
ISBN:	9781855208001

WW2 Jeep (1941-1945) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring military Jeep models from the years 1941-1945. Describes the Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps and the 'Seep' amphibian.

The 34 period articles, brought together from leading British and American magazines, provide much information about history, variants and technology.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

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Details:	140 pages, 10.6 x 7.7 x 0.39 in (27 x 19.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	250 photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1993)
Series:	Military Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855202177

Wartime Jeeps - WW2 Jeeps - Prototypes, Production Models & Special Versions

Today, a Ford or Willys World War II Jeep is highly valued, even in poor condition, reflecting the respect of enthusiasts worldwide. This book not only tells the Jeep's story from early prototypes onward, but also shows its remarkable versatility in many forms.

Eleven prototypes and variants are covered in detail:

- Budd Pygmy
- Bantam BRC-40
- Willys MA
- Ford GP Four Wheel Steer
- Willys MB
- Long Range Desert Group Willys MB
- Ford GPW
- Amphibious Ford GPA ("Seep")
- 6X6 Willys MT-TUG
- T28 Half-Track
- SAS Willys MB

Pages of the book "Wartime Jeeps - WW2 Jeeps - Prototypes, Production Models & Special Versions"

Each model has its own section with a detailed description and a gallery of specially commissioned colour photographs with explanatory captions.

This book provides a comprehensive reference for enthusiasts, collectors, and historians, highlighting the Jeep's development, design, and enduring significance.

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Author:	Graham Scott
Details:	120 pages, 10.25 x 10.4 x 0.67 in (26 x 26.5 x 1.7 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2011)
ISBN:	9781906133375

Factory-Original Wartime Jeeps : Originality Guide covering wartime Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps

The wartime Jeep continues to captivate enthusiasts nearly eight decades after the first prototypes were built. While there was only one Jeep, there were many variations.

Jeeps were produced by both Willys and Ford, and the design evolved throughout production. Consequently, models differ in specifications, from major changes to minor details.

Pages of the book "Factory-Original Wartime Jeeps : Originality Guide covering wartime Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps"

This book uses carefully researched text and detailed colour photography of exceptional vehicles to identify and illustrate these differences. It is aimed at enthusiasts who wish to restore their Jeeps to original factory specifications and equipment.

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Author:	James Taylor
Details:	112 pages, 10 x 10 in (25.5 x 25.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	220 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2020)
Series:	Factory-Original
ISBN:	9781906133948

Willys - The Complete Illustrated History 1903-1963

Although there have been many Jeep books, this is the first complete history of the Willys-Overland passenger cars, civilian trucks (as well as civilian and military Jeeps) along with the corporation's history.
Illustrated with rare and unusual factory photos and period ads, the Willys-Overland saga begins in 1903 when the Standard Wheel Co. began making Overland cars. Soon after, auto dealer John North Willys was forced by circumstances to rescue the failing Overland company.

By 1916, Willys had become the second-bestselling car in the world. Prospering in the 1920s but then bankrupt a decade later, the firm crawled back from the edge in time to win the all-important "jeep" contract that ensured Willys would survive.
Even after Kaiser Motors bought Willys in 1953, its products were still branded Willys until 1963 when the name was phased out. The final new Willys Jeep introduced - the Wagoneer - became a legend in its own right. Also covered are the pre-war coupes modified into high-powered racers.

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Author:	Patrick R. Foster
Details:	126 pages, 0.4 x 0.4 x -0 in (1 x 1 x 0 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	many b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Iconografix (USA, 2016)
ISBN:	9781583883419

Jeeps 1941-1945 (Osprey)

The Jeep was the most famous military vehicle of World War II, and the name has become synonymous with a whole class of military and civilian all-terrain vehicles. The Jeep originated in a pre-war US Army requirement for a simple, inexpensive, and robust vehicle for basic utility chores. Its simple design proved to be adaptable to a host of military tasks including use as a scout vehicle, battlefield ambulance, communications vehicle, and staff car.

This book, covering the saviour of World War II, focuses the design and development of an infamous vehicle used on nearly every front of World War II.

Contents:
Introduction - Design and development of the Jeep - Variants and users - Weapons and tactics - Operational history - Bibliography - Color plate commentary - Index.

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Author:	Steven J. Zaloga
Details:	48 pages, 9.7 x 7.3 x 0.2 in (24.5 x 18.5 x 0.5 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	photos and drawings (in b&w and color)
Language:	English
Publisher:	Osprey Publishing (GB, 2005)
Series:	New Vanguard (117)
ISBN:	9781841768885

Bantam, Ford And Willys-1/4-Ton Reconnaissance Cars

The ¼-ton, 4x4, truck of World War Two started out in the hands of the Infantry and a little company called American Bantam Car Company. Bantam worked with the Army's Quartermaster Corps to produce the pilot model that was accepted and then fulfilled their initial contract for 70 trucks.
During testing of the pilot both Ford and Willys-Overland were invited to check out this new vehicle. The vehicles were studied in great detail. Soon, at their own expense, Ford and Willys-Overland submitted pilots for testing too.

This book covers the production prototypes - Bantam BRC-40, Ford GP and the Willys MA.

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Author:	Robert Notman
Details:	170 pages, 11 x 8.25 x 0.35 in (28 x 21 x 0.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Lulu Press, Inc. (USA, 2006)
ISBN:	9781847281883

Military Jeep - Enthusiasts' Manual (1940 Onwards) - Ford, Willys and Hotchkiss

Jeeps had been built by Ford and Willys. After the end of the war another 28,000 were built in France by Hotchkiss during the 1950s.

This book, now enlarged and revised and with many new pictures, covers the story of the development of this iconic military vehicle and the myriad post-war 'lookalikes'.
It also provides insight into what is involved in finding, restorying and running a military Jeep more than 80 years since the first prototype was delivered to the US Army in July 1940.
It is a reliable guide to help enthusiasts find parts and to devide how a particular Jeep can be authentically restored. The book's author, Pat Ware, is amongst the world's foremost writers on historical military vehicles, with more than 60 titles and countless magazine articles on his credits.

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Author:	Pat Ware
Details:	216 pages, 11.4 x 8.9 x 0.63 in (29 x 22.5 x 1.6 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	200+ b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Crecy Publishing (GB, 2022)
ISBN:	9781800352551

Military Jeeps

The Jeep, originally designed as a wartime utility 4x4, became iconic. Its success in the war birthed evolved models still in production and global imitators. Jeep popularized recreational four-wheeling worldwide.

Preserving wartime Jeeps as classics began in the 1970s, leading to organizations like the MVPA. This book explores military Jeeps by Willys, Ford, Hotchkiss, and NEKAF. Featuring 220+ photos, it offers a contemporary perspective on military Jeep preservation.

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Author:	John Carroll
Details:	96 pages, 9.7 x 6.7 x 0.47 in (24.5 x 17 x 1.2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	220+ b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Key Publishing Ltd (GB, 2023)
ISBN:	9781802821307

The Complete Book of AMC Cars - American Motors Corporation 1954-1988

This illustrated book provides a detailed history of American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1954 to 1988. It covers every production model released by AMC, including the Rambler, Metropolitan, Ambassador, Rebel, Marlin, Gremlin, Hornet, Matador, AMX/Javelin, Pacer, Eagle, and Jeep.

Formed through the merger of Hudson and Nash, AMC was the last major independent American car manufacturer. Under CEO George Romney, AMC gained success with compact, fuel-efficient cars like the Rambler. However, as consumer demand shifted to larger and more powerful vehicles in the 1960s, AMC faced growing competition from Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors.

During the 1970s fuel crisis, AMC's smaller cars regained popularity. The acquisition of Jeep also helped improve the company's financial position. Despite a later partnership with Renault and the introduction of the all-wheel-drive Eagle, AMC could not remain competitive.
In 1987, Chrysler acquired AMC, ending the company's independent operations. The book also includes coverage of AMC's motorsport activities.

This volume offers a comprehensive look at AMC's efforts to compete in a challenging market and is a valuable resource for those interested in automotive history.

Product details

Author:	Patrick Foster, Tom Glatch
Details:	240 pages, 11.4 x 9.7 x 0.98 in (29 x 24.5 x 2.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Motorbooks International (USA, 2024)
ISBN:	9780760387016

The Jeep - Second World War (Land Craft)

This first volume in Pen & Sword's LandCraft series explores the design, development, and production of the Jeep. Lance Cole details its role in Allied military operations during World War II.
Historical photographs from European and Pacific campaigns illustrate the Jeep's versatility and the wide range of equipment it carried.

Ideal for model builders, the book includes information on available model kits and features specially created color profiles showing how different units and armies used and customized their Jeeps.

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Author:	Lance Cole
Details:	64 pages, 11.8 x 8.25 x 0.12 in (30 x 21 x 0.3 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2019)
Series:	Land Craft (1)
ISBN:	9781526746511

The Original Jeeps - Commemorating the Birth of an Icon 1940-1941

Amidst World War II's blitzkrieg in Europe, the US Army sought to replace motorcycles and mules, birthing the iconic Jeep in 1940. In "The Original Jeeps," Paul R. Bruno celebrates the 80th anniversary of this pivotal vehicle, highlighting the creation of the first three models.

The American Bantam Car Company, aided by the Army, crafted the initial prototype in a remarkable 49 days, passing rigorous tests. Willys-Overland Motors and Ford Motor Company followed suit, refining designs for optimal battlefield performance.

Though Bantam was unaware of the competition, their collaboration with Spicer Company pioneered 4x4 technology, shaping modern vehicles. Willys and Ford, partnering with Spicer, added their innovations.

These efforts produced a versatile vehicle crucial to Allied victory - a rugged weapon carrier and agile off-road battler. The Jeep's legacy endures, a testament to its enduring utility in military and civilian realms.

Product details

Author:	Paul R. Bruno
Details:	270 pages, 10 x 8.1 x 0.63 in (25.5 x 20.5 x 1.6 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	English
Publisher:	MFM Publishing (USA, 2020)
ISBN:	9780578721750

Jeep militaires - depuis 1940 (Willys MB, Ford GPW et Hotchkiss M201)

Despite its frequent association with the American Willys-Overland company, the Jeep was actually designed by a team working for American Bantam in response to a request from the US Quartermaster Corps in 1940. Faced with the machinations of very strong political opposition, Bantam lost the market to Willys-Overland and Ford, who ended up producing around 640 000 examples of what is probably still the most recognizable vehicle in the world, while Hotchkiss produced in France, well after the war, another 28 000 Jeeps.

During World War II, the Jeep accompanied all the Allied armies on all fronts and the military on both sides recognized its qualities as a reliable and versatile vehicle.
After the end of the war, thousands of Jeeps were allocated to the armies of the recently liberated European countries. Others were "civilized", but little by little these vehicles began to pass into the hands of collectors.

Pages of the book "Jeep militaires - depuis 1940 (Willys MB, Ford GPW et Hotchkiss M201)"

Covering the history of the development and evolution of this iconic military vehicle (Willys MB, Ford GPW and Hotchkiss M201), this book is an in-depth examination of everything needed to discover, purchase, restore and operate a military Jeep, seventy years after the first prototype was delivered to the US Army in July 1940.

French edition of Haynes' book "Military Jeep Enthusiasts' manual".

Product details

Author:	Pat Ware
Details:	160 pages, 10.6 x 8.25 in (27 x 21 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2019)
ISBN:	9791028303969

La Jeep dans l'Armée française (Tome 1) : 1943-1954

Jeeps served for sixty years in the French army, participating in three major conflicts and numerous external operations. These "funny little cars" seduced the French from their arrival in Algeria in 1942, with their maneuverability, their robustness and their ability to overcome the worst obstacles.
With these wonderful cars, the French Expeditionary Force left for Italy, then France and Germany, where jeeps were omnipresent, sometimes limited by the harsh climate of the Vosges and the Alsace plain, but always ready to pounce as soon as the weather was milder.

After the peace in Europe, jeeps remained with the troops in occupation in Germany, accompanying those repatriated to North Africa or sent to Indochina. During the 9 years of the Indochinese conflict, their use was often limited to connections and convoy escorts facing an aggressive enemy and difficult terrain.
Overseas, where roads were rare and climatic conditions difficult, jeeps regained their importance thanks to their ability to overcome obstacles and their lightness, allowing them to go where a truck or an armored car could not.

This first volume describes the Jeep in the French Army in the years 1943-1954.

Product details

Author:	Paul Gaujac
Details:	144 pages, 1 x 0.8 in (2.5 x 2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	Histoire & Collections (F, 2023)
ISBN:	9791038013766