Willys MB and Ford GPW: Books - History (1/2)

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.

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

The wartime Jeep continues to fascinate enthusiasts around the world, nearly eight decades after the first prototypes were built. Yet while it is true that there was only ever one Jeep, it is emphatically not the case that there was only one variety of Jeep.
Not only were Jeeps built by both Willys and Ford, but the supposedly standardised design continued to evolve during production. As a result, there are multiple differences of specification - some major, some tiny - among the models.

Through the painstakingly researched text, and through detailed colour photography of outstanding examples of the cars, this book attempts to identify and illustrate those differences for the benefit of enthusiasts who would like to return their Jeeps to factory-original specification and equipment in every respect.

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.

WW2 Jeep (1941-1945) - Brooklands Portfolio

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

The 34 articles, taken from contemporary British and American magazines, provide much information about history, variants and technology.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

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

Today a Ford or Willys World War II Jeep is a valuable vehicle even in poor condition, which is proof of the regard in which they are held by so many enthusiasts. The aim of this book is not just to tell the Jeep's story, from prototypes onward, but also to demonstrate its extraordinary versatility in different shapes and forms.

Eleven prototypes and variants are individually studied here:
- 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 or "Seep"
- 6X6 Willys MT-TUG
- T28 Half-Track
- SAS Willys MB.

Each model gets its own section in this book, providing a detailed description followed by a gallery of specially commissioned colour photographs with detailed captions.

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.

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.