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.

Product details

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

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.

Product details

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

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.

Product details

Author:	Graham Scott
Details:	120 pages, 26 x 26.5 x 1.7 cm / 10.25 x 10.4 x 0.67 in, hardback
Illustrations:	200 colour photos
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 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.

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	112 pages, 25.5 x 25.5 cm / 10 x 10 in, hardback
Illustrations:	220 colour photos
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.

Product details

Author:	Patrick R. Foster
Details:	126 pages, 1 x 1 x 0 cm / 0.4 x 0.4 x 0 in, paperback
Illustrations:	numerous b&w photos
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.

Product details

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

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, 25.5 x 20.5 x 1.6 cm / 10 x 8.1 x 0.63 in, paperback
Illustrations:	profusely illustrated
Publisher:	MFM Publishing (USA, 2020)
ISBN:	9780578721750

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

NEW

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, 29 x 24.5 x 2.5 cm / 11.4 x 9.7 x 0.98 in, hardback
Illustrations:	profusely illustrated
Publisher:	Motorbooks International (USA, 2024)
ISBN:	9780760387016