1942 Willys MB

The Willys MB and the Ford GPW, both formally called the U.S. Army Truck, 1⁄4-ton, 4×4, Command Reconnaissance, commonly known as the Willys Jeep, Jeep, or jeep, and sometimes referred to by its supply catalogue designation G503, were highly successful American off-road capable light military utility vehicles, built in large numbers to a single standardized design, for the United States and the Allied forces in World War II from 1941 until 1945.

The jeep became the primary light wheeled transport vehicle of the United States Military and its Allies in World War II, as well as the postwar period, with President Eisenhower once calling it, “one of three decisive weapons the U.S. had during WWII. It was also the world’s first mass-produced four-wheel drive car, manufactured in six-figure numbers. About 640,000 units were built, constituting a quarter of the total U.S. non-combat motor vehicles produced during the war, and almost two-thirds of the 988,000 light vehicle class produced, together with the Dodge WC series, outnumbering those by almost two to one. Large numbers of jeeps were provided to the U.S.’ allies – aside from large amounts of 1½- and 2½-ton trucks — more than Nazi Germany’s total war production of their jeep counterparts, the Volkswagens Kübelwagen and Schwimmwagen, combined.

This 1942 Willys MB was acquired and subsequently refurbished and repowered with a 2.4-liter Toyota 3C turbodiesel inline-four mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case. Finished in matte green over green cloth, the Jeep is equipped with auxiliary lights, a fold-down windshield, side-mounted digging tools, 16″ wheels, a rear-mounted Jerry can and spare wheel and tire, and a trailer hitch.

The cab includes dual front seats trimmed in green cloth together with a matching rear bench and black diamond-tufted vinyl floor coverings. The logo “USA Willys” is stenciled on the seat covers, and military-style medals are fastened to the cowl. Amenities include a tufted center stack with a Blaupunkt CD stereo and dual cup holders.

It’s the stuff of legend; the U.S. Army requested a vehicle—and drove off in a hero. The Willys MB, its spirit forged by the fire of combat and honed in the heat of battle, seared its way into the hearts of warriors fighting for freedom. Fierce emotional bonds often developed between a soldier and his “jeep” 4×4. The faithful MB earned a place in every GI’s heart, in every area of combat, in every conceivable role.