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History Of The Jeep Brand

The Jeep brand has a long and storied lineage. The history started decades before World War II and the brand has seen a multitude of owners. In the section below, you will find some notable milestones of the brand's existence.

Year Event
The CJ-2 is developed. 45 examples of this model are built. Nine of these vehicles are known to still be in existence.
Willys begins production of the world-renowned Willys MB. 335,531 units are produced. "Jeep" becomes a household name with the news of this amazing vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything. These are the most desired Jeep vehicle for restoration.
Willys improves upon the Quad with the debut of the Willys MA. 1,553 units are produced. Of these, approximately 30 are known to still be in existence.
Two of the five Willys Quad prototype vehicles are delivered to the US Army. Powered by the 60hp "Go-Devil" engine, this vehicle has more power than the competing entries from Bantam Car Company and Ford.
Coming out of bankruptcy following the Great Depression, the company is reorganized as Willys-Overland Motors, Inc.
John North Willys, the father of the company that will later become known as Jeep, passes away.
Production of the Willys-Knight automobiles end.
The Willys Whippet debuts. Featuring a 100" wheelbase, it is the smallest car then made in America.
Willys continues increasing production and becomes the number two automaker in America, second only to Ford.
John North Willys purchases Edwards Motor Company of New York City, obtaining a license to develop Knight sleeve-valve engines. Production of the Willys-Knight automobiles begins.
Overland Automotive is renamed Willys-Overland Motor Company.
Overland Automotive is moved to Toledo, OH.
John North Willys, an Overland dealer in Elmira, NY travels to Indianapolis and buys the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company.
The Standard Wheel Company expands bicycle operations to include Overland Automotive.
The Overland "Runabout" is introduced.