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 |
|
1944
|
The US Army contracts Willys to develop a long-wheelbase version of the MB. Willys responds by developing the MLW-1 and MLW-2 prototypes.
|
|
1944
|
The CJ-1 is developed. This is the first prototype of the CJ line. No CJ-1s are known to still be in existence.
|
|
1944
|
The CJ-2 is developed. 45 examples of this model are built. Nine of these vehicles are known to still be in existence.
|
|
1942
|
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.
|
|
1941
|
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.
|
|
1940
|
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.
|
|
1936
|
Coming out of bankruptcy following the Great Depression, the company is reorganized as Willys-Overland Motors, Inc.
|
|
1935
|
John North Willys, the father of the company that will later become known as Jeep, passes away.
|
|
1932
|
Production of the Willys-Knight automobiles end.
|
|
1926
|
The Willys Whippet debuts. Featuring a 100" wheelbase, it is the smallest car then made in America.
|
|
1914
|
Willys continues increasing production and becomes the number two automaker in America, second only to Ford.
|
|
1913
|
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.
|
|
1912
|
Overland Automotive is renamed Willys-Overland Motor Company.
|
|
1909
|
Overland Automotive is moved to Toledo, OH.
|
|
1908
|
John North Willys, an Overland dealer in Elmira, NY travels to Indianapolis and buys the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company.
|
|
1903
|
The Standard Wheel Company expands bicycle operations to include Overland Automotive.
|
|
1903
|
The Overland "Runabout" is introduced.
|