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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Coming out of bankruptcy following the Great Depression, the company is reorganized as Willys-Overland Motors, Inc.
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John North Willys, the father of the company that will later become known as Jeep, passes away.
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Production of the Willys-Knight automobiles end.
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The Willys Whippet debuts. Featuring a 100" wheelbase, it is the smallest car then made in America.
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Willys continues increasing production and becomes the number two automaker in America, second only to Ford.
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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.
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Overland Automotive is renamed Willys-Overland Motor Company.
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Overland Automotive is moved to Toledo, OH.
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John North Willys, an Overland dealer in Elmira, NY travels to Indianapolis and buys the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company.
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The Standard Wheel Company expands bicycle operations to include Overland Automotive.
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The Overland "Runabout" is introduced.
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