1:35 Jeep Willys MB 1/4 Ton Truck
(Item #35219)

DESCRIPTION
Without a doubt the Jeep Willys MB occupies a significant
position in the whole automotive history. The origin of the Jeep
vehicle dates back to early 1941, when U.S. Forces ordered the
Willys, Ford, and Bantam companies to develop prototypes of a
small sized multi-purpose 4-wheel drive vehicle. During the early
stage of WW2, Germany had achieved outstanding successes by
using motorized troops with their "Blitzkrieg" tactics. It became
a pressing need for allied nations to possess tough and reliable
vehicles with excellent cross-country ability. In November 1941,
the Army, with alterations on the front grille and hood to the
Ford design, chose the Willy's vehicle as the basis for the mass
production model. This marked the birth of the Willys MB (Model
B) that provided unmatched ability to transport Allied troops
during the conflict. The early Willys MB had a welded, slat type
front grille. Due to the necessity of increasing production, the
Army ordered Ford to join the mass production using the Willys
MB's blueprints. It was designated the GPW, and a simple, pressed
steelfront grille was introduced. During WW2, the Willys MB and
Ford GPW ran over every battlefield. As a means of transit for
soldiers, it played an important role in bringing the Allied
victory. It was also used for liason, command, communication and
sometimes even as an ambulance for a light firearms carrier.
Production reached approximately 640,000 units by August 1945.