Of course there were attempts to build a light general purpose vehicle in the pre-war years, but for various reasons they were more often than not adaptations of civilian motors. Indeed, during the inter-war years, the Austin Seven chassis and running gear formed the basis for a number of military conversions, not only in the UK but on the Continent, and also in America, Australia and even Japan.

   Indeed, it might be said that the Austin was the original Jeep, in concept at least. In 1938, the US Bantam Company, who were making Austins under licence, lent three Roadster models to the Pennsylvania National Guard for field trials as reconnaissance vehicles. These trials were so successful that the US Army authorities became interested in the project and, in the nature of all things governmental, a committee
was formed to draw up the necessary military specification for a light
4x4 vehicle.

   Following on from this, in June 1940, tenders were invited from 135 US manufacturers, but given the time scale of just 49 days (from the date of acceptance) for the prototype and 75 days for the delivery of 70 pre-production vehicles for test, coupled with a weight limit of 1300 lbs, the response wasn't very encouraging. In fact, just two firms, the American Bantam Co. and Willys Overland Inc., submitted proposals. In the event Bantam won and actually produced the prototype on 23rd September, two days earlier than specified. The Army then carried out tests over a three-week period, covering over 3,500 miles most of it off-road. Strangely enough and despite protestations from Bantam, both Ford and Willys sent observers along to look over the vehicle and follow the tests.

  

   Naturally enough there were both mechanical and service problems with the prototype, but not enough to prevent the Army from placing an order for 1,500 vehicles. However, doubts were expressed in the Quartermaster Department as to whether Bantam could produce so many in the time allowed and there were suggestions that production should be split between Bantam, Willys and Ford, but in the end Bantam won through.

   Although the United States wasn't directly involved in the war at that time, it was becoming increasingly obvious that they probably would be before long and, even if not, they had to be prepared. Consequently there was a dramatic increase in military strength and equipment levels, and the (Jeep) order virtually trebled overnight. It was decided that this larger order should be split equally between the three manufacturers, all of whom had by now produced prototypes although none of whom, incidentally, had met the original specification regarding weight. Neither had the word Jeep been applied to any of them. The Ford version was called the Pygmy, Willys had the Quad while the Bantam was just that.

   These 4,500 vehicles were sent out to the various sections of the Armed Forces for further evaluation before the actual supply orders were made. In these trials, the vehicles were used as they would be in the field and consideration was given to service requirements, adaptability and reliability in addition to the main one of performance and cost. In the event Willy's won and in July 1941 received an order for 16,000 units.

   And finally what's in a name? The word Jeep was registered as a trade mark in 1945 by Willys, but its origins are unclear. One story has it that the word is derived from the initials GP meaning General Purpose, yet another is that the word was early American slang for any marvellous multi-purpose thing. What is certain is that way back in 1936 there was a Popeye cartoon character called 'Eugene the Jeep' although exactly how this became applicable to a small 4x4 vehicle is not easily explained. What is beyond question is that the word is now synonymous the world over with a small 4x4 cross country vehicle be it a Land Rover, Toyota or any other make.  

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