85 years ago, Willys delivered its prototype to the U.S. Army.
- Published on 13/11/2025 10:19
- Modified on 14/11/2025 10:50
On November 13, 1940, the Willys — a small, crude, boxy vehicle — ran for the first time on a military test ground.
That day, Willys-Overland delivered to the American army its prototype “Quad”, designed to meet a demanding requirement: to create a light, robust machine, capable of overcoming anything and enduring everything. Delivery should have taken place on November 11, Remembrance Day, but a slight production delay caused them to miss the deadline. It should be remembered, however, that the first two prototypes were built in just 75 days! No one knew it yet, but the Jeep had just been born.
On the eve of the United States’ entry into World War II, the Pentagon was looking for a motorized vehicle capable of replacing the cavalry and getting everywhere. Three manufacturers were solicited: American Bantam, Ford and Willys. It was ultimately the latter that won the contract thanks to its “Go-Devil” engine, a 2.2-liter four-cylinder producing 60 hp, almost double the power of its competitors. Its sturdiness, mechanical simplicity and ease of production made the difference.
A wartime heroine
The Willys MB, the definitive name of the production model, quickly became a major player in the conflict. More than 360,000 units were produced between 1941 and 1945, taking part in all campaigns, from North Africa to Normandy. Its boxy silhouette, folding windshield and seven-slot grille became symbols of an America on the move, mobile and conquering.
After the war, the Jeep returned to civilian life under the name CJ (Civilian Jeep), inaugurating a new era: that of the SUV, an off-road vehicle accessible to all. It inspired entire generations of cars and paved the way for a segment that became indispensable.
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Even today, the Jeep brand proudly claims this direct lineage with the Willys. A vehicle born of a military emergency, which over time became a universal icon of freedom and adventure. It shows that some legends were not born on racetracks, but on battlefields.
READ ALSO: The Jeep Wrangler pays tribute to the legendary Willys
This page is translated from the original post "Il y a 85 ans, Willys livrait son prototype à l’armée américaine" in French.
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