Old Modern Handicrafts 1941 Willys MB Overland Jeep Green Metal Handmade

In June 1940, with World War II on the horizon, the U.S. Army solicited bids from 135 automakers for a 1/4 ton light reconnaissance vehicle tailored to Army specifications. Only three companies responded Bantam, Willys, and Ford but, within a years time they collectively produced the template for the vehicle known worldwide as the jeep. The first Willys MB Jeeps were produced in 1941, making it the oldest off-road vehicle ever made, and the first civilian models were produced in 1945. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second oldest 4-wheel-drive brand. Many Jeep variants serving similar military and civilian roles have since been created in other nations.