1945 Willys MB ¼ Ton Jeep

Although forever associated with Willys-Overland, the original Jeep military vehicle was developed by American Bantam, formerly American Austin. Designed to meet the US Army's requirement for a rugged, go-anywhere, four-wheel drive vehicle capable of surviving on the barest minimum of unskilled maintenance, Bantam's prototype was up and running by 1940, meeting the Army's requirements apart from the engine, which was deemed insufficiently powerful. The Pentagon, though, doubted Bantam's ability to meet the military's post-Pearl Harbour demands, so the major contracts went to Willys and the Ford Motor Company, which would be responsible for the Jeep's trademark slotted radiator grille.

On offer here is a very good example of a Willys MB ¼ Ton Jeep, owned privately since 2014 by our enthusiast vendor, who is well known in the UK classic car scene. Its fascinating story is summarised below by the previous owner, who imported it into the UK in the late 1990s.

'This Jeep was built in Toledo Ohio late 1944/early 1945 and arrived in the UK in February 1945 for use by the US Army. It was rebuilt at Rootes in Manchester in 1955 (recorded on a brass plaque on the dash) and then exported to Norway. The Norwegian Army used it until 1980 when it was overhauled (recorded on a metal plate in the engine bay). The Norwegian Government started selling these as surplus in the 1990s and this example was returned to the UK in 1999 when it was acquired by me.

This is a very original vehicle which did not require any substantial initial restoration work. I removed some of the minor Norwegian modifications to return this vehicle to WWII-specification and resprayed it in US Army colours. The body, chassis, engine and gearbox I believe to be WWII-original.

The tub and chassis are completely sound, all nice and solid and untouched. It has a Worthing summer top and half doors. The shovel is a magnificent WWII original, the vehicle has fire extinguisher, de-contaminator, grease gun, oil can, starting handle and foot pump. I converted the front blackout lights into indicators which are road-legal but maintain the WWII look of the vehicle. The rear indicators are also very discreet as can be seen from the photographs. I have always striven to keep the original and correct look to this Jeep right down to putting the correct stencilling inside the summer top which is something you don't see very often. The box and pipe on the floor under the passenger seat show that at some time in its life this Jeep was equipped to carry a radio so l have left this original feature in place.

The original Willys chassis number tag is still on the chassis. The glove box data plates were unfortunately removed by the Norwegian army and replaced with plates in their own language which I, in turn, replaced with reproduction US WWII plates, however the shipping plate is original. There is a key-operated immobiliser that disconnects the battery hidden on the vehicle so its safe to leave it parked without fear of it being driven off. After struggling with the 6-volt cold starting problems every winter, I converted this to 12-volts about nine years ago. The conversion was carried out meticulously using the correct pattern new/old stock voltage regulation box, starter motor and generator which means that when you look under the bonnet it still has the correct WWII configuration.

The biggest difference is that the Jeep now turns over nicely, even on the coldest of days and starts first time, every time. I've taken the Jeep to France about ten times and it's never let me down. This Jeep has proved to be mechanically reliable during the 15 years that I have owned it although I did have a professional full engine rebuild carried out along with a full rebuild of the steering box. The block was sleeved and re-bored to original spec, it had new valve sleeves, pistons, big and small end bearings, crankshaft re-ground and the block and head skimmed. Hardened valve seats were fitted at this time so the Jeep can run on unleaded fuel without the need for additives.'

Our vendor purchased the Jeep from the gentleman who wrote the above and he’s continued to ensure it remains in good condition ever since. Every rural car show in the country now has a section for Military Vehicles, and with WWII re-enactments and the Goodwood Revival and other prestigious classic car meetings all clamouring for 1940s Jeeps, this stunningly well restored example could keep you busy for the rest of the Summer. Sensibly guided given its provenance, come along to our Silverstone sale, jump in and see how it feels.