2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary (2011 NAIAS)

In July 1940, the US military informed automakers that it was looking for a “light reconnaissance vehicle” to replace the Army’s motorcycle and modified Ford Model-T vehicles. The Army invited 135 manufacturers to bid on production and developed a lengthy specification list for the vehicle, including the following: 600-lb. load capacity wheelbase less than 75 inches height less than 36 inches smooth-running engine from 3 to 50 miles per hour rectangular-shaped body four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case fold-down windshield three bucket seats blackout and driving lights gross vehicle weight below 1300 lbs. At first, Willys-Overland and American Bantam Car Manufacturing Company were the only two companies answering the call. Soon, however, Ford Motor Company entered the picture, and competition began among the three over which company would receive the lucrative government contract. Each company produced prototypes for testing in record time. Bantam’s chief engineer, along with a team of Bantam executives, worked out a design, and the company built its field car within 49 days. Willys-Overland Vice President of Engineering Delmar G. Roos designed the Willys Quad. Ford developed its Model GP (General Purpose), known as the Pygmy, which was powered by an adapted Ford/Ferguson tractor. Each company delivered its prototype to the Army in the summer of 1940 and received approval to build 70 sample vehicles. The Army took possession of these vehicles in November 1940 at …
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