The Army Jeep is a great example of our rising to the occasion
to create something extraordinary, but functional and versatile, during
times of wars and conflicts.
As stated earlier Bantam, Ford and Willys-Overland produced similar
models of each other (at least in appearance) with Willys-Overland eventually
taking the lead. Many of these little spartan machines made their way to
various locations throughout the world before, during and after World War II.
Bantam BRC 40 WWII Jeep
So, how did such a simple little machine provide so many amazing uses...some
military and some not? Well, the answer lies in man's wonderful
imagination and ability to adapt when necessary.
The American and Allied soldiers found this military Jeep an invaluable tool in the
fight for freedom, however they also found this little machine
(often with some adaptations) able to solve many day-to-day problems.
1942 WWII Combat Ready Jeep
First, here are a few of the Military uses of the Jeep:
Other Military and non-Military uses of the Jeep included:
Modified railway vehicle with adapted train wheels
Semi-submersible with special extended engine air intake
Snow and mud adaptations of wheels and tires
And by jacking up the vehicle, the wheels were often used as
pulleys to operate tools such as table saws, mixers or any other
makeshift rotary device even including a washing machine
Also, from 1942 to 1943 the U.S. Military commissioned the building of up to 12,000 new Amphibious Jeeps with the initial purpose of transporting troops from ship to land and back.
These SEEPS or Sea Jeeps as they were called were build by the GPW Ford division and designated as GPA's with the "A" indicating "Amphibian".
1942 Ford Amphibious GPA Seep
The SEEPS were miserable failures in their intended sea duty purposes with many sinking in moderate to high wave conditions, however they later proved valuable in river crossings.
Only about 5000 SEEPS were actually produced before being discontinued in 1943.
Watch this brief WW II British video on the Army Jeep!(57 secs.)
I like this close-up 360 degree video of an almost fully restored 1941 Willys MB Slat Grill Army Jeep! (2 mins. 21 secs.)
Now stand up...put your hand over your heart...and listen to one of the best renditions of our U.S.A. National Anthem...sung by 5 young ladies aged 8 to 13 yrs.