Perhaps the most iconic vehicle to emerge from the United States during World War II, the Jeep - or rather, Truck, 1/4 ton, 4x4, Command Reconnaisance - entered service in 1941, after two years of development, iteration, and experimentation. It was the answer to a request from the Department of War for a standardized quarter ton all terrain reconnaissance vehicle. The Willys-Overland design eventually prevailed, building on the designs created by Ford and Bantam, going on to produce 363 000 units between 1941 and 1945, augmented by Ford's production capabilities that produced an additional 280 000 vehicles. Despite being the same design, it had two different manufacturing designations: Willys MB (Military model B) and Ford GPW (Government contract, Passenger, Willys design).
The Jeep became ubiquitous, thanks to its almost impossible ruggedness, ease of maintenance, and adaptability. Beloved by soldiers all over the world, it was exported widely. Nearly 80 000 were exported to the Soviet Union alone as part of the Lend-Lease program, on top of exports to Commonwealth countries and China. After the War, it became a symbol of American motorized warfare and a staple of popular culture.
