David Tracy, a writer at The Autopian, argues the World War II Jeep is one of three vehicles that reshaped Jeep and the wider automotive industry.
Tracy recounts that about 16 employees at American Bantam in Butler, Pennsylvania developed the original prototype in 49 days. The final vehicle incorporated the Go-Devil engine from Willys Overland and the stamped grille idea from Ford.
Tracy says the WWII Jeep's basic blueprint has endured as a premier off-road platform and influenced vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover models, and the Ford Bronco. He also notes its capability in off-road testing in Moab.
This article is the first installment of "Jeep Thoughts With David Tracy" at The Autopian, and Tracy mentions he built a World War II Jeep from scratch and studied engineering to pursue work at Jeep. The piece frames the WWII Jeep as foundational to later SUV development.
This article is based on reporting from The Autopian.
Read the full article at The Autopian.
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