Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs Research Archives

Prior to the finalization of the MB Jeep, The American Bantam, Ford, and Willys all created pilot and prototype jeeps in an attempt to win Army contracts. Bantam built the very first jeep, the Bantam BRC. They also built the BRC-60 and BRC-40. Ford built the Pygmy, the Budd, and the GP. Willys built the Willys Quad and the Willys MA. Checker appears to have built one based on Bantam parts. Finally, are rumors of a jeep by York-Hoover, but I’ve never nailed down actual pictures. See this post: http://www.ewillys.com/2010/03/14/york-hoover-all-terrain-prototype/

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Ford GP Camp Croft Postcard on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Postcards This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Good look at a Ford GP.

“VINTAGE POSTCARD – CONDITION: VG/some corner wear *SEE SCANS BELOW OF BOTH SIDES. DATE/ERA: c1940s. Standard Size 3.5×5.5 Inches.”

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1941 Ford GP Selkirk, NY eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Starting price is $7500. Thanks to Mike for spotting this one.

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“You are bidding on a rare prototype ford jeep known as the GP. This is a very early first series GP. Although incomplete it comes with many parts. The frame is in excellent condition. The tub will need repair and I’m including the front and rear floor replacement panels. Here’s a quick list of included items but I do have more that goes with the project. I have a title that matches the vin on the frame. This is your chance to get your hands on one at a very reasonable price.

1. Rolling chassis (correct axles)
2. Original tub
3. Transmission
4. Transfer case
Continue reading

 
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1944 Photo of Bantam BRC-60 on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: The same photo with the same caption, but dated slightly different, is for sale on eBay. The earlier one sold in March of 2016 (seen at bottom of post).

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(03/13/2016 original post) “1944- U.S. Army’s Bantam BRC 60 reconnaissance car on display in the Smithsonian Institute. Note: Still on display at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.”

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1941 “Blitz Buggy” Article

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This article showing the front of a Ford GP appeared in the October 15, 1941, issue of the Criag Empire Courier out of Colorado.

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1941 Photo of Ford GP at Fort Bliss on ebay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Another Ford GP test at Fort Bliss.

“1941- U.S. 1st Cavalry Division troops during test drive in Ford-built Bantam Jeep reconnaissance car at Fort Bliss. ”

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1941 Photo of Ford GP w/ Edsel Ford

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UPDATE: The original press photo that appeared in the newspaper at the bottom of this post is now on eBay.

“1941- Edsel Ford, in rear seat, and Brig. Gen. Charles Bonesteel go for a ride in the first Ford GP prototype jeep delivered to the U.S. Army after it rolled off the assembly line at the Ford River Rouge factory in Dearborn, Michigan. Photo measures approx. 7″ x 9″”

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Original posted 06/30/2016:
This photo and caption were published in the March 7, 1941, issue of the Owosso Argus Press. No article accompanied it.

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1941 Photo of Bantam BRC-40 on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Nice press photo of a BRC-40 climbing a hill.

“Original 8″ x 10″ glossy press photo. Hand written on back : ARMY ARMORED SCOUT COMMAND CAR PEEPS. Dated May 4, ’41. Good condition for its age.”

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1940s Photo of a Ford GP with Female Passenger on eBay

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There must be a story with this photo.

“1940s WWII Photo from another unnamed US Army soldiers photo album. Most appear to be at a unknown California army base before heading to the Pacific Theater of Operation. Nothing written on backs nor in album so no other info available.”

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Photo of Ford GP on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This undated 4″ x 5″ photo features a Ford GP.

“1940s WWII Photo from another unnamed US Army soldiers photo album. Most appear to be at a unknown California army base before heading to the Pacific Theater of Operation. Nothing written on backs nor in album so no other info available.”

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Photo of Willys MA carrying Push Ball

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UPDATE: This same photo with a different caption was sold back in 2014 (see bottom pics).

“1942 Photo WW2 Era Fort Custer MI Versatile Jeep Military Push Ball Game Rare
You are bidding on an original Press Photo from a newspaper archive. The photograph measures 6×7 inches and is dated 9-25-1942.”

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From Feb 2014 eBay ad:

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1944? Photo of 2 Bantams Crossing Stream on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This photo features 2 Bantam BRC-40s. I’m wondering if the date of publishing was later than the photography date, given the Bantams.

“You are bidding on an original press photo of WWII Soldiers Drive Jeep Autos Through Water. Newspaper markings on photo. Photo measures 6.5 x 8.5 inches and is dated 8/22/1944.”

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1941 Photo of Ford GP Leaping Over a Bump on eBay

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Great action photo. Interesting mix of tires.

“1941- U.S. soldiers hurtling over bump while taking Ford GP Jeep on a test drive. Photo measures approx. 7″ x 9″ ”

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Feb. 1942 Photo of Ford GP on Panama HWY on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Looks like a slat grille behind the GP.

“1942 Press Photo Jeeps travel across unpaved section of Panama trans-highway.
This is an original press photo. Under the supervision of the U.S. Public Roads Administration fourteen hundred men are at work constructing a trans-ishmanian highway which is scheduled for completion (withal weather paving) by the end of March 1942, if the work is not hampered by rain during the present “dry season”. Photo shows part of the “Jeep” parade over a section of road which has not a yet been laid with concrete. The road is entirely within the Republic of Panama. Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 02-06-1942″

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1941 Photo of Ford GP at Fort Custer

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Three examples of Ford GP photos testing a footbridge at Fort Custer that sold on eBay over the last few years.

Posted April of 2017: “1941- Army engineers at Fort Custer test footbridge by driving Ford GP jeep across it. Photo measures approx. 7″ x 9”

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Posted August of 2015: “1941- Army engineers at Fort Custer test footbridge by driving Ford GP jeep across it.”

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Posted February of 2015:  “WWII Engineers Test Bridge in Ford GP Jeep at Fort Custer Original Press Photo”

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1942 Photo of Bantam BRC-40, Shells & Women on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images, Women & Jeeps This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

If you like old jeeps, shells, and women, then this photo if for you!

“1942 Press Photo A Group of Girls Riding the Range in a Jeep Pass 16 Inch Shells.
This is an original press photo. Women who just a short while ago thought of a range as something to cook on and powder as something to pat on their faces are now doing the work of men on the firing range at the Army ordnance Department’s proving grounds at Aberdeen, MD. They don’t just fool around with the light work, either. They fill shells with powder and prime them. They run huge cranes to assemble the big guns. And they load, clean, and fire everything from Garand rifles and Tommy guns to the big railroad guns. A group of the girls riding the range in a jeep pass a huge stack of 16 inch shells. Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 06-06-1942.

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1942(?) Army & Signal Corps Book on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Books, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This 35 page book looks interesting. It’s a reprint, but may be an old reprint.

“From a cache of WWII military jeep and motorcycle parts hidden away many years. A number of books and manuals were included.This is a 35 page Photo book produced in 1942 for introduction to the troops of the 1/4 ton 4×4 vehicle Reconnaissance later known as the Jeep. It’s filled with photographs and details for the use of the jeep vehicle. The book measures 8 1/2″ x 11′.with 35 pages, it’s listed as used, as I don’t know it’s actual history so listed as a reprint, great original period photographs and jeep details.”

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1941 Photo of Bantam BRC 40 in Tennessee on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This is already at $70!

1941- U.S. soldier driving a Bantam BRC-40 jeep through a creek during maneuvers in Tennessee. Photo measures approx. 7″ x 9″.

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1941 Photo of Canadian’s Testing Willys MA on eBay

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Great photo.

“1941 PRESS PHOTO Canadian Officers In US Army Jeep Baltimore MD 4259 Measures 7 X 9.5 inches”

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1941 Photo of Bantam BRC-60 on eBay

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Nice shot of the curved grille.

“1941 PRESS PHOTO Army Midget 1/4 Ton Car Jeep Fort Benning GA 4283 Measures 7.5 X 9.5 inches”

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1941 Photo of Mule Pulling Bantam BRC-60 on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Blake points out this is a Mule and not a horse.

Steve forwarded this interesting photo of a mule pulling a Bantam BRC-60 across a river.

“1941 Press Photo Horese-Drawn Jeep across water at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. This is an original vintage press photo. Horse-drawn Jeep at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.Photo measures 7.75 x 5.75 inches. Photo is dated 03-24-1941.”

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1941 Photo of Jumping BRC-60 on eBay

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Speaking of Bantams ….

“1941 Press Photo Jeep Jumping at Fort Augusta, Georgia. This is an original vintage press photo. Jeep jumping at Fort Augusta, Georgia. Photo measures 7.75 x 5.75 inches. Photo is dated 01-24-1941.”

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Photo of 3 Willys MAs

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This photo appeared on the G503 Facebook page. It’s rare photo of 3 MAs next to each other.

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1941 Photo of Ford GP in Leesville, LA on eBay

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A good shot of a Ford GP.

“1941- Ford GP jeep leads motorcycle troops of the 66th Regiment of the 2nd Armored Division over a road constructed beside a bridge that was “destroyed” by Red forces during maneuvers north of Leesville.”

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1942 Photo of Bantam BRC-40 on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Another version of this sand dune photo is available on eBay. Another was sold in 2014 (see end of post).

“1942 Press Photo West Point Military Academy Jeep Jockeys in Army Maneuvers. This is an original press photo. Photo measures 9 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 07-31-1942.”

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Here’s a similar press photo that was sold in 2014.

Continue reading

 
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1941 Photo of Ford GP on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Even though Willys had won the contract, you can see they were still running the Ford GPs through their paces.

“1941 US MILITARY MANEUVERS
37mm ANTI TANK GUN & JEEP
appx size :7 1/2″ x 9 1/2”

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