Jeep CJ History
The Jeep CJ is the modern day Jeep that was designed after the Willys CJ Jeep, which was used in World War II. The Jeep CJ is now concerned the modern civilian Jeep. Back in 1908, John North Willys decided to purchase an automotive company, specifically the Overland Automotive Company in Indianapolis. This was the starting of his journey of producing automobiles. At the time the Runabout was the popular Jeep, and as sales grew Willy was able to expand. Later in 1908, he purchased Pope-Toledo automobile manufacturing in Toledo, Ohio.
In 1912, the Willys-Overland Company was officially formed, and introduced the Willys Knight series and the “Whippet,” alongside the Runabout. Once the depression hit in 1936, the company became Willys Overland Motors Inc.
Starting in 1939, a new design was desired by the army to replace the older vehicles they were using. They needed a universal military vehicle that is mobile in all terrains. At the time, they were still using old motorcycles with side cars from World War I, but were in need of new standards. The military were looking for the following standards:
- 600 pounds of load capacity
- Wheel base under 75 inches
- Height under 65 inches
- Smooth running engine from 3 to 60 miles/hour
- Rectangular shaped body
- Four wheel drive, with a two speed transfer case
- Windshields that fold
- Three bucket seats
- Driving and blackout lights
- Total weight of 1200 pounds or less
A total of 137 companies were invited to submit designs, however only 3 did. This included Ford Motor Company, Willys Overland, and American Bantam Car. Initially, the first 70 Jeeps were awarded to Bantam, however after further testing; their models were quickly considered failures. As World War II began, they were still accepting prototypes. Willys Overland model was considered the best of the 3 companies, followed by Ford and Bantam.
Starting in 1940, Willys Overland Motors Inc. started to develop their design and manufacturing of America’s first four wheel drive quarter ton utility vehicle. Willys Overland was granted the production contract and began production in 1941. During the 1940s, over 300,000 Jeeps were produced to support the War effort. This was due to the help of Ford in production as well. The military paid $738.74 per vehicle.
Wills Overland also began supplying munitions and military materials as well in support of the War. These parts include the Robomb, bullet cores, shells, projectiles and aircraft landing gear.
The Jeep CJ
The term “Jeep” actually came from Ford – for their General Purpose vehicle, or the GP. When saying this together, it sounds like “Jeep.” Willys then made the term “Jeep” their trademark.
Once the War was finished, Willy realized that there was a market for the civilian version of the Jeep. Willys began to advertise the Jeep as a vehicle for both work and recreational purposes as early as 1942. However, at the time the Jeeps were being supplied to the army.
As you can see the Jeep CJ has a long history, which should never be forgotten. It has been evolving ever since the Jeep Willys, and now the Jeep CJ has many new features compared to past generations.
