The initial design and concept of what became the Jeep was created by Karl Probst under contract to the American Bantam Company, a small automobile manufacturer in Butler, Pennsylvania. Struggling American Bantam did not have a chance of mass-producing the new military vehicle in the numbers that the United States government desired, and thus production contracts were awarded to the Ford Motor Company and, most prominently, Willys-Overland of Toledo, Ohio.

The Willys MA and its successor, the MB, were built to a revised version of the original Jeep design, in which chief engineer Barney Roos redesigned every component of the car, right down to the literal nuts and bolts, in order to reduce weight. Under the hood was a four-cylinder engine, developed by Roos from the powerplant once used in Willys’ small Whippet. So successful was the so-called “Go-Devil Four” that the Army chose its design for all Jeeps built during the war.

Today, these hardy military vehicles represent not only one of the most successful and long-lived vehicle designs, but they are also a symbol of worldwide freedom. Indeed, the two military Jeeps in the Quattroruote Collection—a Ford GPW and this Willys model, both offered today—were acquired for the Collection because they represent the joyous liberation of Italy by the Allies.

The Willys offered here was built on 20 May 1942 in Toledo, Ohio and under British contract for the war. It is presented in older condition, including the factory-quality paint and the cloth-covered interior that is in well-worn but thoroughly usable condition. The MB was subsequently fitted with a later M38A1 engine and accessories, including the instrument panel and light switch on the dash. It is also outfitted with a full folding top with side curtains, a spotlight, and a rear-mounted spare wheel and jerry can. Overall, it retains a very nice appearance throughout, and this Willys MB would be an intriguing addition to any collection of military vehicles, or simply the best possible way to get to and from the beach this summer. It represents freedom—then and now.