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101 Cars: Willys Overland - Jeep
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
08/04/2008 - 08:54 AM
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
The Willys Overland supported American soldiers and their allies around the world during World War II. (Photo: ValleyClassicWheels.com) ยป More Photos

We've referred to several vehicles as "icons" in this book, but the original jeep deserves the title as much as any. It supported American soldiers and their allies around the world during World War II, and was as important an army tool as any every issued. The military's brief was simple: It must have a load capacity of 600 pounds with a wheelbase under 75 inches. The engine must run smoothly from 3 to 50 miles per hour, and the vehicle must have a rectangular-shaped body with a two-speed transfer case with four-wheel drive. Other important requirements were a windshield that folds down, three bucket seats, blackout and driving lights, and a gross vehicle weight under 1,200 pounds. Willys, Ford, and Bantam were granted contracts to build them. After the war, Willys continued to do so, birthing - unknowingly - what we now call the SUV. The driving experience is best described as agricultural. The engine is rough, the gear whine incredible, the flathead four doesn't rev very high, the transmission graunches with each shift, and there are not power assists of any kind. The seats are as uncomfortable as a cement park bench. But if you were a soldier depending on one to save your life or the lives of others, it was the sweetest thing every created.

Specifications
Engine: 134-ci inline four
Horsepower: 60
0–60 mph: 30 seconds
Top Speed: 62 miles per hour
Price New: About $1,000 of your tax dollars, depending upon year and configuration.
Value Now: $1,000 to $25,000, depending upon model and condition.
Jeep Photos



Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: As important to American World War II efforts as a Colt 45 automatic pistol or a P-51 Mustang fighter.


Perfect Passenger

PERFECT PASSENGER: General George S. Patton, who rode in many of them.


Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK: "The Jeep Song" by the Dresden Dolls


Behind the Wheel

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Authentic mil-spec units are as rare as hen's teeth, but they often appear at military and other car shows. Or, drive one in the new video game Medal of Honor Airborne.


Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW? The original was referred to as a "general-purpose" vehicle, which was shortened to "GP." Say it phonetically, and you'll understand the name.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: Any Fourth of July parade



Read the REVIEW and Get Your Copy of 365 Cars You Must Drive

Catch 101 Cars You Must Drive on SPEED! Monday nights at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.
Check out the 101 Cars Countdown!

Everyone it seems has owned a Jeep at some point. Share your story with us!

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