The OG Jeep that Faced Down the Nazis and Won (The Willys MB)

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 683

  • @megaprojects9649
    @megaprojects9649  ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Thank you Squarespace for sponsoring this video. Check out Squarespace: squarespace.com/megaprojects for 10% off on your first purchase.

    • @ditzydoo4378
      @ditzydoo4378 ปีที่แล้ว

      Actually, there is a company in the Philippines that still makes exact copies of the Willys MB model and direct replacement parts from the frame up for original MB's.

    • @clarencesmith2305
      @clarencesmith2305 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's GeeP as in General Purpose.

    • @ditzydoo4378
      @ditzydoo4378 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@clarencesmith2305 a play on the GP acronym and Eugene the Jeep, which is a character in the Popeye comic strip. A mysterious animal with magical or supernatural abilities, the Jeep first appeared in the March 16, 1936, Thimble Theatre comic strip.

    • @merafirewing6591
      @merafirewing6591 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@ditzydoo4378we definitely need a dedicated video about the rest of the American vehicles that saw service during ww2 and the cold war.

    • @johnnyjet3.1412
      @johnnyjet3.1412 ปีที่แล้ว

      now do the Chrysler car that won the War - The Sherman!- it was a Chrysler, therefore it was a car! - and the Special Ford engine that was made for that Chrysler Car!

  • @mlpabq1
    @mlpabq1 ปีที่แล้ว +158

    In 1972 a 1944 Willys MB was the oldest vehicle in the US Navy's inventory. I bought that jeep and discovered that it had been first issued to the army then the marines and finally to the navy. I have kept it as I bought it in the navy gray paint.

    • @bagheerab278
      @bagheerab278 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Love the acquisition stories. Bought my '45 from a WWII vet who, upon his discharge & return to the US, bought one new in a crate for $200. German POW's assembled it, and he drove it (and his new '43 Bantam trailer--for an additional $50) all the way from Jersey to California. I'm the 2nd owner, third if you count Uncle Sam!

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Man, I was lucky to just get my hood number from under the paint

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nice.
      My hot rodded 'civvy' flatfender wears navy grey (with black 'racing stripe') that was on it when I bought it as a nearly completed project.
      She's powered by a Kenne Bell equipped 225 Buick Fireball / Jeep Dauntless 225 'Odd Fire' V6 with too much carb, MSD, fat headers, 4 speed with Warn overdrive... .

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@-oiiio-3993 July of 1943 Ford GPW
      Dana 23 axles (4:88 gearing stock)
      L134 flat 4 cast in August of 1944 by Ford
      T-84 3 speed transmission by Borg Warner
      Dana 18 transfer case

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kyleh3615 Nice
      That's reasonably 'stock' as so many were 'mixmastered' during arsenal refurbish prior to surplus sale.

  • @AhnkoCheeOutdoors
    @AhnkoCheeOutdoors ปีที่แล้ว +10

    My favorite TV show as a kid growing up in the 1960s was "Rat Patrol". Loved seeing the Jeeps jumping the sand dunes of North Africa in that show, though I'm guessing the location shoots were in the Mojave, or some other US desert. My dad a WWII Pacific Theater veteran learned to drive in a Jeep, and later on while stationed in occupied Japan purchased his very first vehicle a surplus Jeep which he had a Japanese sheet metal craftsman fabricate a steel hard top and doors. He took a cute Japanese nurse out on several dates in that Jeep. That nurse became my mom. Would love to get my hands on a nice CJ-2A in original condition in honor of my parents.

  • @andykedar8501
    @andykedar8501 ปีที่แล้ว +322

    Listened to this in the background while doing some other stuff and then about ten minutes I heard stuff about "modifying willies" and I choked

    • @xBruceLee88x
      @xBruceLee88x ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Not to mention the Mario music and yeeting artillery

    • @stevelee5724
      @stevelee5724 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Not on a modified willy ? 😅

    • @Im-Not-a-Dog
      @Im-Not-a-Dog ปีที่แล้ว +16

      I got mine modified to look like a barber pole.

    • @blackace7782
      @blackace7782 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      🤣🤣🤣☠️👻

    • @xBruceLee88x
      @xBruceLee88x ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@Im-Not-a-Dog mine's the high output model, 3 kids already

  • @eloquentsarcasm
    @eloquentsarcasm ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I trained on a 1951 Willys at the 1st Ranger Battalion back in 1990, mine didn't have a functioning 2nd gear, so I had to learn to speed shift to 3rd but that little beast was indestructible. My father had a CJ7 when I was a kid, so I already loved Jeeps, and being able to train with one that had seen time in Korea was a joy. Utterly brilliant machine and truly a workhorse only rivaled by the venerable Deuce and a Half truck. Hardest task I had to learn was backing one up the ramp on a C130, drove me nuts but I was proud as hell when I finally got the hang of it. I'll always love the Willys, and I dare anyone to name a small utility vehicle that has a more amazing history. Sua Sponte brothers, and thank you Simon for bringing attention to this little monster!

  • @PiterDeVries668
    @PiterDeVries668 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    "Well you're GODDAMN right it could!" Well said Simon, well said!

  • @ricjona1069
    @ricjona1069 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    They were used when I was in the service. Truly a remarkable little vehicle. Their utilitarian function was and still is matched by no other vehicles. In fact, the GP (Jeep) could still be used, as a cost effective substitute for many duties that the expensive, heavy, and less nimble HMMWV (Humvee) is used for. $220K vs $20K.

    • @andromidius
      @andromidius ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I suspect the main reason its not in use anymore is because its not IED/Mine resistant. Otherwise, still a perfect little vehicle. Wouldn't surprise me if its still used by some militaries in some capacity somewhere where explosive traps aren't a major concern.

    • @ricjona1069
      @ricjona1069 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@andromidius There are a whole lot of places, without fear of IEDs, they could still be used to save taxpayers money. In the rear with the gear, domestic or friendly garrisons, training, etc. Not everywhere HMMWVs are being used are IED ridden. That was my point. The use of a $220K vehicle being used for tooling around bases or other safe locations vs a $20K Jeep makes no sense.

    • @Democlis
      @Democlis ปีที่แล้ว

      It makes a lot of sense, for milotary contractors.... Their margins of profit are way higher with a Humvee.... Welcome to the military industrial complex, a monster predicted, warned about, seen comming from a mile away and yet no one did a thing to stop it....

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      GP was the 'pre standard' Ford contract which was built to compete with Willys MA and Bantam BRC during testing and evaluation.
      GP was 'Government, 80" wheelbase' per Ford documentation as 'P' was internal Ford code for any 80" w/b vehicle. After Willys Overland was awarded the contract to build the 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503' (Willys MB), Ford was subcontracted to build their 'GPW' (Government, 80" w/b, Willys pattern)

    • @General_Eisenhower1945
      @General_Eisenhower1945 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Humvees were not originally armored at all, it was a response to IEDs that the humvee wasn't hardly equipped to handle.
      The jeep might be able to survive driving over pressure plates that the himvee would set off

  • @eco909
    @eco909 ปีที่แล้ว +113

    As a proud owner of a 1943 Willys MB, thank you for the video Simon!

    • @andromidius
      @andromidius ปีที่แล้ว

      Very nice. How does it ride? I've heard they can be mighty uncomfortable, but perhaps those ones were in poor condition. But they are super cool regardless.

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have a July of 43 GPW,
      I've built it from the ground up
      With new Springs and Shocks, it rides great and I've had actual veterans who dealt with them in the 40s and 50s compliment the ride.
      Apparently they were rough to ride but I've gone over it so much that I think I've got it to a science

    • @iivaripaakkonen2699
      @iivaripaakkonen2699 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have GAZ-69, maybe in the future there will be video about it as well

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@andromidius They weren't 'boulevard cruisers'.

    • @billynunns
      @billynunns ปีที่แล้ว

      Currently doing a ground up on a 44 MB

  • @SuperDrewH
    @SuperDrewH ปีที่แล้ว +35

    My dad was shot in Vietnam while he was a passenger in a Jeep. While he was on the radio he had his right leg hanging out and that leg took the round, while other rounds hit the gravel and kicked up a bunch of shrapnel which landed else where. I did not understand him having his leg out of the Jeep until last year when I ordered my own Rubicon and took the doors off, it is a very natural thing you want to do.

    • @kdrapertrucker
      @kdrapertrucker ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Back n he day they used to sell a foot rest that could be bolted outside the jeep door opening just for that.

    • @JoshuaTootell
      @JoshuaTootell ปีที่แล้ว +5

      They still do. You think of an accessory for a Jeep, and I promise you it exists ​@@kdrapertrucker

    • @sunny_froyo
      @sunny_froyo 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Only if you're an idiot/tool

  • @DustinKreidler
    @DustinKreidler ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I've never understood my fellow Americans' obsession with Jeeps... until now. Now I kinda get it. Thank you for this video. Even as a WWII dork, the Jeeps were always just kind of in the background, subservient to the weapons and soldiers. Very cool to have my perspective updated so thoroughly!

  • @robertphillips6296
    @robertphillips6296 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    My father's ship the USS Block Island actually stole a Jeep from the Army. Before they Army driver realized it was missing, the Jeep had been hauled from where it had been parked in the dock. Then repainted in navy gray. It was used to haul planes around until the Captain became concerned that someone was going to drive it off the Flight Deck and into the ocean and got rid of it.

    • @kkarllwt
      @kkarllwt ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My unit, c159, stole a couple in danang and flew them back to phu bai. 60 miles. Chinook helicopters.

  • @Kevan808
    @Kevan808 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    My late father-in-law had one. Harshest ride I've ever felt but it definitely could go anywhere you wanted to. Great memories 👍🏼

  • @garyneilson1833
    @garyneilson1833 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    Interesting video Simon, nice to see the history of the Jeep. When you mentioned about us Brits strapping twin Vickers onto them you were showing a MK2 LandRover but we'll let you off with it 😉

    • @edrupp2318
      @edrupp2318 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I noticed that, too. They are very similar in appearance. I wonder which one came first?

    • @duckiehedrick1804
      @duckiehedrick1804 ปีที่แล้ว

      Beat me to it

    • @jon-paulgrainger1303
      @jon-paulgrainger1303 ปีที่แล้ว

      Will we now 😜 haha

    • @Andy-fd5fg
      @Andy-fd5fg ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@edrupp2318 the jeep came first... the first land rover was influenced by the jeep.
      The prototype had the drivers seat in the centre... so that it could be easily used on a farm as a lightweight tractor

    • @vehicles_n_stuff
      @vehicles_n_stuff ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Andy-fd5fga center mounted drivers seat, so…basically a McLaren F1, right?

  • @jonathanmatthews4774
    @jonathanmatthews4774 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    If someone ever offered me a choice between a modern day Super/Hyper car or a Willy's MB, without a question, I'd 1000% take the Willy's.

  • @RHCole
    @RHCole ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I live 15 minutes away from Butler, PA, home of the Jeep. They have a festival every year.

  • @bkayser05
    @bkayser05 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Also surprised you didn't mention the urban legends of troops literally mailing Willys back home in pieces, 'allegedly.' My grandfather in the Korean War claimed his sergeant 'mailed' one home. I can't confirm or deny it but just reflects how beloved it was that an infantryman tried to arrange to send it home so he could keep it after the war

    • @georgecaserta2360
      @georgecaserta2360 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I believe the Jeep came in a box. And you assembled it. So yeah I can believe it. But would not want to deliver that bad boy

    • @TM-yn4iu
      @TM-yn4iu ปีที่แล้ว

      Several friends, police included, were scammed on this. Out of nowhere he appeared, quite convincing - even taking them to the port where they were coming to. An opportunity to buy for less than a thousand...I tried to step in, no. Then, that great day he was gone, never to appear again or their money.. haa

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@georgecaserta2360 Not all 'Jeeps' came boxed.
      Some did, known as TKD (totally knocked down), for efficient stacking on ship's decks for transport overseas.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Klinger tried eating one on M*A*S*H.

    • @bkayser05
      @bkayser05 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @-oiiio-3993 I've seen that episode, it's pretty funny

  • @kenhelmers2603
    @kenhelmers2603 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In 1976 & 77 I drove the jeep in the Army, great little utility vehicle! About time it got some luv :) Thanks Simon and co.

  • @havocgr1976
    @havocgr1976 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I actually drove one recently, the Greek army has a few and yes they are still in fine condition!!!

  • @DSS-jj2cw
    @DSS-jj2cw ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I remember the jeep during my army service in the 80s. Ours were really old. I always thought they were small and the tires narrow. But they were rugged and versatile.

  • @bryandale7125
    @bryandale7125 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    And that's exactly why I bought a 2019 two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon several years ago, built it to be even more off-road capable, and have thus far put over 30,000 miles on this beast in the mountains of Oregon, where I have found very few trails I cannot easily get through. I love my Jeep! ❤

  • @Dark-Lord-Of-The-Sith
    @Dark-Lord-Of-The-Sith ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a 1975 CJ 5, 3 Speed Inline 6, and she was a Beast. I loved that Jeep.
    Here in the U. S. when someone says Off-road or Rock Climbing, the Jeep automatically comes to mind. Jeep is still beloved.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      Maps issued by USGS still have 'Jeep Roads' designated.

  • @TwilightxKnight13
    @TwilightxKnight13 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    We were still using the Jeeps as late as the end of the 80s in the US. My national guard units had them. They were fairly comfortable especially on paved roads and were almost indestructible. The most dangerous thing about them was the trailer handbrake. If you drove off and forgot to release it, the trailer brakes would heat up and seize causing the trailer to flip over. Because the trailer hitch was a rigid eye, it would also flip the Jeep. It caused some fatalities unfortunately. Soon after we rec’d our first Humvees

  • @ilgamerdiventura1851
    @ilgamerdiventura1851 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    In my hometown here in Italy there’s 2 of them owned by 2 different private citizens. You can see them being used quite often during the summer, amazing cars

  • @rowdyjackson6654
    @rowdyjackson6654 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    The picture you showed for the British but was actually an early Land Rover. The LRDG and SAS jeeps were similarly armed though. That shot of Westmoreland was an M151 Mutt.

    • @codycoops7431
      @codycoops7431 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The stock footage curation makes me so sad. It could be done a lot better...

    • @turkeytrac1
      @turkeytrac1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My understanding is that early Landrovers were built on surplus jeep frames.

    • @kdrapertrucker
      @kdrapertrucker ปีที่แล้ว

      Mutt was a Ford product just as most WWII jeeps were.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@turkeytrac1 The initial prototype was.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@kdrapertrucker No, Willys Overland was awarded the G503 contract and produced about 360,000 units of 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503' during WW2 as subcontractor Ford produced about 280,000. Ford did not produce 'Jeeps' after WW2, Willys continued.
      The M151 (M.U.T.T.) was designed by Ford, many were produced by AM General.

  • @Snowmunkee
    @Snowmunkee ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My dad owns two old Willys. A 1942 that is fully restored and milspec, and a 1946 that he daily drove for decades when he was a professor

  • @Joepacker
    @Joepacker ปีที่แล้ว +17

    The large majority of Jeeps were manufactured in Toledo, Ohio at the Willys Overland factory. The people of Toledo are very proud of that fact. While the original factory which manufactured the Willys jeep for decades is now gone there is still a large modern factory in Toledo, Ohio which manufactures the current version of the Jeep.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Bodies were produced by American Central Manufacturing (ACM).
      Engines, frames, were built and final assembly performed at Toledo.

    • @WesB1972
      @WesB1972 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      During WWll the Ford motor company also built 10s of thousands of Jeeps under license from Willys.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@WesB1972 About 280,000 of their model GPW.

  • @requiemglassworks9254
    @requiemglassworks9254 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Whoever edits your videos deserves a massive fucking raise for that absolute brilliant bit of clip at 5:22 "WEEEE!!! WEEEE!!!

  • @pattonmoore
    @pattonmoore ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My grandfather joined the US Army in February '41. His first unit was 75 mm artillery... Horse drawn artillery. I still have his soldiers manual.

  • @jacara1981
    @jacara1981 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    While in College a guest speaker talked about how his unit had several of these, when his was damaged they just swapped out parts from another damage Jeep. He said that within a few months he wasn't sure if it was the same jeep, as they had swapped almost everything as parts were damaged.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Most that were sold as surplus after WW2 went through arsenal refurbish which resulted in 'mixmasters'.

  • @martinstallard2742
    @martinstallard2742 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    1:28 need, design, development
    3:23 end of sponsorship
    8:18 specs, capabilities, variants
    12:03 deployed onto world war
    15:28 post-war service and retirement

  • @altonbunnjr
    @altonbunnjr ปีที่แล้ว +20

    As for the name Jeep, legend has it that someone named it after a character in a 1930s Popeye cartoon, Eugene the Jeep. When I was growing up in the 70s the U.S. postal service used them for their mail carriers to move around. They were painted red, white and blue had a hard shell roof and were right hand drive.

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's only 1 of a dozen stories.
      Pick the one you like and just go with it. They're all right

    • @paulcooper3611
      @paulcooper3611 ปีที่แล้ว

      That is the story that I came across, too. Eugene the Jeep in the Thimble Theater comic strip (home of Popeye) was a critter that could teleport, so it could provide support wherever Popeye was stranded. The name was applied to the vehicle because it, like Eugene the Jeep, could go anywhere.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kyleh3615 One that is often overlooked:
      Honk the horn on an original MB or GPW.
      It makes the sound, _'Jeep.'_

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@-oiiio-3993 the A-1312 Spartan horn was used on dozens of civilian vehicles before, during and after the war

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว

      Also, stop trying to source a begging of the name.
      Jeep as a name was born. Not made

  • @dpelpal
    @dpelpal ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Im 42, and when I was a kid I remember WWII era willy's jeeps everywhere on farms near my town in California. I even drove one of them at my friend's ranch...always got a kick that you had to push a button to start it😂

  • @craigyami
    @craigyami ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a jeeper i fell in love with the vehicles when i was a kid my great uncle had a 43 MB on the farm and we use to drive around in it all the time and now i have 2 jeeps and im looking for my own mb to buy and my kids now share the joy of riding around in jeeps

  • @joezephyr
    @joezephyr ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fabulous thank you! Mine is a two door JL Sport S, stock standard in Mojito green. I Love My Jeep!

  • @nytestorm8689
    @nytestorm8689 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Had to listen a couple times. But yes, Simon did say "Yeet" Oh, I'm so proud LOL :)

  • @ignitionfrn2223
    @ignitionfrn2223 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    1:30 - Chapter 1 - Need ; design ; development
    2:05 - Mid roll ads
    3:25 - Back to the video
    8:25 - Chapter 2 - Specs; capabilities ; variants
    12:10 - Chapter 3 - Deployed into world war
    15:35 - Chapter 4 - Post war service & retirement

  • @johnsims5330
    @johnsims5330 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have listened to you just long enough to be able to tell that you have a measure of passion for this wonderful little machines. I did not see you as a Jeep guy, but that's cool. +1 in my book. thank you! Your sources are impeccable.

  • @Etymon-jt3zw
    @Etymon-jt3zw ปีที่แล้ว

    I appreciate your enthusiastic opening on this video. I own 2 jeeps and they were the best used car I've ever had. I only paid $500 for the first one and $1500 for the second jeep.
    I'm currently driving a Jeep Cherokee now. They're not quite as cool as the originals but they're more practical especially in a cold climate.
    When I was a boy my father had a mud puppy which was similar to the water jeeps the seeps. Only it had 6 tires and it was capable of going through the water and floating.
    Good episode Simon

  • @Beryllahawk
    @Beryllahawk ปีที่แล้ว +11

    What a fascinating vehicle. I'd heard about the Jeeps used in the Korean war but had no idea HOW extensive and amazing their history really was.
    That "jeep seat" issue is still a thing, by the by - it can be caused by many things, but first became prevalent because of the hard seats and so forth in those vehicles. It's a weird condition, like an ingrown hair, but compared to normal ones it's a freaking kaiju. Thankfully easy to treat but damn uncomfortable.

    • @dorsk84
      @dorsk84 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I too have suffered.... didn't know where it came from... now I know, and have a small scar to prove it.

    • @Beryllahawk
      @Beryllahawk ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dorsk84 Sympathies!

    • @kkarllwt
      @kkarllwt ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Pilidonal ( sic ) cyst.

    • @Beryllahawk
      @Beryllahawk ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kkarllwt Yep, and I've heard it called a polyfibrous cyst, too.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      Original WW2 'Jeeps' had a canvas pad thinly stuffed with horsehair for a seat 'cushion'.

  • @Rekuzan
    @Rekuzan ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Seeing Richard the Hamster Hammond standing at the steering wheel of that gihugic Jeep is a priceless image I will cherish forever!!!

  • @kennethobrien6537
    @kennethobrien6537 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My pops and I restored our 46 cj2a and its been in the family since new. I love that thing. Jeep life! Would love to find a 49 jeepster. It was so different looking.

  • @davocc2405
    @davocc2405 ปีที่แล้ว

    I worked with a guy in Australia who had one of these. It was the most amazing vehicle for picking up girls outside of clubs you could possibly imagine. He'd drive it into town (dangerous with the brakes apparently being made of some kind of cardboard) and even in the middle of their winter he'd have curious club girls dying to go for a ride around town in this thing. Never failed, it was one of those cars you saw on TV but almost never saw around the streets. He absolutely loved it. I'm so glad to see this tribute vehicle, this with the DC2/DC3 changed everything for the Allied war effort. God when America does things like this it really does change the world doesn't it.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      Early Jeeps had horrible brakes.

  • @mikeoleksa
    @mikeoleksa 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We were still using these for Military Police patrol vehicles in South Korea in the late 80s and early 90s. You couldn't kill them. We even had diesel put in them on accident on more than one occasion. Eventually they would sputter out and quit running, but once the issue was figured out, as much of the diesel was removed from the fuel system as possible, the tank filled back up with mogas, and the engine cracked for a while, it would fire back up and run fine again. Usually before the battery would die from cranking the engine without the alternator being able to recharge the battery. I spent a lot of hours in one. They were fun to drive, but cold in the winter since they had soft canvas sides and top around the passenger area. Good old 260-34 (unit assigned vehicle number) had a pretty good heater at least. 🤣

  • @erikjohnson1482
    @erikjohnson1482 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve owned a Jeep TJ for 17 years. My grandma was 15 when she got chased from her home town in France by the Nazis…. When she asked what car I wanted, and I showed her a Jeep on the lot, she about cried remembering what it was like to see an American in a Jeep for the first time…. I will forever keep my Jeep alive in memory of that look on her face and knowing what these amazing rigs are capable of, it’s 80 some years since the war, and it’s still the pinnacle of off road and adventure technology. Hands down a true American classic, and as Enzo Ferrari stated, a Jeep is the only true American sports car

  • @kassyscarlet6638
    @kassyscarlet6638 ปีที่แล้ว

    My mom grew up driving a 76 CJ. She had to get rid of it(which she still talks about regretting) but eventually got a 91 YJ. The 91 is what I learned to drive on and my first car purchase I made was a 2016 Rubicon. My brother-in-law still has the 91 and it's still going strong with 200,000 mi on its little four cylinder engine. It's the greatest thing in the world to take off the doors and the top or to put it in 4wd and go places you probably shouldn't be. Jeeps don't let you down.

  • @Iamtheliquor
    @Iamtheliquor ปีที่แล้ว +2

    There’s a fella near my house who has one of these fully restored with all the bits and bobs on (gerry can, spade etc)Fylde, Lancs UK

  • @InterstellarTaco
    @InterstellarTaco ปีที่แล้ว +32

    The Jeep moved troops reliably like a champ for cheap, the M1 gave troops fire superiority, and the Sherman was reliable, safe and versatile. Everything just worked back then.

    • @davidcarroll8735
      @davidcarroll8735 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Jeep better than German horses.

    • @oisin3495
      @oisin3495 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The Sherman was safe as long as it wasn’t being fired at by another tank

    • @johngalt2506
      @johngalt2506 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      ​@@oisin3495The M4 had a higher crew survival rate than any other tank of the war.

    • @earlyriser8998
      @earlyriser8998 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      These were all war winners for the reasons mentioned.
      The other attribute of the Sherman with the reliability was the numbers of them. They were everywhere, like the jeeps, and that meant when you needed one you could get one. The tank crews in the Pacific helped the GI disable every fox hole & cave one by one. They got hammered in return but just kept coming up the drive until there were no more caves. In Europe the tanks were repaired, refurbished, and rebuilt and back into service based on ease of repair designs. Germany struggled with this.

    • @tombearclaw
      @tombearclaw ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@earlyriser8998 they still struggle to make stuff that is easy to work on

  • @robertdavidson3090
    @robertdavidson3090 ปีที่แล้ว

    I heard the name Ernie Pyle. Such a wonderful and humble man who was from the state of Indiana. My parents knew a teacher who was acquainted with him. Such a wonderful man and his life was so tragically cut short in the Pacific. In journalism we need his like today.

  • @JeffDeWitt
    @JeffDeWitt ปีที่แล้ว +8

    You ought to take a look at the Studebaker Weasel, another WWII era vehicle. They are cool little tracked things that were used all over the place and can sometimes be seen in the newsreels on MASH.

  • @johnjapuntich3306
    @johnjapuntich3306 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I joined the US army in 1987 as a mechanic and was trained how to do maintenance on Jeeps. Some were still in use even then. Although, by 1990, they were pretty much regulated to the national guard. I remember driving one around Fort Stewart in 1991 as a member of the national guard...

  • @ditzydoo4378
    @ditzydoo4378 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    The Jeep allowed the Allies to have a Cavalry horse of unprecedented strength, range and speed without the need of Oats, or horse shoes. ^~^

    • @RHCole
      @RHCole ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Petrol=oats
      Tires=horse shoes
      Cars stil require fuel and treads, FFS

    • @mr.joshua6818
      @mr.joshua6818 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I still always gave my Jeep some oats as a treat after a long day.

    • @ditzydoo4378
      @ditzydoo4378 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@RHCole yep! and a Jeep won't bite or kick you if it feels put upon. 0~o

    • @ditzydoo4378
      @ditzydoo4378 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@mr.joshua6818 lol... ^~^

    • @GeorgeSemel
      @GeorgeSemel ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just need the oil but that was not an issue for the United States and its allied powers in WW-II.

  • @donovanphillips419
    @donovanphillips419 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio! There’s one preserved smoke stack from the original factory with “OVERLAND” painted on it still standing. The successive Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators are still built in Toledo.

  • @williamlloyd3769
    @williamlloyd3769 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A company in Philippines still stamping out new Jeep component panels - so you can restore a Jeep in any condition. Amazing.

  • @housellama
    @housellama ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Never underestimate the power of great logistics.

  • @MR-sj6rq
    @MR-sj6rq ปีที่แล้ว

    When I got to the 3ACR in Fort Bliss Texas in 1989 we still had old school jeeps with M1A1 tanks. I was suprised. We got Hummves the next year. But I still remember going with the 1SGT in his jeep with food for the troops during training, it overheated and we put water from a near by stream into and kept going. Old school for sure. One year later we were in the Gulf War, no jeeps....

  • @richardbeck8945
    @richardbeck8945 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    We were still using them in the US Army National Guard until 1989. Loved driving it.

  • @JeepGarageCA
    @JeepGarageCA ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 1952 m38 CDN (Canadian Jeep built by Ford in Canada). I’ve been a Jeeper and Jeep history student for over 20 years. This was a great piece on the history of the MB. Quite enjoyable.

  • @LariFariYoutube
    @LariFariYoutube ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I did a lot of repair and restoration work on WW2 MBs in the past... The design is so simple an robust and the build materials are available everywhere.. The fabric roof, the felt or corc gaskets.... You would be able to fix the thing out in the field with virtually nothing on supply..
    No special tools needed.. I whish modern cars would be like this... Greets from Germany. ;)

  • @808bigisland
    @808bigisland ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Drove one for many years as a daily. Fun, reliable and the longstroke 4 cyl felt just good.

  • @gordonwallin2368
    @gordonwallin2368 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love my Jeep, Simon. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

  • @johnsaunders8315
    @johnsaunders8315 ปีที่แล้ว

    You got me with the comment about soldiers modifying their Willies. And, Simon, you did this with a straight face. Bravo, good sir!

  • @ronaldschoolcraft8654
    @ronaldschoolcraft8654 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My dad bought a 1948 CJ2A in 1969. He put a 1966 Buick V6 in it. He restored it in around 2001 and it is quite nice now. He passed away in September of 2011. The Jeep is still in the garage.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      My 'daily' is a flatfender with hopped up (Kenne Bell equipped) Buick V6 'Odd Fire'.
      It's the perfect engine for a modified early Jeep.
      Kaiser bought the 225 V6 rights and tooling from GM in the 1960s, named it Dauntless, and installed them in CJ5, Jeepster, and other 'Jeep' vehicles.

    • @ronaldschoolcraft8654
      @ronaldschoolcraft8654 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@-oiiio-3993 yup. The donor Jeep for my dad's engine was a 1966 CJ5. It is an odd-fire.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ronaldschoolcraft8654 Good stuff.

  • @bkayser05
    @bkayser05 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Simon needs to do one on the Studebaker US6. The logistical truck that could work almost anywhere and was almost as versital as the Willys

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Have you met Ken Hoelscher?
      He lives in Ohio and has the most US6s in the US
      His prize truck 'Phantom' won many prizes at the MVPA show when it was held in South Bend.
      He even has photos of his truck sitting at the bay door where it drove for the first time out of the Studebaker plant.

    • @bkayser05
      @bkayser05 ปีที่แล้ว

      @kyleh3615 I have not, only familiar with this truck as a history major in college but I found it to be a fascinating story, especially the inventive ways the Soviet Union modified their versions and Stalin even sent a letter to the Studebaker company thanking them for the Deuce and a half.

    • @kyleh3615
      @kyleh3615 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bkayser05 he let me drive it a few years ago at an event
      Even the studebaker museum doesn't have one as complete as his.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 ปีที่แล้ว

      Red Ball Express.

  • @keags8198
    @keags8198 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    so cool! i was an engineer on the wrangler years back. still as versatile today as it was then

  • @josesa4299
    @josesa4299 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like your shows. I listened all I could find on Spotify , learning is so fun.

  • @davidcope3304
    @davidcope3304 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Only thing left standing of the old Willys Jeep plant is it's smokestack sadly.

  • @mcdon2401
    @mcdon2401 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I wanted one of these for years, as a kid. Once I was an adult, I realised how expensive a restored WW2 version costs.
    And my old man doesn't help by reminding me when HE was a kid, they could be bought for a few quid when they were surplused off.

  • @ElmoUnk1953
    @ElmoUnk1953 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love my Jeep JK.
    It’s taken me to so many scenic places.

  • @kkarllwt
    @kkarllwt ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My mother bought one in 46 and drove it in chicago till 50 ? But, then, she or her driver had been using one for 3 or 4 years. She was a company commander in the wacs.

  • @josephlannert969
    @josephlannert969 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    It's often overlooked that the first "jeep" was actually a design produced by American farm equipment manufacturer Minneapolis-Moline and called the UTX. The company was even using the term "jeep" before anyone else (after it was first coined by one of the Army's test drivers and then adorned with the name) as specifically mentioned in much of the morale posters commissioned by the company at that time, as well as the court case that the US government dropped after the war because it simply didn't care

    • @thejeepguy-kd7wm
      @thejeepguy-kd7wm 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Can I have your sources?
      (You can't just go off an advertising poster alot wanted the credit I've wanted to know for a while)

  • @crackman9376
    @crackman9376 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The Willy's MB and the Dodge WC series are what won the allies the war. You can't change my mind😤

    • @finnmcool2
      @finnmcool2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You might consider adding Indian motorcycles to that list.

  • @thurin84
    @thurin84 ปีที่แล้ว

    favorite gi mod is where the upper cockpit of a b-17 was fitted to an airfield hack jeep to have a fully enclosed vehicle. pretty stylish as well!

  • @edwardpate6128
    @edwardpate6128 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    In WW1 Mack Trucks were very effective and much sought.

  • @erickbernard8208
    @erickbernard8208 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is why we have the bantam jeep festival in butler Pennsylvania every year

  • @Nathan-vt1jz
    @Nathan-vt1jz ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The importance of logistics in warfare can’t be understated. Alongside combined arms warfare, it’s essential for successful modern warfare.

  • @merafirewing6591
    @merafirewing6591 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Now the 6x6 GMC half ton truck needs it's own video along other US Army military vehicles.

  • @Forrestgang
    @Forrestgang ปีที่แล้ว +1

    In Colombia the Jeep Willy’s is iconic and used to this day!

  • @davidbenson6873
    @davidbenson6873 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Once had a '53 m38a1. Great vehicles.

  • @turkeytrac1
    @turkeytrac1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great vid! Thank you!!

  • @chrissmith2114
    @chrissmith2114 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Even in WW2 Germany was surprisingly reliant on horses for moving stuff around. In WW1 Germany had hardly any trucks

  • @valiant971
    @valiant971 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The story I heard regarding the names is that they were first referred to as general purpose vehicles. This was shortened to GP and finally changed to to jeep.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      An oft repeated myth.
      GP was Ford's designation for their prototype model as 'G' was Ford code for a government contract, 'P' was any vehicle with 80 inch wheelbase. Ford's GP vehicles were built at the same time, and to compete with, the Bantam BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car) and Willys MA (Military, first contract).

    • @valiant971
      @valiant971 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@-oiiio-3993 I double checked and you are correct of course. I am so going to bust the History degree holder who said it as fact to me. This will be fun.

    • @-oiiio-3993
      @-oiiio-3993 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@valiant971Tell him this ('Jeep 101'):
      There _were_ GP vehicles, they just were not 'General Purpose' and were _not_ the first produced.
      American Austin of Butler, PA, had been pitching an idea to the U.S. Army during the 1920s and 30s that there was need for a light, capable, open scout car.
      Austin became American Bantam in 1938 and, to their surprise, became aware in July of 1940 that invitations to bid for a contract to build just such vehicles (with Spicer's new 4WD system) had been issued by the Army Ordnance Department to over 140 manufacturers.
      American Bantam was the first to respond, first to deliver, and their prototype was closest to specifications of any prototypes offered. The original prototype of what would become 'Jeep' was dubbed the 'Blitz Buggy', or 'Old Number One'.
      Willys Overland was the only other bid respondent (voluntarily) and provided their Willys Quad prototype within weeks of Bantam's, Ordnance had also arm twisted Ford to join the process with their Pygmy.
      These initial prototypes were severely abused at Fort Holabird, the Army was impressed, and a small contract was awarded to Bantam, to Willys, and to Ford to build competing prototypes with recommended revisions (after Ordnance had shared blueprints amongst the three mfrs).
      These vehicles were:
      Bantam BRC - (Bantam Reconnaissance Car)
      Willys MA - (Military, First contract)
      Ford GP - (Government, 80" wheelbase)
      After the contract for 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503' was awarded to Willys Overland, Ford was named as subcontractor. During WW2 Willys would go on to produce over 360,000 of their model MB (Military, Second contract) as Ford would build over 280,000 of model GPW (Government, 80", to the Willys specifications).
      As the 'standard' G503 became available, prototype and 'pre standard' vehicles were mostly sent overseas to Lend Lease partners, mostly the USSR.
      Relatively few American GIs would ever have seen an actual Ford GP, though hundreds of thousands were _very_ familiar with the G503, whether Willys MB or Ford GPW .

  • @justandy333
    @justandy333 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    "But then, Theres all the myriad ways the Soliders chose to modify their Willys to suit their purposes."
    I'm sorry but your script writers have really done an epic job on stitching you up Mr Whistler! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @mho...
      @mho... ปีที่แล้ว

      "Pimp my Willy?!" 🤔🤭 sry

    • @darlenefraser3022
      @darlenefraser3022 ปีที่แล้ว

      I can’t believe he made it through the entire thing with a straight face. I don’t know if I could!

  • @sherrile
    @sherrile 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I lived in northern Japan (Hokkaido) from 1995-97 and at the time, there were quite a few Mitsubishi license built jeeps that were basically copies of the Jeep CJ-3. The first couple of times I saw one, I thought I was hallucinating but the Mitsubishi three diamond logo on the front was the give away.

  • @7758ari
    @7758ari ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "Yoink" I think is the proper term for pulling to accelerate to great speeds

  • @bryandale7125
    @bryandale7125 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a wonderful shirt documentary on the history of today's Jeep Wrangler, which is the vehicle that inspired Land Rover, Toyota's Land Cruiser, and other very capable off-road 4x4s.

  • @ROMAQHICKS
    @ROMAQHICKS ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did the special equipment that came with the Willy include a damn mouth guard? I felt my teeth clacking together watching those jeeps and the ridiculous speeds over bumps.

  • @petewitt2867
    @petewitt2867 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That keep that the “British chose to modify” (10.48) is actually a Land Rover 😬 .

  • @davidiusbrown
    @davidiusbrown ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Do the Honda Super Cub, the most prolific motor vehicle of all time. More than 100 million have been built, and it’s still made today.

  • @originalSPECTER
    @originalSPECTER 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The MB’s legacy lives on in many designs including the Land Rover and Land Cruiser. I wish they still made an MB lookalike. Modern tech but that original styling will never be outclassed.

  • @elmergarten2347
    @elmergarten2347 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just your opening made this my favorite of your mega projects video. My oldest brother would have agreed with you. one hundred percent.

  • @tassiehandyman3090
    @tassiehandyman3090 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I grew up in south Devon - the bit the Americans used to practice D-Day. A bloke I knew back then had an OG Willys that the Yanks had left behind in his granddads barn when they went home. If he still has it, it's probably worth a few bob nowadays...😂

  • @DanteTheAbyssalBeing
    @DanteTheAbyssalBeing ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My great grandad used to fry eggs on the bonnet of his Jeep when he fought in North Africa as a Royal Engineer. Mad times.

  • @chrisidoo
    @chrisidoo ปีที่แล้ว

    17:39 That is indeed quite the Megaproject.

  • @brianyoung5068
    @brianyoung5068 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was the driver for my Colonel back in the early 80s. Loved the jeep especially in the spring and summer.

  • @kazekamiha
    @kazekamiha ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It's kind of amazing how much more important a jeep can be then a tank...

  • @jeffbergstrom
    @jeffbergstrom ปีที่แล้ว +1

    IIRC, when General (and later president) Eisenhower was asked what was the most important vehicle of WWII he said the Jeep without hesitation.

  • @chrislong3938
    @chrislong3938 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was sitting in our Jeep when I first saw a Humvee and asked, "What the hell are those things?"
    The guy sitting next said they were the new Jeeps for the Army.
    I couldn't really see how they could be better than a Jeep since our were repaired in the field all the time and four stout dudes could lift one and carry it over gnarly terrain pretty easily and we'd just keep going!
    The only problem I ever had with them was that they could roll pretty easily and kill everyone in it!
    That and when our Motopool sgt swiped our distributor cap and we had to push the damned thing back to the barracks after a drunken night at the EM club at Ft. Irwin!!
    They could carry a lot more than a 1/4 ton of shit which was what they were rated for!

  • @MianCowell
    @MianCowell ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Simon, I was particularly interested in learning how GI's customised their willies

  • @leonb2637
    @leonb2637 ปีที่แล้ว

    The history of American Bantam who developed a prototype is interesting. The UK's Austin Company opened a factory in the USA, near Butler, PA, to make a version of the Austin 7 in the late 1920's. The Great Depression hurt and Austin sold it to a group who was a leading retail seller of the cars. They made key improvements to the engine and drive train, offered some with cute bodies including closed sedans, open top convertibles, small commercial vans, some with 2 tone paint. By 1940's the Bantam cars were not selling well enough, not cheap enough vs. a slightly used major car makers much bigger cars. They made their prototype in record time, driving to the proving grounds in Maryland overnight. While their basic engineering was used, they couldn't make enough for demand but ended up with large contracts for trailers for them. The company continued to make utility trailers into the mid-1950's, the company bought by a steel company. Surplus Jeeps and civilian ones were popular on farms, ranches, and could have added power take offs to do various duties.

  • @b1646717
    @b1646717 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    🐐🐐🐐🐐 the video clip of an Allied soldier pulling out in a jeep with the back end on fire says a lot about the matter.