Without a doubt, the Jeep Willys MB occupies a significant position in the whole automotive history. The origin of the Jeep vehicle dates back to early 1941 when U.S. Forces ordered the Willys, Ford, and Bantam companies to develop prototypes of a small sized multi-purpose 4-wheel drive vehicle. During the early stage of WWII, Germany had achieved outstanding successes by using motorized troops with their "Blitzkrieg" tactics. It became a pressing need for allied nations to possess tough and reliable vehicles with excellent cross-country ability. In November 1941, the Army, with alterations on the front grille and hood to the Ford design, chose the Willy's vehicle as the basis for the mass production model. This marked the birth of the Willys MB (Model B) that provided unmatched ability to transport Allied troops during the conflict. The early Willys MB had a welded, slat type front grille. Due to the necessity of increasing production, the Army ordered Ford to join the mass production using the Willys MB's blueprints. It was designated the GPW, and a simple, pressed steel front grille was introduced. During WWII, the Willys MB and Ford GPW ran over every battlefield. As a means of transit for soldiers, it played an important role in bringing the Allied victory. It was also used for liaison, command, communication and sometimes even as an ambulance for a light firearms carrier. Production reached approximately 640,000 units by August 1945.
- Olive green plastic pieces are attached to sprue trees.
- Clear pieces included for the windshield.
- Hood opens to reveal engine.
- Includes a driver figure.
- Separate frame and floor pan.
- Authentic interior.
- Details include angle-iron cutter, tow bar, machine gun and jerry can
- Clear pictorial instructions.
- 5th Armored Division 95th Armored Field Artillery Battalion Service Company No. 4, Summer 1944, Normandy.
- ASCZ 3886th Transportation Corps Truck Company No.2 in the "Red Ball Express".
- 7th Armored Division 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion Reconnaissance Company No. 22, January 1945, Belgium.
- Paint Colors: Olive Drab, Gunmetal, Chrome Silver, Gold Leaf, Semi- Gloss Black, Flat Black, Flat White, Flat Yellow, Flat Green, Flat Red, Flat Brown, Flat Flesh, Flat Aluminum, Khaki, Flat Earth, Metallic Grey, Buff, Dark Yellow, Red Brown, Light Grey.
