The Willys is considered the forefather of all contemporary all-terrain automobiles, SUVs and even Jeeps. The automobile was produced at the beginning of World War II when the US military high command announced a competitive tender for the construction of a universal, light and inexpensive four-wheel drive automobile. Only 3 of 135 auto manufacturers in the US participated in the competition due to the complexity of the criteria, which some manufacturers found impossible, for example, delivery of a completed prototype in 49 days. Of the three manufacturers – Bantam, Ford and Wilys Overland – only the first met the deadline. Bantam, however, lacked the necessary production capacity and the Ford Pigmy and Wilys Quad prototypes were accepted as well. The end result was in fact a combination of the best qualities of all the prototypes. The Wilys MA (Military A) gained a more powerful 2.2 liter motor, called the Go Devil, in place of its previous 1.8 liter 45 HP motor. Only 1600 Willys MA were produced, but the second, improved edition, the Willys MB, became a legend. Willys Overland produced about 360,000 such automobiles, Ford – 280,000. Upon restoration of these automobiles, it was concluded that the Ford production was of a higher quality, but the Willys Overland “jeep” had a sturdier frame. The automobile is characterized by a high roadability, extremely simple construction, as well as useful extras – additional gasoline cans, a shovel and an axe. It did not, however, have doors and other elements considered matter-of-course in civil automobiles. It is interesting that the manufacturers had planned a very short period of usage for the automobile – 90 days in war conditions – but many of them are in very good technical condition still today.
The automobile with chassis number GPW 41181 have been on Royal Air Force duty up to 1947, when car have been sold to private owner. During the years it have changed several owners. Last owner have settled in Brighton, UK. Automobile have been restored and participated in several D-day meeting in France. By actual owners automobile was purchased in Great Britain in 2014, it is in excellent condition, and takes part not only in regular retro automobile events, but is used in filmmaking as well.
