1942 Willys Jeep MB

Although the USA is credited with the production of the amazing WW2 Jeep by Willys and Ford, the concept may well have been spawned by the British Austin Seven, which was also built in America under license in the nineteen thirties. In 1941, the search was on for a lightweight, off road capable utility vehicle for the military, which needed to be smaller than the current Dodge half-ton trucks then currently available. Willys, Ford and Bantam were tasked with creating a suitable vehicle and development became a committee-style operation with no one in particular claiming clear credit for the design. What transpired was a tough and durable vehicle which was able to replace the use of horses and draft animals and it was so successful that it was deemed one of the greatest contributions to modern warfare.  After the war, the Jeep became popular both at home and abroad for all manner of duties, both recreational and commercial.

This superb example first arrived in the UK in 1998 and its current custodian, an engineer and commercial vehicle collector, purchased the Jeep in 2011. We understand that at some point when in the UK, the engine was replaced, and we can confirm that the new unit runs as sweetly as a sewing machine! LSJ 309 has been very well maintained during the current ownership; indeed, it’s unlikely one would be able to find a Jeep from a better home. Recent work has included attention to the braking system in July of this year (plus a replacement master cylinder in April), and the fitting of a new fuel pump in 2022, a new spark plug set in ’21 and new road springs in 2011.

Overall, it is described as being good in all departments. The body is sound and solid, the paintwork is nice and the upholstery is all good. The Jeep even comes with a rifle carrying case on the upper dashboard and a mock Browning Automatic gun and mount, perfect for bagging a supermarket parking space or perhaps more appropriately participating in World War II commemorative events.

The history file includes MOT test certificates dating from 2006 to 2011, gaskets and carburettor information, tax discs, invoices from the current ownership, an original maintenance manual and parts list, an Olyslager manual and a French technical manual, an older V5 document and the V5C registration certificate.

ADDENDUM

To clarify, it is understood that the engine was replaced in a previous ownership. It is a correct-type engine. Please note that the number has been taken from the engine block but differs from the V5C, this anomaly should be easy to rectify.

SOLD