The Jeep was the primary light four-wheel-drive vehicle of the US Army and allies during the Second World War and the post-war period. It was originally designed to meet a 1940 US Army specification, and over 600,000 examples were built in both Ford and Willys forms. The Jeep saw service all over the world, and a healthy number of restored authentic military examples can still be seen today in the hands of enthusiasts. This book provides a brief history of this iconic vehicle, and a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into what is involved in restoring, operating and maintaining a Jeep today, 70 years after the prototype first appeared.

DIVThe definitive, fully illustrated celebration of an auto manufacturer that paved its own way by going off-road./divDIV /divDIVFew American vehicles, or vehicles made anywhere else in the world for that matter, are as universally iconic as the Jeep. From olive drab WWII military relics to the beloved Wrangler with its rear-mounted spare tire, open-air design, and telltale roll cage, the Jeep is a true classic. In Jeep: The History of America’s Greatest Vehicle, automotive writer Patrick R. Foster chronicles over 70 years of Jeep vehicle design and production. Beginning with the Jeep as a crucial component of the American World War II fleet, Foster expertly recounts the corporate shifts, financial struggles and successes, close calls, and—above all—the enduring machines that have carried Jeep from the early 1940s to its triumphant role as a modern-day embodiment of American perseverance. Three hundred color and black-and-white historical photos complement his expertly written narrative of Jeep’s entire history, reminding us that sometimes, the road less traveled was just waiting for the right truck./div

In 2021, as the Jeep celebrates its 80th anniversary, there is no doubt that it is one of the world's most famous automobiles. The idea of preserving wartime Jeeps has become ever more popular. With over 220 photos, this book looks at the history of military Jeeps and provides an up-to-date view of them within the preservation scene.

“The Jeep is as iconic a military vehicle as the Chieftain tank, and this terrific book celebrates it in brilliant style . . . inspiring.” —Books Monthly The Second World War Jeep was one of the most famous and influential military vehicles of all time, and over 600,000 were produced. It served with all the Allied forces during the war on every front and it has been the inspiration behind the design of light, versatile, rugged military and civilian vehicles ever since. In this, the first volume in Pen & Sword’s LandCraft series, Lance Cole traces the design, development and manufacturing history of the Jeep and describes its operational role within the Allied armies. A selection of archive photographs showing the Jeep in service in European and Pacific campaigns gives a graphic impression of how adaptable the Jeep was and records the variety of equipment it could carry. The book is an excellent source for the modeler, providing details of available kits, together with specially commissioned color profiles recording how the Jeeps used by different units and armies appeared. Lance Cole’s introduction to the Jeep is necessary reading and reference for enthusiasts and modelers. “If you are a modeler looking for guidance and inspiration then this book is a must have. Its pages are packed full of jeep goodness, giving tips and ideas for your build. It is also a great read, or coffee-time browser, if you are a vehicle enthusiast or simply love Willys/Ford jeeps and merely want to stimulate your brain and satisfy your eyes.” —The OCAD Collection

Detailed descriptions of the production jeep and its capabilities, production changes and equipment, special-purpose Jeeps, and offers specifications drawn up by the Quartermaster Corps Committee for Ford and Bantam.