1940 American Bantam BRC40, this is genesis for the Jeep!!

[@nickpontiac]

Metallica, Fade To Black. Two in a row brother! Keep the great videos coming!

[@What.its.like.]

Yeah buddy congratulations you got it =)

[@andreamills5852]

great job

[@1936Studebaker]

That small running board has a multi purpose, it's to stop the front fender from flexing and to stop mud and water from flicking up and wetting the driver and passenger. On some vehicles it could also hold a jerry can with the correct attachment.

[@OathTaker3]

You beat me to it! LoL

[@bparksiii6171]

The handles on the sides are for the guys to lift up the vehicle to help get it unstuck. Digging those vintage appliances in the background, almost could have made a short after video, and Cool Packard the background. I'll take the Farm-O road 1st. 2nd the Bantam wagon.

[@What.its.like.]

Those are machines in the background, differences between appliances and machines.. modern cars are appliances because of you can make them better over the air as a software update that’s a appliance or horse power upgrade via a chip. Machines use parts.. Great choices =)

[@bparksiii6171]

@@What.its.like. Agree with you there on the modern cars, after so many software updates and then they are obsolete throw the car away, unlike the old cars, fresh battery , spark plugs, adjust the points and carburetor, they just keep going.

[@robertwatkins364]

There was a man from Boston, he drove an American Austin. There was room for his ass, and a gallon of gas, but his balls hung out, and he lost them! LOL My grandpa taught me that when I was like 7. 😂😂😂

[@allenwayne2033]

LOL!

[@rogersmith7396]

A real old timer side splitter.

[@What.its.like.]

I was going to make mention the people that jumped those Jeeps when they landed, it’s amazing that they still have an ass or balls or a back.. I can’t imagine that landing being very soft

[@markw208]

I had heard “Baby Austin”, but it’s the same car

[@ernielaw]

His ass was where he stored the gas.

[@user-kz2no1pn8s]

Jay, there is a name on that BRC, if you look at the gauges you would see the name, surprise! It's checkers! Supposedly bantam and checkers where to form a partnership to go up against Willy's and Ford. But only 2 of these jeeps were ever made. I' m a long time member of the Gilmore car museum and have seen this jeep many many times. I know of another BRC 40 about 5-6 miles away. Keep up the good work!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing all of that insight and information I had no idea that they only built two of those that’s crazy.. I absolutely love the Gilmore auto museum and I totally forgot to mention that if anybody wanted to see the car/Jeep jeep probably be there a better word anybody wanted to see that they can see it at any time at the Gilmore museum

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@What.its.like. He's wrong about Bantam not having their own gauges. Look at the dashboard of any American Bantam car and you'll see the Bantam logo on them.

[@OathTaker3]

Those slotted lights were blackout lights so following vehicles wouldn't hit them when the regular lights were off, the front ones should be the ones next to the headlights which would be an older type since the newer ones looked more like the rear blackout lights. That unmarked switch should be for the blackout lights.

[@-oiiio-3993]

Correct.

[@61rampy65]

That sticky note on the dash isn't for 4 wheel drive, it is for 4 wheel *steering* ! The shifter levers just to the right of the gas pedal are for the hi/lo range, and 4wd/2wd. I never even knew they had 4ws! Interestingly, the cutaway engine shown at 4:20 shows just a 2 main bearing crankshaft, while the Berg catalog at 14:23 shows a 3 main crank, which I will assume was for the Jeep engine, while a Bantam car just got 2 bearings. Interesting stuff!

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for all of that information as well as correction. I didn’t know that these had four-wheel steer when I went to shoot this vehicle. =)

[@tirebiter1680]

The D.O.D. had a contest to design a Jeep. Bantam won. in 1940 the army wanted way more vehicles than Bantam could make, so the Army went with Willys-Overland. During the war some of these were made in a Ford factory. The vehicle was originaly named a G P for general purpose vehicle.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information =)

[@-oiiio-3993]

GP did _not_ designate "general purpose" and was not the original designation of what would become known as 'Jeep'. The Bantam BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car) was first. The letter 'P' was Ford internal code for any Ford built vehicle with a wheelbase of 80 inches. GP was Government, 80" wheelbase (per Ford Motor Company documentation). GPW was the designation of Ford's subcontracted production of the 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4. G503' for which Willys Overland had won the contract and produced nearly 360,000 of their Model MB (Military, second contract). GPW was Government, 80", (to the ) Willys contract. Nearly 280,000 GPW vehicles were produced at several factories. All Willys built G503 were produced at Toledo.

[@peashooterc9475]

Willys brought their recently upgraded 134 CID engine that made them a player. Ford used their 40 hp tractor engine. Ford came up with the stamped steel grille during the war as a production expedient, Willys later trade marked it as their own. I don't believe Ford had enough interest in a post war vehicle to seriously fight it.

[@mikewasfaret9563]

You are partially correct. The government gave the contract to Willys and Ford because Bantam couldn't build them fast enough.

[@What.its.like.]

I just think that Bantam got screwed out of the whole deal. They should’ve got some sort of severance instead Willy’s took credit for something they themselves didn’t make and personally I think there’s a curse of the Jeep whatever company has the rights to the Jeep they eventually die Think about it

[@8176morgan]

Great video Jay, I read a while back that the reason Banton didn't get the Jeep contract even though they more or less invented it was because the U.S. government decided that they simply did not have the factory capacity to produce as many Jeeps as would be needed for the war effort, and so the contract went to both Willys and Ford who by themselves actually made more than a quarter of million Jeeps during the war and Willys even more than that. Bantam ended up making a whole lot of Jeep trailers which I would imagine kept them pretty busy during that time.

[@ronaldfazekas6492]

Thanks--Willys didn't steal the Bantam idea, they were given it as the army knew that Bantam could not provide the number of units needed

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you dig this video I can’t believe Bantam didn’t do you a royalty deal or something like that I feel like they should’ve gotten way more credit than they did..

[@What.its.like.]

Than after the war they copyright patented it as their own design when they didn’t design it... Bantam made the mistake of not getting a patented they should’ve done that and then they would’ve been protected

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@What.its.like. Ordnance declared the designs / blueprints to be government property after they were submitted and shared them among Bantam, Willys, and Ford. In 1941 they also put the kibosh on Willys and Ford logos that had been prominently stamped into the rear panels of early Willys MA and Ford GP models.

[@darylkik6204]

I agree Bantam did the initial work and due to size was left behind. Ford made sure any part on the Willys/Ford Jeep would clearly be stamped "Ford". He claimed that he would not be blamed or charged for inferior parts from Willys compared to Ford. If you open the hood on most models made from 1941-53 on the underside is a giant liner showing how to check fluids and location for most things to make it easier. The Go-devil engine seemed to be the most popular made by Willys and put in most Jeeps. 61hp and lots of torque and only 6.45 to 1 cylinder ratio. When I joined the Air Force in 1991 the DRMO had hundreds on pallets to be sold in lots. I asked and was told only the engine and transmission could be sold and the rest would be crushed due to safety concerns. (I felt crushed hearing that.) Another great show. Thanks PS-Those lights were called blackout lights to project less light for the enemy to see you coming.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for your service. Great story, insight and information =)

[@darylkik6204]

@@What.its.like. I learn from you also and your commenters. Thanks to all of you.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for digging this channel.. i’m just happy getting the opportunity to do what I’ve always wanted to do, born to late.

[@darylkik6204]

@@What.its.like. You and I both. Grew up in the 1980s and only had a few cool cars to talk about, it was the 1980s and 55 saves lives. lol

[@-oiiio-3993]

Ford also produced the Willys engine during WW2 (with Willys receiving no royalty) as Ordnance insisted on full interchangeability and the Willys engine was superior to those offered by Bantam (a Continental) or Ford (Model N tractor engine) in their prototype and 'pre standard' offerings. It was the 'Go Devil' that won the 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503' contract for Willys with Ford as subcontractor.

[@peashooterc9475]

That museum piece has later taillights on it. The lower windows are used for night convoy driving. It should not have an electric fuel pump. The Army paid Bantam for the drawings and shared them with whoever, Willys didn't need to 'steal' anything, just copy and paste. Bantam completed two early production contracts on time, should have qualified them for more than just trailers.

[@What.its.like.]

Bantam got the shaft end of the deal that’s for sure

[@OathTaker3]

Towing accessories? Those are bumpers & they're shaped to have a spring action. If you tried to pull something it would simply stretch out since the strength is in it's bounce/push direction not it's stretch/pull direction. The step pieces at the bottom rear of the front fenders were for standing room only passengers, mounting water/gas Jerry cans, fire extinguisher, ammo boxes ETC.

[@johnboydTx]

Crosley and woody wagon 😉👍 The lot took in a 1932 American Austin 😊 pretty good little car... Rode pretty good and not bad handling for what it was 🙂 Another great episode 👏👏✌️

[@What.its.like.]

I want to find a bantam woody wagon Glad you dig this episode

[@johnnygthedj]

The small slit light is not a backuplight it is a black out light for clandestine operation. The little handles are for tying down gear

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information thank you so much for sharing =)

[@-oiiio-3993]

Correct regarding blackout lights, handles were for literally 'manhandling' the vehicle. Four soldiers could lift the vehicle if stuck.

[@VintageCarHistory]

Back at the turn of the 20th century, the US car industry did make small cyclecars; as well as highwheelers ala Duryea and a few larger vehicles such as Thomas Flyers and such. Yet the, 'Runabout' style of car was a true microcar of the time. The Ford Model A of 1903 is typical of the style. A short wheelbase and track, an underseat engine of maybe 8 HP on a good day and room to perhaps seat four people if you don't mind being crowded and getting out to push when needed. They were not called microcars at the time as the concept simply didn't exist but if you look at the average size, power and utility of a runabout compared with a microcar of the late 40's and 50's you'll see lots of similarities.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you so much for that information and insight.. if anybody is reading these comments maybe there’s a collaboration between these two channels in the future.. And if you’re reading this comment be sure to check out vintage car history that channel talks about all of the stuff that happened before 1932 the people mostly and technology that you thought was new in present day actually came out at the turn of the last century..

[@-oiiio-3993]

Correct on all counts.

[@thomasozminkowski2589]

Jay i love this channel. I have enjoyed watching it grow. I dont comment often but i will be here always.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you it means awesome =) And we are just getting started, I can’t wait to see where we are next year at this time because last year at this time I didn’t have a clue where it would lead and it’s crazy to see where it is now versus where it was..

[@douglascrow5959]

I enjoyed this video. It had a lot of information about Bantam that previously was unknown to me, and pictures that I hadn't seen before. There are, though, some inaccuracies and assumptions and false conclusions. You conclude, wrongly, that Willys stole the Jeep concept from Bantam. What actually happened is that there was a competition between Bantam, Willys, and Ford. Each company had elements in their prototypes that the Army liked, and the final product reflected those elements. There is a good book that explains this--The Story Of Jeep, by Patrick R. Foster. In the end Bantam was never going to be able to supply the government with all of the vehicles that it needed, so the Army told Willys and Ford to cooperate and combine the best of their designs, and split the contract between the two companies. Ford had the best body design, and Willys had the best engine and drive train. Both companies produced nearly identical vehicles on their production lines with interchangeable parts. While you were looking at the Bantam BRC in the museum, you puzzled over the piece of metal behind the front wheel. Many people think this, which was on military Jeeps in those early years, was a step. It was not a step and would not bear the weight of a heavy person. That is a mud flap. It keeps water and mud from splashing on the front seat passengers when the doors are off the vehicle. Modern Wranglers without running boards can be seen to have mud splattered in an arc all over the doors. That's why modern Jeeps have running boards when they don't need running boards.

[@avp217]

The third toggle switch isn't ION, it's IGN for ignition.

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet thank you so much for that didn’t know what ion was that’s how it was labeled

[@rudymaschke1322]

Hi Jay, I really enjoy your videos. I love automobiles and the history of them. You portray them very well. Keep up the good work look forward to your videos.

[@What.its.like.]

Glad to hear =) thank you so much for digging this channel, really cool stuff next week I’m not going to give any away but going to be cool

[@tirebiter1680]

The German army had is's own car too, the "Kubelwagen". ,essentially a Volkswagen with only rear-wheel drive, but with the engine mounted above the rear wheels for traction. This could not compete with the 4-wheel drive Jeep.

[@ceriabestsb3023]

You're actually looking at a Bantam with 4 wheel steering..seems to me it is switchable between 2 & 4 wheel steering..

[@-oiiio-3993]

It is a rare prototype.

[@jontompkins1844]

My guess is that the ION label was actually IGN or ignition. Definitely take the wagon.

[@-oiiio-3993]

Yes, ignition.

[@ahoorakia]

that's just to strengthen the fender to body at that point,it's not running board,other wise the fender will be shaking and fall apart,look at it @9:05 how it is connected

[@middleclassretiree]

It also kept the mud down especially on the mirror and driver

[@rogersmith7396]

Skid plate?

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@rogersmith7396 No, those were under the oil pan and transfer case.

[@charlesdalton985]

Great content as always. It’s a fascinating and nuanced topic regarding Bantam, Willys, and Ford and the “jeep”. Along with, how the “jeep” got its name. Thank you as always ~ Chuck

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you dig this episode no episode today 59 de Soto tomorrow =)

[@-oiiio-3993]

Many of his 'facts' are inaccurate.

[@denislandry7577]

What a treat ! Well done Jay

[@What.its.like.]

Glad you dig this episode =)

[@-oiiio-3993]

Many of his 'facts' are inaccurate.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Jay!: Thanks for showing the BRC! Bantam did sell some to Russia and there is even a 1:35 scale military model kit of it, or at least there was. I have one of the kits somewhere that the decals are for the U.S. Army version. I would pick the BRC over the other two Jeeps because of the rarity of them, plus it was the first! Second would have to be the Bantam Station Wagon, again for rarity. I believe the Mifflinburg Body company built the Bantam Station Wagon bodies. I really like the Crosley and the Ford Jeep, too, but it's Bantam for me!

[@What.its.like.]

Great information thank you so much for watching this episode glad you dig

[@-oiiio-3993]

The pre production contracts were of 1,500 each to Bantam (BRC), Willys (MA), and Ford (GP). Bantam's contract was extended to produce vehicles for Lend Lease partners.

[@rogersmith7396]

Bantam did'nt have the production facilities to fulfill the Army order. They got the design contract but they were never going to get the production contract.

[@What.its.like.]

Very true.. but wasn’t fair how it all played out. After the war jeep should have been bantams thing because they did all the work in creating it Willys was one hell of a marketer i’m not even a big Jeep fan but some other advertisements made me want to buy a Jeep

[@rogersmith7396]

@@What.its.like. Bantam probably should have gotten royalties on the millions made. Thats the way gun designs are.

[@What.its.like.]

Totally agree =)

[@aaronwilliams6989]

I'd hate to see one of those things crash because all the occupants would come flying right out!

[@What.its.like.]

Ain’t that the truth I was going to make a comment saying it’s amazing that the people that jump these things had backs her asses or even balls when they landed

[@aaronwilliams6989]

@@What.its.like. Yep, LOL!

[@mikewasfaret9563]

My brother in law bought one 40 years ago. Both he and the seller thought it was a Willys. He paid 500 for it and the trailer it was sitting on. He needs a Continental engine, his has a Willys in it.

[@What.its.like.]

I will be honest they are hard to tell apart the only way that you can really tell a Willys apart is the stamp their name on everything.. which is weird considering they didn’t even come up with a design they stole the design from Bantam and the jeep grill from Ford put it together in a package and eventually patenting it and sold it as their own design. The part that really grinds my gears is if you go to a jeep event and you ask any Tom Dick or Harry who invented the jeep I’m willing to bet the farm the answer you will get is willys.. false truth, it was made true or tried to be a fact by covering up the truth

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@What.its.like. It was Ford that stamped the script 'F' on nearly every part as a means of quality control. Aside from the very early vehicles of both Ford and Willys which had large logos stamped onto the rear panel, Willys MBs only bore the name on the dash plate, frame tag, and cylinder heads. Your version of the story is far from accurate.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!!! 👍👍

[@ahoorakia]

9:55 that's for strap to hold the top

[@markchandler90]

Hope the 1942 Desoto is next!

[@What.its.like.]

This was the last car from the Gilmore auto museum I didn’t get to do anything else there that day

[@tirebiter1680]

Willys-Overland was able to sell so many jeeps they forgot about making cars.

[@What.its.like.]

I just think/feel they should have given more credit to bantam for coming up with the actual design it’s like they just swooped in and took it. And they wanted all the credit for it when they didn’t really do anything but sell it

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@What.its.like. You are wrong. Learn the history.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

The American Bantam Jeep with 4 wheel steering was unstable and prone to roll over. American Bantam didn't have the capacity to build the number of vehicles the U.S. armed forces needed nor in the timeframe required. Willys was lacking also, so Ford was called in to help. Willys and Ford-built Jeeps were virtually identical and parts were interchangeable(or atleast I never found a part which couldn't be swapped). From working on them, the Ford parts were marked, like the headbolts had an "F" on them. I'd take the Ford(or Willys) GPW hands-down. After the wars, many Farmers bought the surplus GPW's and put them to work on the farm. I remember seeing them on farms all over. The convertible American Bantam was more open so it seemed like it had more room.

[@rogersmith7396]

The 1950s Ford Jeep was a death trap. Same problem as early Corvairs. Unsafe at any speed.

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for sharing that information but still bantam should have gotten a royalty deal from it they put in the work do you have a working prototype in 45 days or something to that effect it wasn’t long at all

[@automatedelectronics6062]

@@What.its.like. Maybe, but there were no parts in common, outside of the Willys Jeep using the same Continental engine? Maybe Ford might have paid Continental a royalty for copying their design? I have a feeling that because of the war effort, any question of who owned what design wasn't looked at. Looking at it another way, ALL these vehicles were a homoglomation of parts supplied by different manufacturers and different companies just assembled them. Ford's practice of keeping as much manufacturing inhouse as they could may have meant that they might have manufactured some of the parts themselves. Way back when, Henry Ford wanted to keep everything under his roof, so Ford had it's own foundry, glass plant and even had a deal with Firestone for Ford to manufacture it's own tires. American Bantam could have continued manufacturing it's own GPW . Willys used the opportunity to create a whole new market segment and is why the Jeep name is still active today. Hopefully Stellantis won't spoil the mix like FIAT tried to do.

[@-oiiio-3993]

Correct, except that Willys vehicles were not 'GPW'. After Willys Overland won the contract for 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503' Ford was named as subcontractor. Willys designated their G503s as Model MB (Military, second contract), Ford called their subcontracted G503s GPW (Government, 80" wheelbase, Willys pattern). The letter 'P' was Ford internal code for vehicles of 80" w/b.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@rogersmith7396 You must be referring to the M151 M.U.T.T. (Multi Use Tactical Truck) with its four wheel independent suspension. Though designed by Ford in the early 1950s, they were not produced in significant numbers until the Vietnam War heated up in the 1960s. Most were built by Kaiser and AM General. The instability issues were somewhat addressed in the later issue M151A1 and M151A2 models.

[@jacksoncz8536]

The Bantam, and the Convertible

[@rogersmith7396]

Do Wartsilla. I want to see you walking on top of a piston.

[@allenwayne2033]

WYR: I'd rather have that wringer washing machine sitting behind the Bantam

[@What.its.like.]

Haha haha 😂

[@-oiiio-3993]

I have an old Maytag wringer.

[@ernielaw]

My picks would be the Crosley and Bantam wagon.

[@richardwarren7492]

The military designation GP (for Government Purposes or General Purpose) was slurred into the word Jeep. The same way that HMMWV (for High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle) has become known as the Humvee.

[@darylkik6204]

Or rumor had it that a popular cartoon dog from space could do almost anything and his name was Jeep. (I am far to young to know that cartoon.)

[@richardwarren7492]

@@darylkik6204 EUGENE THE JEEP. Olive Oyl pet. First appeared March 16, 1936. There is a theory by some (more misinformation by they way) that is where "Jeep" got it's name it's incorrect. War correspondent Ernie Pyle is responisble for the quote: "It accomplished everything. It was all over the place. The Jeep was as dependable as a dog, as powerful as a mule, and as agile as a goat. It always hauled twice as much as it was designed for and kept going." So the new brand "Jeep" is named after a cartoon. Well based on current quality, that might fit.

[@darylkik6204]

@@richardwarren7492 Thank you for all the information. I know enough to be dangerous but not always correct.

[@richardwarren7492]

@@darylkik6204 Hey it happens - me too!

[@-oiiio-3993]

GP was _not_ Government Purposes nor General Purpose. The letter 'P' was Ford's internal code for vehicles of 80 inch wheelbase. GP was Government, 80" w/b, GPW was Government, 80" w/b, Willys pattern. 'Pre standard' vehicles were: Bantam BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car) Willys MA (Military, first contract) Ford GP (Government, 80") After the contract for 'Truck, 1/4 ton, 4X4, G503' was awarded to Willys Overland, Willys built nearly 360,000 of their model MB (Military, second contract) and Ford nearly 280,000 of their model GPW (Government, 80", Willys pattern) as subcontractor.

[@amonwirthiem5762]

Great stuff! I believe that Bantam Bearings (3:40) was not associated with American Bantam (and actually lived up till 1968). The story of Bantam and Willys is similar - for both the Jeep was the last hope\chance. Willys was a much bigger and capable conglomerate - hence the army decision to go with Willys, Bantam could not support WWII army needs. I will take the Farm-O-road!

[@What.its.like.]

Great save on that.. lots of things called bantam back then Bantam should have gotten a mr wonderful royalty deal

[@mountainmantoo]

Kaiser was in the mix too in jeep prototypes

[@-oiiio-3993]

Henry J. Kaiser did not enter the automotive field until late 1945. It was 1953 before Kaiser acquired Willys Overland and 'Jeep', changing the company name to Willys Motors.

[@mountainmantoo]

@@-oiiio-3993 BS. Kaiser built a competing prototype competing for a govt contract WAY before that. (And the term "jeep" came from Popeye cartoons, Einstein)

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@mountainmantoo The term 'Jeep' had been used in military circles for decades prior as reference to new and untested 'gadgets'. I am well aware of Eugene the Jeep, as well.

[@mountainmantoo]

@@-oiiio-3993 Kaiser built a prototype WAY before "late 1945", lost out to Ford and Willy's, so your comment is WRONG. (The war ended spring/early summer '45). "Jeep" was used because Eugene could go anywhere through anything, not a slang word as the nonsense you described. Google is not a substitute for a brain. You were wrong, live and learn.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@mountainmantoo I have a brain and knew these facts when a website was merely a habitat for spiders you childish ass. Have you ever read a book? As indicated, I am well aware of Eugene the Jeep. The _fact_ that the term, 'Jeep', was used for decades prior to WW2 in the U.S. military is not "nonsense". The Japanese Empire surrendered to the United States in September of 1945, not "spring or early summer" of that year. Grow up, child. Learn a few things, yourself. Give a date for Kaiser's "competing prototype" relevant to September / October of 1940.

[@hcombs0104]

I would choose the 1940 Ford, and the 1935; American Bantam convertible. I was wondering why they had the headlights being partially blocked?

[@jacksoncz8536]

For Blackout conditions,

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@jacksoncz8536 Correct.

[@JamesAllmond]

Those little lights are the black out lights.. The Soviets copied the BRC40. Their GAZ version looks a lot like it for years!

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome thank you so much for that information I was going to add it’s amazing those guys had asses after getting airborne like that the landing would be harsh I would think

[@-oiiio-3993]

The Soviets were quite fond of the BRC. Bantam, Willys, and Ford were initially granted contracts to build 1,500 each of their BRC, MA, and GP, respectively, prior to the G503 contract being awarded to Willys in 1941 with Ford as subcontractor (Willys MB, Ford GPW). Prior to the G503 contract, Bantam's initial order of 1,500 vehicles was greatly increased to provide BRCs to the Soviet Union during Lend Lease.

[@robertsnyder5149]

I had a chance to buy an original Bantum Jeep for $800.00 and didn't. There were quite a few different things on it.

[@What.its.like.]

I wonder how much those go for now because they are super rare..

[@robertsnyder5149]

@@What.its.like. Mucho denaro!

[@robertsnyder5149]

@@What.its.like. Above 20 grand.

[@greggweber9967]

Or was it the character of management? I don't know.

[@What.its.like.]

Perhaps that too

[@ROXSTARCorvette4371]

I'll take the Ford version. Too bad Bantam didn’t have the resources to sue Willys for trademark infringement.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m surprised they didn’t have like a royalty deal in place bantam screwed up they should’ve took out a Paton on that

[@-oiiio-3993]

Ordnance declared all designs, prototypes, blueprints to be government property upon submission. There was no trademark for the 'Jeep' until the early 1950s and it went to Willys Overland.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@What.its.like. I suppose you mean _patent._ Ordnance declared that all designs and blueprints submitted in the bidding process had become Government property and acted accordingly. Willys never got paid royalties for over a quarter million Ford produced Willys 134 'Go Devil' engines that went into Ford GPWs either. The 'Go Devil' was a pure Willys Overland design that had been produced by Willys since the 1920s. It was that engine that won the contract to build the 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503'.

[@greggweber9967]

Is that "running board for structural strength?

[@MrRlb183]

Is it a mud deflector? Without it, the passengers would be wet.

[@greggweber9967]

@@MrRlb183 Maybe both?

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@greggweber9967 Yes, and yes.

[@andreamills5852]

Ford GPW --Bantam conv.

[@mejurgensen]

Ford GP40 & Bantam wagon

[@captaccordion]

Willys did more than you credit them for. The final standardised Jeep design used the Willys engine and not the Continental. Production-wise, Ford and Willys both produced heaps of Jeeps. Neither was permitted to use their brand name on the Jeep, but Ford cheated, having an F forged into the head of every bolt.

[@-oiiio-3993]

The 'F' script marks were a means of quality control.

[@ronkemperful]

Absolutely my favorite version of the Jeep was the original WW2 version. Economical to repair and maintain, Simple in design and as a result actually quite reliable. THIS is the way Jeeps still should be made; not with giant tablet screens, power steering and brakes, not with climate control AC, power locks and seats, not with leather or cloth seats, and not with four doors or with bloated pickup beds. A Jeep should be just a simple 4x4 to crawl over abandoned railroad beds, up goat trails and through drifts of snow or snorkel through river bottoms. Perhaps the present European owners of Jeep should look back at ancient history for what architecture and functionality the Jeep really should have. Discard the V-8s and V-6s, and put in a simpler powertrain... even a plain electric one (God-forbid!) would be simpler and more reliable than the mind-boggling mechanical mess of the gasoline-guzzling and problematic electrified hybrid designs. Cost of Jeeps nowadays is insane with some on dealer's lots approaching six figures... other than as a status symbol, Jeeps today have become irrelevant and meaningless. An interesting side note: the original WW2 Jeeps were designed to be stacked on top of one another like cord wood in ship holds so that thousands could be transported by the navy for combat destinations. Maybe that is why certain bulges exist on the hood, and a foldable windshield exists?

[@What.its.like.]

Thank you so much for all of that insight and information I totally agree I think a jeep should be an off-road vehicle much like the side-by-side‘s that they sell doesn’t need fancy iPads touch screens.. I think that’s where a lot of things are getting lost in translation every single vehicle doesn’t need to have that whatever happened to a nice analog experience. I honestly think that’s why I like Classic Cars as much as I do because I prefer to drive my car if you have traction control you’re not really driving your car.. lots of assistance in new cars.

[@-oiiio-3993]

They were also stacked on railroad cars. Photos exist. I recently bought a restored Willys MB.

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

I once tried to sit behind the wheel of a Ford gp. It was impossible! I guess that’s nutrition for you, too tall & too round to even contemplate trying to climb aboard!

[@What.its.like.]

I totally know the feeling I got in a Crosley Farm o Road and I couldn’t fit in it it wasn’t tubbed out enough

[@rogersmith7396]

Jeep Grand Cherokee with in dash Beer Meister and dual butt air conditioners.

[@What.its.like.]

Hahaha 😂

[@JamesAllmond]

BRC40 35 Conv!

[@What.its.like.]

Sweet =)

[@markchandler90]

Crosley

[@Mr.mopar71]

That's a ford pygmy.

[@-oiiio-3993]

04:28 - "Hundreds"? The Ordnance Department solicited bids from 135 manufacturers, not "hundreds". 04:34 - "...three returned back..."? Ford did not respond with a bid, they were later 'encouraged' by Ordnance to participate. 05:23 - The BRC 60 was produced prior to the BRC 40, not concurrently. The BRC 40 was a result of Quartermaster Corps recommended revisions to the BRC 60. 06:54 - Willys Overland produced 'Jeeps' before Ford. The Willys prototype predated Ford's (Bantam's predated both). Prior to Ford's introduction of the stamped steel grille Bantam had produced thousands of BRC and Willys over 1,500 Model MA as well as Ford's own 1,500 plus GP models. Over 25,000 'Slat Grille' Willys MB vehicles had been produced before Ford introduced the stamped steel grille version of the GPW which was built under subcontract to Willys Overland, the company that won the contract for 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503'. 07:18 - "Willys didn't do anything but produce the Jeep"? That is absolutely untrue and inaccurate. Willys Overland produced the Willys Americar, a small passenger car bearing absolutely no resemblance to the 'Jeep', during 1941, and 1942. Willys Overland had been producing passenger cars and light trucks since 1908. From 1912 through 1918 they were second only to Ford in U.S. automobile production. 14:32 - Willys Overland built nearly 360,000 of their Model MB during WW2. That's a bit more than "advertising". 15:00 - There was never any such thing as a "1940 Ford GPW". Ford built 'Jeeps' of 1941 were Model GP (Government, 80" wheelbase). GPW vehicles were ordered under Ford's subcontract to Willys Overland for 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503' in late 1941, but did not enter production until January of 1942. Ford designated the vehicles GPW for Government, 80" wheelbase (P was Ford internal code for 80" w/b), of the Willys pattern. At least you did pronounce 'Willys' correctly.

[@What.its.like.]

Willys was one hell of a marketing department but when they showed up their Prototype didn’t work he’ll they didn’t even have a finished product in 45 days en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willys en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bantam www.visitbutlercounty.com/blog/the-birthplace-the-jeep/#:~:text=Bantam%20produced%20a%20total%20of,MB%20and%20the%20Ford%20GPW. auto.howstuffworks.com/1940-1941-jeep.htm It sounds like your a Willys fan boy they did everything to try to make people forget bantam was the founder of the jeep.. first link lays out how to say it. Bantam didn’t have the Facilities to build the jeep to scale but after the war willys wanted the jeep for themselves and they didn’t even make it in the first place they just produced it. It’s like someone stealing your homework. Willys did build passenger cars and had a unique engine design with the Willys knight

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@What.its.like. Why do you assume that I don't know how John North Willys pronounced his name? Show me anywhere that you imagine I pronounce it differently than _Will-iss._ You can take your childish "fan boy" remark and ram it while also learning how to spell _you're._ How do you consider building and delivering prototypes, over 1,500 MA models and nearly 360,000 MB models to be 'merely producing', whatever sort of double speak that is supposed to be? Grow up, fool. Get a life.

[@What.its.like.]

Because that’s how it’s supposed to be pronounced it lays it out there I put all the links there if you want to be ignorant to the information that’s your choice.. I’m doing just fine thank you I’m a firm believer in free speech plus it makes you look like a complete idiot =) Hope you have a great day today

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@What.its.like. Learn to read. I originally commented, _"At least you did pronounce 'Willys' correctly."_ in reference to your video in which you pronounced Mr Willys' name as _Will-iss,_ which is correct. Do you understand the words, "did" and "correctly"? Do you understand the word, "correct"? I'll ask again, Why do you assume that I don't know how John North Willys pronounced his name? Are you a bit slow or are you being intentionally obtuse? My day is fine.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m dyslexic I read that statement wrong I wasn’t being obtuse or at least not trying to be.. I get corrected all the time that’s why I put it in that video Willys did do more then I gave them credit for in the video I just hate it when companies steal things from the little guy but that’s life. Willys made some awesome cars in the 30s with the knight sleeve valve engines and all that Sorry we got off to a bad start I had to go back and re-read your comment I know how to read but being dyslexic is one hell of a thing Willys didn’t have a working prototype in the 45 days bantam did and from the way I under stand it both ford and Willys were there when they were testing it, my issue with Willys is after the war they did everything to try to cut bantam out of the equation (even if bantam didn’t have to money to produce the jeep bantam really should’ve put a patent on it that was their fault, before going to the army.. hindsight is always 2020) They made some cool jeeps but there would have never been a jeep without bantam

[@ashishmeher697]

But mahendra is still running in india

[@rogersmith7396]

$495.00? I won't pay it. You people must think I'm made of money.

[@What.its.like.]

Haha do you think that’s bad you should see what they go for now it’s like one of those cars that it’s very very adorable car but it’s never going to happen because it cost too much money.. i’ve seen the convertibles go for 40 grand sometimes more..

[@tomford5416]

bounce in the seats and hurt your monkey tail bone ( been there ) 9:57 that hoop is for the strap to stop you from falling out sideways ,tralier hitch aint correct , thats not a light switch button on the floor @12:10 ( it's the go button for the starter ) wrong tred pedals it should have "bulllseye rubbers" ~ bantam is very flimsy

[@thomasozminkowski2589]

It was political tho. Same crap happened to Indian motorcycles. Harley got all the contracts. You can do the research if you want.

[@What.its.like.]

I’m part of that field group that believes the Indian motorcycle is Bad ass Gentlemens motorcycle far better far superior in every way to a Harley.. but that’s just me

[@seed_drill7135]

Ford got in trouble with the government for stamping their name on Jeeps. Now Ford script Jeeps are very desirable, though not as valuable as a Bantam.

[@What.its.like.]

Awesome information

[@ernielaw]

Hope they weren't fined, but just ordered to remove their name from Jeep.

[@-oiiio-3993]

Willys had been doing the same. QMC put an end to the practice in mid 1942 as both Willys MB and Ford GPW vehicles were built to government contract as 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503'.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@ernielaw That's basically what happened. The Ford name was still on data plates of GPW as well as Willys on MB vehicles throughout production as well as frame tags, just not the large stampings that had adorned the lower left rear panel of early models.

[@jamesmooney8933]

If American Motors would have kept the jeep and quit producing cars, then American Motors would still be in business.

[@What.its.like.]

Maybe but if you think about it every single company that has owned jeep is under stellantis currently owns them but God only knows for how long And I only say that because they rushed the Wagoneer in the grand Wagoneer into production and both of those cars have quality control issues as well as technical issues that the company should’ve worked out before passing it off to the customer

[@-oiiio-3993]

It's all Chrysler wanted when they bought AMC.

[@jamesmooney8933]

@@-oiiio-3993 Jeep is the albatross of sick auto companies. Willy Car Co. first made commercial jeeps and sold Jeep to Kaiser before Kaiser went out of car business sold Jeep to AMC, which sold to Chrysler Currently Chrysler has been passed around to Germany car company, and is now with an Italian company. Jeep is what is keeping Chrysler on life supports.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@jamesmooney8933 There was no "Willy Car Co." Willys Overland Motors, who had won the contract to build the 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503' in 1941, had formerly been named Willys Overland Motor Company ( 1912 - 1936) and the Overland Automotive division of Standard Wheel Company (1908 - 1912). Willys Overland Motors went on to develop CJ-2 prototypes and to produce the civilian CJ2A and CJ3A vehicles as well as Willys trucks, station wagons, and 'Jeepsters' prior to acquisition by Henry J. Kaiser in 1953. Kaiser renamed the company as Willys Motor Company. Willys Overland had resumed production of military 'Jeeps' with the M38 (Willys MC), essentially an updated MB, in 1950 as well as re entering the passenger sedan market in 1952 with the Willys Aero. Kaiser continued production of 'Jeep' vehicles, both military and civilian, until they sold the brand, then Kaiser Jeep Corporation, to AMC in 1970. Kaiser Industries is alive and well, just no longer producing automobiles. The 'Jeep' brand is presently owned by the Stellantis N.V., a firm bsased in the Netherlands which is a conglomeration of Fiat Chrysler and the (French) PSA group. Stellantis also produces automobiles and automotive parts internationally under the brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Lancia, Maserati, Mopar, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall.

[@jamesmooney8933]

@@-oiiio-3993 Thank you for your spell check. I was wondering how Willys was spelled

[@antonelang9118]

It's not Willis...It's pronounced Willees.

[@What.its.like.]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willys

[@allenwayne2033]

Jay is right, It's pronounced Willis

[@ernielaw]

When one gets scared they say "Gives me the Willys" pronounced willees

[@andreamills5852]

What you talking about " Willis" 🤣

[@antonelang9118]

I stand corrected.