the Design History of Jeep and how it was built in 49 DAYS

Ever had a deadline so close that you thought it was near impossible to complete? This small time automotive company can't relate, in fact, they even met specifications despite its demanding requests.

In the chaos of World War II, few innovations proved more essential than the Jeep—a vehicle whose creation story is a stunning example of design under pressure. Incredibly, the first prototype was conceived, designed, and built in just 49 days.

A Wartime Design Challenge

In 1940, with war looming, the U.S. Army issued an urgent call for a light reconnaissance vehicle. Out of 135 companies contacted, only three responded on time. One of them was the struggling American Bantam Car Company, based in Pennsylvania.

Without in-house capacity to fully execute the Army’s specs, Bantam turned to freelance engineer Karl Probst. Initially reluctant and unpaid, Probst ultimately agreed, driven by urgency and patriotism. In under 48 hours, he helped formalize Bantam’s concept into blueprints. On July 22, 1940, the design was submitted.

By September 23, Bantam delivered the working prototype—dubbed the BRC-60—to Fort Holabird, Maryland. From idea to operational vehicle: 49 days.

The Jeep Is Born—And Stolen

While Bantam succeeded in meeting the deadline, the Army doubted its ability to mass-produce. So, it opened the doors to bigger players—Willys-Overland and Ford—and gave them Bantam’s designs to work from.

Willys submitted its “Quad” prototype in November, featuring a powerful 60hp engine. Ford followed 10 days later with the “Pygmy,” a rugged, efficient version using a stamped, single-piece grille—faster and cheaper to produce.

Eventually, Willys won the contract. But the demand was too high for one company alone, so Ford joined in. Bantam, sidelined, shifted to manufacturing trailers—crucial accessories for the Jeep in combat.

Standardizing the Icon

Willys refined its Quad into the MA, and then the MB—the version that would become the Jeep we know today. Ford built its own MB variant, the GPW, using standardized parts. The Jeep’s flat, stamped grille—a Ford contribution—became its signature look.

Together, Willys and Ford produced over 643,000 Jeeps during WWII.

Legacy of Collaboration

Though Willys took over Jeep post-war, it’s essential to recognize the collective genius behind its origin. Bantam sparked the idea, Willys provided the muscle, and Ford brought production prowess. It’s a powerful case study in how constraint, competition, and collaboration can ignite innovation.

As the saying goes, “Too many cooks spoil the broth”—unless each one’s in a different kitchen. The Jeep was born of urgency, but it endured because of combined ingenuity. A symbol not only of military might—but of design under pressure.