Willys MB Jeep 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 7th Armored Division, Belgium, 1945 (1:72)

Wanting to replace their outdated light vehicles the U.S. Military received three tenders. Bantam Car Company was the initial winner but couldn't meet demand so the job went to Willys-Overland Motors. Willys was to take the best design features of the three submitted tenders and build a standardized vehicle. Eventually in order to meet an even greater demand the Ford Motors Company was asked to build a similar vehicle. During World War II there was a total of 647,870 Jeeps produced by the three companies; Willys-Overland produced 362,841 of them.

The 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion was activated on May 1, 1942. On August 8, 1944 they landed on Utah Beach with their M10 TD's and Jeeps for the Recon Company. During August they crossed France and took part in combat at Metz in September. Next they went to Holland and in October, were re-equipped with M36's. In November they pushed to the Roer River in support of the Ninth Army then transferred to the 7th Army and took part in the Ardennes battle in December and the defense of St. Vith. On March 23, 1945 they crossed the Rhine at Remagen and fought at the Ruhr Pocket in April. On May 3, 1945 the 814th reached the Baltic coast.

Specifications for WWII Jeep

Manufacturer - Willys-Overland

Crew - 1 with up to 3 others

Weight (gross) - 3,125 lb (1,417 kg)

Performance
Engine - Carburetor, liquid cooled, 'Go Devil' 4 cylinder (Willys L-head), 60 hp @ 4.000 rpm, 134 cu. In. (2.200 cm3) displacement
Transmission - Warner T-84J / 3-speed synchro-mesh
Transfer case - Dana Spicer 18 / 2-speed
Gear shifter - floor mounted

Suspension
Front axle - beam-leaf
Rear axle - beam-leaf
Brakes - Hydraulic
Front ' drum
Rear ' drum

Fuel
Type ' gasoline
Capacity - 15 US gallons (56.78 liters)
Range - 375 miles (600 km)

Electrical system - 6 volt, negative ground

Tires - (4) + (1) spare / 6 X 16 (non-directional)

Ground clearance - 8.75 in (22.22 cm)
Fording depth
Standard - 18 in (45.72 cm / .4572 m)
Maximum - 21 in (53.34 cm / .5334 m)

Dimensions
Length - 132.75 in (3.371 m).
Wheelbase - 80 in (2.032 m).
Width - 62 in (1.5748 m).
Height
Top up - 69.75 in (1.77165 m).
To top of steering wheel w/top down - 51.25 in (1.30175 m).