Willys MB Jeep 101st Airborne Div., 506th A.B. Regiment, Company 'C', Normandy, June, 1944 (1:48)

Bantam Car Company won the initial contract to provide a light motor vehicle. In 1941 the Military wanted to standardize so one manufacturer was selected, Willys-Overland mostly because of its "Go Devil" engine the troops raved about. The Willys Jeep had a designation of MB, M (Military) B (second vehicle design). Eventually Willys couldn't keep up so Ford was contracted to produce an almost identical vehicle, the GPW. During World War II there was a total of 647,870 Jeeps produced by three manufacturers; Willys-Overland produced 362,841 of them. Approximately 51,000 were exported to the USSR.

On June 6th, 1944 the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) dropped behind German lines in France. They disrupted German communications, captured bridges and controlled roads. They also seized German secondary beach defenses west of Omaha Beach. Gliders with troops and much needed supplies and Jeeps were arriving. The Jeeps were for communications, reconnaissance and to carry support weapons, ammunition, equipment and other supplies. The 101st took part in Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge and during the last days of the war they were in Berchtesgaden, Adolph Hitler's vacation retreat.

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
Front ' drum
Rear - drum

Brakes ' Hydraulic

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).0
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)

The Willys MB Jeep is now bigger and better than ever. Hobby Master has now created this icon World War II vehicle in 1/48 scale!