Jeep History: 1940-1973

Six decades ago, a legend was born. And, although no one knew it at the time, Jeep vehicles would significantly change the way we go about our daily lives.

Whether it’s the school run or a drive along a mountain trail, Jeep has been opening up a whole new world of possibilities for millions of satisfied Jeep owners worldwide for over 60 years.

Jeep vehicles started as an idea - an idea born out of the need of a country to out-mobilize its adversaries and to liberate those who were captive. Conceived in 1940, the vehicle that later defined the sport utility category possessed unprecedented capability and unflagging spirit. Those inherent qualities are still alive in today’s Jeep vehicles.

Here’s a quick look back through our history:

 

 

1940The Willys Quad – the father of the CJ series - made its first appearance in November 1940.
1941Willys-Overland won a bid to produce the general purpose vehicles for the U.S. Army. It was the world’s first four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle (SUV).
1945The first civilian Jeep (CJ) was introduced after World War II. It was the CJ-2A known as “Jeep Universal”.
1946Introduction of the first all-steel station wagon with two-wheel drive and 7 seats.
1949A six-cylinder and four-wheel drive were offered.
1950Jeep 1950 Willys registered the Jeep trademark.
1951The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) – New York – included a 1941 Jeep 4x4 in its automotive “works of art” display.
19524x4 weekend gatherings called Jeep Jamborees were born and are still being held.
1954Image Introduction of the four-wheel drive CJ-5. It was based on the M38A1 military Jeep and lasted for nearly 30 years.
1955Jeep Dispatcher Delivery Vehicles was introduced. Used by the US Postal Service.
1962Image Kaiser-Willys introduces the revolutionary Wagoneer, the vehicle that became the prototype for modern sport utility vehicles.
1965Hasbro gave G.I. Joe ® an obvious form of transport - a World War II era Jeep 4x4.
1966The Jeepster line, originally built from 1948-50, was redesigned as Jeepster Commando. It was the first compact four-wheel drive.
1972American Motors acquires the Kaiser-Jeep Corporation.
1973Jeep Brand introduces “Quadra-Trac ®” full-time four-wheel-drive.
>> CONTINUE TO 1974-2005