Father of the Jeep

The father of the “jeep” (now a capitalized Chrysler Corp. trademark) –

and hence, by extension, the father of all utility vehicles that have
become jeep offshoots worldwide – was an engineer with a talent for
rigorous work and willingness to be tied by anyone’s organization or
schedules.

The US Army contacted 135 companies in 1940, requesting a functional

prototype four-wheel drive compact reconnaissance car. Only two
companies responded, Willys requested extra time, which was denied. As a result, the
Bantam Company took on the nearly impossible job of supplying a working vehicle under a
49-day timeframe.

The Army lacked a clear understanding of what it truly wanted. Harold Crist, the Bantam
factory manager, had handed Bob Brown of the Army Quartermaster’s Corps (QMC) some
Bantam Designs and engineering drawings in the middle of June 1940. Shortly after, the
QMC came up with some specifications, including a weight
limit of 1300 pounds and 75 inch-wheel base. Harold Crist
had come up with a rough sketch of the vehicle while
working with QMC, and this looks to have happened
around July 1, 1940. The outline bid drawing was to be
submitted by July 22nd, and the entire blueprints with a
functioning prototype had to be delivered by September 23rd, 1940.

For testing, the Army bought 1,500 improved units from each manufacturer. The Willy
Model MA won the competition, owing to chief engineer Barney Roos’ decision to equip it
with a 60-hp “Go-Devil” inline-four that out-powered its competitors. The Bantam BRC-40
finished second thanks to its superior chassis and brakes, while the Ford GP finished third,
owing to the company’s decision to power it with A N series tractor engine connected to a
Model A three-speed transmission.

For troop transport, weapon platforms, ambulances, command cars, recon, and pulling
supply trailers, Probst jeeps were used. Jeep vehicles were also used by allies, including the
Russians, who contributed over 5,000 vehicles to assist the allies win WWII.
Historically Important Pioneers Profile

The Father of the Jeep

AUTO1000-22W-20899

22W Concepts of the Auto industry

February 2, 2022

Reference
 Blog Gale Cencage (2016, August 10). Retrieved February 1, 2022, from
https://blog.gale.com/75th-anniversary-of-the-jeep-one-man-behind-the-
machine-karl-k-probst/

Hemmings (2019, December). Retrieved February 1, 2022 from

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/the-jeep-story

Auto How Stuff Works (2007, December 14) Retrieved February 1, 2022
from https://auto.howstuffworks.com/1940-1941-jeep.htm