The Bantam BRC was the first model to be produced by the United States Army as a light weight transport for overseas officials and medics. It was dubbed a “General Purpose” device, which is one of the many theories as to there the “Jeep” name (think “GP”) originated. Another story talks about a character from the classic cartoon “Popeye” – Eugene the Jeep, who could “go anywhere” much like the vehicles. There are also theories using military slang. During WWI “jeep” was another term used for new recruits, and “jeep” is also (apparently) another term for “small device.” The 1941 production model (Jeep’s first non-prototype) was christened the “Ford GP.” Yes, Ford produced some of the original Jeeps. Another nickname for the truck was “Pygmy” – good thing that one didn’t stick.

Regardless of where the name originated, decades of battle and proven field experience make this vehicle no new recruit, but a seasoned veteran of military action. The first vehicles were bare bones, with only your speedometer, gear shifters and brake/gas/clutch pedals. 600,000 jeeps were produced during WWII at a cost of only $300/per unit. Functionality was king, and The Museum of Modern Art describes the Jeep as “a masterpiece of functionalist design.”

The Jeep “quad” (also another name for the vehicle) was constructed for extreme off-road capabilities, as it had to climb rocky hills and rumble-filled streets thanks to the destruction of buildings by bombing runs. One of the first Jeeps was shown off at the US Capital building, where then Senator Meade of New York and New Jersey Rep Thomas drove one up it’s steps. Since that day, Jeep has worked it’s way up shores on both sides of Europa and into the history books as one of America’s finest fighting machines.

Pictures from Wikipedia