• Present ownership since 2018 • Restored condition • Ideal period transport for the Goodwood meetings Although forever associated with Willys-Overland, the original Jeep military vehicle was developed by American Bantam, formerly American Austin.

Designed to meet the US Army's requirement for a rugged, go-anywhere, four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of surviving on the barest minimum of unskilled maintenance, Bantam's prototype was up and running by 1940, meeting the Army's requirements apart from the engine, which was deemed insufficiently powerful.

The Pentagon though, doubted Bantam's ability to meet the military's post-Pearl Harbour demands so the major contracts went to Willys - the only other firm that had submitted a tender - and the Ford Motor Company, which would be responsible for the Jeep's trademark slotted radiator grille.

Willys made various modifications to take advantage of a revised maximum weight requirement, which meant it was able to use its relatively heavy but a...