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 Jeep was up and running by 1940, meeting the US 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 Harbor 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 adequately powerful 'Go Devil' engine. It was in this revised form that the Jeep would enter volume production. Willys-Overland's final production version was the Model MB, Ford's being designated the Model GPW.

There were subtle differences between the two versions, Ford's having its components marked with the letter 'F'. After extensive field testing, the Jeep's off-road capability was first publicly demonstrated early in 1941 when one was driven up the steps of the United States Capitol by Willys's test driver, Irving 'Red' Haussman. Produced by the millions, the ubiquitous Jeep saw service in every theater of the Second World War and continued in military service with armies world-wide for several decades thereafter. Today the Jeep remains highly sought after by discerning military vehicle enthusiasts, as well as being a frequent 'mount' in historic racing paddocks, such as at Goodwood Race Meetings.

Of course no collection covering this era of the brand would have been complete without a GPW. Mr. Den Hartogh appears to have acquired this one in 1996. The Ford is equipped with every imaginable accessory from shovels to turret machine, looking every bit the part of the wartime effort. It would no doubt be a fun toy for summer motoring in the outdoors.