It sported a canvas top and was made specifically for tourists. Jeep created a model called the Gala or Surrey in 1959, exclusively for resorts. But they soon changed the name to Land Cruiser. For example, Toyota even used the term Jeep in its ads to promote their own 4-wheel drive vehicles. The design of the initial Jeep model was copied by most leading vehicle makers. Karl Probst was appointed to find a solution and he submitted a design of the first Jeep within 2 days. With WWII around the corner, the US Army required bids from 135 automobile makers for a small and lightweight 4-wheel drive vehicle, which could seat a minimum of 3 people. The original Jeep was designed in just 2 days. Since 2010 Jeep has continued to release new Renegade, Grand Cherokee, and Compass vehicles, which contribute to its worldwide success. What's more, the Patriot and Compass were Jeep's first small cross-utility vehicles. The 2003 Wrangler Rubicon took 4x4 vehicles to the next level. And the 1993 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) set a new industry standard due to its balance of off-road and on-road capabilities. During the 1980s the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) revolutionized the 4-wheel drive segment. The CJ-6 appeared during the mid-1960s and AMC equipped the vehicle with heavier axles, a wider track, and stronger breaks. And in 1974, a 2-wheel drive version was made. The CJ5, which included a 304 or 360 cubic inches V8 engine, was popular in fire departments. The vehicle was stronger, more versatile, flexible and had off-road capabilities. The CJ model was improved in 1953 and the CJ5 appeared in 1955. In 1950, "Jeep" was patented by Willys-Overland as a recreational vehicle.ĭuring the 1950s, Jeep became the largest maker of 4-wheel drive automobiles. In 1948, the CJ-3A was introduced, featuring improvements over the CJ-2A. Later, the CJ-2A served in the agriculture and industry sectors as a work vehicle. The first civilian Jeep was the CJ, aimed to be used by farmers. Although the MB wasn't the first 4-wheel-drive vehicle, it influenced all Jeep brand vehicles made. So, Willys-Overland developed the MB and won the tender. But new Army specifications required a lighter vehicle. After several improvements to the prototype, Willys-Overland made the MA. Willys-Overland built the "Quad" within 75 days and delivered it to the US Army.
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But only Willys, Bantam, and Ford submitted bids for the vehicle known as the "jeep". During the summer of 1940, the US Army organized a tender for a 1/4 ton vehicle made according to military specifications.