The Willys MB was the quarter ton four wheel drive vehicle that became famous as the jeep in World War II. Willys Overland in Toledo, Ohio, built it, and Ford produced a nearly identical version.
Together the two companies built more than 600,000 of these jeeps, which served in every theater of the war as scout cars, ambulances, and supply runners.
Ohio Connection
Toledo’s role in building the jeep began a long tradition, and Jeep vehicles are still produced in the city today.
Legacy
After the war the design led to the civilian CJ series and helped create the market for rugged off road vehicles.
See It in Person
Ohio is a great place to see military history up close. The National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton is free and displays hundreds of aircraft, and local veterans memorials, county historical societies, and VFW and American Legion posts across the state often display vehicles and artifacts. Thank a veteran when you visit.
Save this pin to your military history board and share it with a veteran or history lover. Seen one at a museum? Pin it next to this one.