- Army's needs for modernizing its fighting fleet.
It was July 11, 1940, when the U.S. Army High Command made an announcement to 135 manufacturers that bids were now being accepted for a lightweight command and reconnaissance vehicle, something that would suit the Army's needs for modernizing its fighting fleet.
A simplistic design
What the Army wanted was a small, lightweight four-wheel drive vehicle that would serve its purpose as a valuable asset on the battlegrounds. What the chosen vehicle provided was one that was built strong, was nimble and nearly indestructible. It combined the best features of all three original prototypes, and was a simplistic design.
The postwar world
After the war and with the returning soldiers arriving that it was decided to market a version of the Jeep for non-military use. There was a special bond between the men that drove Jeeps during war times, which in fact could be compared to the relationship between old-time cavalrymen and his horse.
