Specifications
CN: | 194835 | |
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ID Number: | 2084659-S | |
Engine: | L Head, 4 Cylinder | |
Horsepower: | 54@4500 RPM | |
Suspension | 4-WD, 4 Leaf Springs | |
Transmission: | T-84, 3 Speed | |
Tires: | 11-20 | |
Cubic Inch | 134 | |
Electrical: | 12-volt Conversion | |
Vehicle Dimensions: | Ground Clearance - 11 inches Loading Height: - 56 inches Pintle Height, Loaded - 25 Inches |
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Status | Operating Display | |
Owner: | Ed and Emily Chidlaw |
History
After delivery to the US Army in the fall of 1942, this jeep was assigned to the 1st Armored Group and landed in Italy on October 27, 1944, a short time after the June 6, 1944, D-Day landings in Normandy, France. The jeep was deactivated at Marseille, France on September 20, 1945. It was purchased in France and brought back to the US, in its original condition and markings.
Restoration started in Wyoming and Colorado and finished in California. It has been owned by the Pierettis of San Francisco, Wallace Nissen of Creston, and Thomas Cameron Jr, of Paso Robles. The present owner, Ed and Emily Chidlaw, of Atascadero, purchased the jeep February 10, 2005. Some mechanical and cosmetic work was done by the Chitlaws to bring it to its present condition. The original restoration was a 1005 professional "frame up" restoration with all NOS or original rebuilt parts, all dated 1942. The jeep was, and is, of true museum quality.
The first prototype "Jeep" was built by American Bantam Car Company of Butler, PA, on September 23, 1940, persuant to a request from the Army. They built a total of 2675 jeeps and because of limited capacity, Willys-Overland and Ford Motor Company built the rest of the jeeps during the war. A total of 647,870 were delivered to the Army, Navy and Marines.
Willys built 362,841 and Ford built 281,448. The last Willys wartime jeep was delivered to the Army on August 20, 1945. All of the jeeps, Willys or Ford, were built to the same specification so that all parts would be interchangeable.