12-07-2004, 02:14 PM
First :JEEP†made in 1940
American Bantam Car Company, Butler,Pa.
1940 Karl K. Probst.of Detroit was hired by Bantam and they were the only company
who said they could deliver a Prototype in 49 Day’s. Sept. 23,1940 Bantam drove a Prototype to Camp Holibard,Maryland only 30 minuties to spare. The Army tested the prototype and said it exceeded expectations. Then Ford and Willy’s watched, took notes and submitted their prototype.. Bantam only had about 1500 employes and could not produce the large number of Jeep’s the Army wanted. The order was given to Ford and Willy’s. In 1943 Willy’s was charged for false and mis-leading advertising that they created the Jeep.