Marion: I feel that the site shown, is incorrect on : quote: The initial contract went to Bantam, but their vehicle proved to be a failure under rigorous testing.". From what I read in several places, the Batam went through the test great. BUT, Bantam did not have the finance available, or the production line capeability for large amounts
of production, so Bantams blueprints were given to Ford and Willys. However Bantam did produce some on the
Govt. contract. Also, I find it hard to believe a G.I. Jeep could drive "for hours at a 4,000 engine rpm". I know that someone on our site here is "into" the WW 2 Jeeps and could check into this. Actually, I had two (at different times) surplus G.I. Jeeps in the early 1950's and loved them. I am not "nit picking" but just giving my opinion of who is the real "father" of the Jeep.