Hobby Master Archive

Bantam Car Company won the initial contract to provide a light motor vehicle. In 1941 the Military wanted to standardize so one manufacturer was selected, Willys- Overland mostly because of its “Go Devil” engine the troops raved about. The Willys Jeep had a designation of MB, M (Military) B (second vehicle design). Eventually Willys couldn’t keep up so Ford was contracted to produce an almost identical vehicle, the GPW. During World War II there was a total of 647,870 Jeeps produced by three manufacturers; Willys- Overland produced 362,841 of them. Approximately 51,000 were exported to the USSR.

In 1944 and 1945 the 82nd Airborne developed its own standardized armor kit for its recon jeeps. They steel plates on the sides to protect the driver and the front passenger as well as a steel windshield with a slot cut in it so the driver could peek out to see where he was driving if he had to duck below the plates. They also added a sloping plate in front of the grill to protect the radiator and engine. There were many official attempts to add armor to the Jeep but the extra weight overloaded the vehicle.

Specifications for WWII Jeep Manufacturer - Willys-Overland Crew - 1 with up to 3 others Weight (gross): 3,125 lb (1,417 kg)

Performance Engine - Carburetor, liquid cooled, “Go Devil” 4 cylinder (Willys L-head), 60 hp @ 4.000 rpm, 134 cu. In. (2.200 cm3) displacement Transmission - Warner T-84J / 3-speed synchro-mesh Transfer case - Dana Spicer 18 / 2-speed Gear shifter - floor mounted Suspension Front axle - beam-leaf Rear axle - beam-leaf Brakes Front - drum Rear - drum Brakes - Hydraulic Fuel Type - gasoline Capacity - 15 US gallons (56.78 liters) Range - 375 miles (600 km)

Electrical system - 6 volt, negative ground Tires - (4) + (1) spare / 6 X 16 (non-directional)

Ground clearance - 8.75 in (22.22 cm) Fording depth Standard - 18 in (45.72 cm / .4572 m) Maximum - 21 in (53.34 cm / .5334 m)

Dimensions Length - 132.75 in (3.371 m). Wheelbase - 80 in (2.032 m). Width - 62 in (1.5748 m). Height Top up - 69.75 in (1.77165 m). To top of steering wheel w/top down - 51.25 in (1.30175 m)

Hobby Master 1/48 Ground Power Series HG1602 U.S. Jeep Willy M.B. w/armour shields WWII Europe, 1944

True 1/48 scale.

Professionally painted.

Great attention to detail.

All markings are Tampoed (pad applied).

Rubber wheels.

Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.

Highly collectable.