by David Doyle and František Kořán

ISBN: 978-80-909222-7-3

Wings & Wheels Publications,
available from DavidDoyleBooks.com. 2026, 48 pages, 127 high-resolution photos. Softbound: $50.00.

The U.S. Army Quartermaster General proposed in November 1940 to order ¼-ton 4x4 reconnaissance cars from three companies: American Bantam Car Company, Willys-Overland Motors, and the Ford Motor Company. The vehicles initially procured from these three firms are known as “pre-standardized” vehicles.

Prior to this book, little conclusive information had been published on these early jeeps. GP Jeeps examines, in depth, the 4,458 GPs built and delivered in 1941 and January 1942 in two series — not including two important prototypes, the Ford-bodied GP No. 1 and the Budd-bodied GP No. 2.

A quick way to distinguish First Series vehicles from their successors is by virtue of having only a single
windshield support bumper on the hood centerline, versus the two — one roughly above each headlight — on Second Series vehicles. This is just one of the many useful details the reader will find in this book.

The authors have sought out and photographed restored examples located in the U.S. and Europe to show the minute details of both series of GPs. The captions are written with direct reference to the accompanying photographs, making it easy for the reader to recognize details for themselves. The photos show chassis without bodies, closeups of vital components (like the original Holley 847D carburetor or distinctive speedometer), and body details (like the differences between left and right taillights).

Whether you are restoring a GP, modeling one, or simply must own every book published on WWII jeeps, this small book will make a large impact on your base of knowledge. — JAG

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