In the history of automobiles the Jeep is perhaps the most recognized model internationally. It also inspired the equally iconic Land Rover. The original specification called for a light reconnaissance car for the US Army. The standardized Jeep entered production in 1941 and the simple construction enable it to be produced rapidly in the tens of thousands to be used by Allied Forces throughout the rest of World War Two in all theatres of operations making it the most successful military vehicle of all time.
NAME: Military Jeep Entusiasts’ Manual
CLASSIFICATION: Book reviews
FILE: R1619
Date: 301010
AUTHOR: Pat Ware
PUBLISHER: Haynes
BINDING: Hard back
PAGES: 160
PRICE: GB £19.99
GENRE: Non-Fiction
SUBJECT: Willys, Ford, Hotchkiss, amphibian, belly flopper, US Army, World War Two, technology, military history, American Quartermaster Corps, QMC, airborne landings, Special Forces
ISBN: 978-1-84425-933-5
IMAGE: B1619
LINKS: http://tinyurl.com/
DESCRIPTION: In the history of automobiles the Jeep is perhaps the most recognized model internationally. It also inspired the equally iconic Land Rover. The original specification called for a light reconnaissance car for the US Army. The standardized Jeep entered production in 1941 and the simple construction enable it to be produced rapidly in the tens of thousands to be used by Allied Forces throughout the rest of World War Two in all theatres of operations making it the most successful military vehicle of all time. In the seventy years from introduction the original vehicles have survived in some numbers and are now eagerly acquired by enthusiasts for restoration. The Land Rover is perhaps the closest vehicle to the Jeep in concept, but all military vehicles used in general motoring and light reconnaissance owe much to the design of the Jeep. Original Jeeps were available in large numbers as war surplus equipment, leading to many being modified or rebodied as station wagons and taxis as motor manufactures made the painful migration from war production to an austere peace. The author has covered the development history, modifications and developments by other manufactures in war and peace, and provide a very capable engineering overview of the Jeep. Colour is used throughout, although many photographs were only available in black and white. The publisher has described this manual as an Enthusiasts Manual which provides the necessary distinction from the Workshop and Owners Manuals that Haynes has become famous for publishing. There is a technical overview and there are many detailed photographs that will aid restorers, but this is primarily a celebration of a unique vehicle and an inspiration for restorers to consider some of the many modifications made routinely to the basic design. An excellent book that will be greatly enjoyed by enthusiasts but which deserves to have a much wider readership.