Everyone knows that Willys invented the "Jeep" right? Ahh, not so fast....
Attached is a Minneapolis Moline NTX, developed for the military primarily to move airplanes and other heavy equipment. It, and it's development predecessor the UTX were referred to as "Jeeps" as early as 1938 by soldiers at Camp Ripley MN. The NTX used a 206 cu in L head four cylinder with a dual range five speed trans, capable of over 40 mph. 806 were built.
When the military asked contractors to develop a light 4 wheel drive vehicle Bantom, Willys Overland and Ford came in with their versions. A dispute over who could claim the name Jeep for their vehicles was settled in 1943 when the FTC ruled in favor of Bantom.
But, MM could still argue that they were first. - Bill W
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