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And you thought putting chains on a vehicle during the winter is a hassle? The GIs are finishing wrapping up this jeep for a float across the river at Fort Benning, Georgia. Note that this is a Prototype Jeep. Based on the handles on the driver’s side, the seats and the grille (that is just peeking out), can you guess which one?
“This is an original press photo. At Fort Benning, Georgia.Photo measures 9 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 07-15-1941.”
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looks like a “Ford GP”
From what I read, it’s sounds so liked they are floating it on canvas alone? I wouldn’t think there would be enough water displacement to hold it up. Thats hardcore.
I believe it is a Bantam BRC40. Look at the handles on the driver’s side. See how they are level and inline? Compare that with the Ford GP handles. On a Ford GP, the forward handle is placed lower than the handle over the rear wheel well. Also, compare the steering wheels. The Bantam has flatter spokes than the Ford GP (It takes the right photo angle from underneath the steering wheel to really show the difference).
Ford GP: https://www.google.com/search?q=ford+gp+photos&num=100&safe=off&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=LyzUUsjhL9DwoASgx4FI&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1168&bih=906
Bantam BRC40: https://www.google.com/search?q=bantam+brc40&num=100&safe=off&client=safari&rls=en&biw=1168&bih=906&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=NS3UUuP9BMrloASKoILgAw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ
Dave, I see the difference, but it is surprising how similar some of the features are. There must have been alot of industrial espionage going on.
As I understand it, the Army was pretty open about the process. So, there didn’t seem to be much spying needed. For example, during the testing of the pilot both Ford and Willys Overland were invited. That’s why Bantam really deserves full credit for inventing the jeep. Ford (with its Pygmy & Budd) and W/O (with its Quad) were able to create from Bantam’s early design.
During the second round of prototypes, they definitely grew closer in look. That’s when Ford submitted the GP, W/O the MA, and Bantam the BRC40 (though technically that was their third one).