Images(2)

Jeep

Object number2008.16.1

Manufacturer American Bantam Car Company

Date1941

Mediumvarious metals, paint, rubber, glass, plastics, var. fabrics, leather, lubr

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

DescriptionBantam "Jeep" automobile, officially designated as a BRC-40 Reconaissance Car.Dimensions69 x 61 x 136 in. (175.3 x 154.9 x 345.4 cm)
MarksManufacturer's mark #1498 on dashboard on passenger side.
Historical NotesBantam Reconnaissance Car, BRC-40, 1941. Western Pennsylvania is the birthplace for the world-famous Jeep, one of the most significant military inventions of all time. In 1940, 19 months before America went to war, the U.S. Army requested bids for a reconnaissance car that would take the place of the horse and provide a go-anywhere gun platform. Big automakers such as Ford and Willys-Overland and 135 other carmakers found the Army’s strict requirements for a lightweight, four-wheel drive vehicle impossible to meet in the 49-day deadline imposed by the government. But the little American Bantam Car Company of Butler, Pennsylvania, thought it could do the job. Nearly bankrupt, the owners staked everything on the challenge. After five days of frantic brainstorming, Bantam presented the Army with the design for a vehicle that would help win WWII and revolutionize the auto industry. Though Bantam developed the prototype, they were unable to manufacture the Jeeps in the huge volume needed by the Army and the production contract went to Ford and Willy-Overland. Nevertheless, the vehicle that General Dwight Eisenhower credited as being one of the three inventions that won World War II owed its existence to the original Bantam Jeep produced here.Label TextIn June 1930, the American Austin Car Company introduced a new “bantam” car—a sleek and stylist two-seater that boasted 40 miles per gallon and room for two six-foot-tall men. Manufactured in Butler, Pa., the Austin was intended as an economical second car for the average American family. Although embraced by college students and movie stars, it was lampooned by cartoonists and comedians. In the tough days of the depression, the Austin simply couldn’t compete with full sized cars, and in Spring 1932 the company closed. Entrepreneur and car salesman Roy Evans stepped in, purchased the factory inventory, took over production, and began manufacturing Austins again. Three years later, in 1935, Evans purchased the company. He had the car restyled, and changed the name to American Bantam Car Company. In spite of a devoted following, the company faltered and finally ceased production in 1940. In all, about 6,500 Bantam cars and trucks were produced. Courtesy of Maury Walsh Both the Austin and Bantam were frequent targets for comics. Cartoon from the book Whatever Became of the Baby Austin?

Related institution United States Army

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