Ford Pygmy Prototype Jeep

The full story of the development of the original Army Jeep of World War II is on the linked page. See the Ford Pygmy page for more details on this prototype jeep.

The Ford Pygmy prototype jeep is visually very similar to the Ford GP, developed at the next stage of design competition. The easiest distinction is the compound curve in the passenger opening in the side of the Pygmy body as opposed to the smooth single curve of the corresponding location on the Ford GP.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of prototype jeeps before WW II standardization at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup:

Bantam Number One, as delivered to Camp Holabird, MD on 23 September 1940. It was called the GPV (General Purpose Vehicle), the Pilot Model, or Number One.

Ford GP prototype jeep, with four wheel steering, Camp Robinson, AR, 1 November 1941. Hood number W-234099.

Santa in Willys MA prototype jeep. Camp Lee, VA, Quartermaster Replacement Center, December 1941.

Ford GP prototype jeep at Fort Myer, VA, April 1941. (Original caption calls it a Bantam). Trucks in background appear to be Dodge 1/2-ton 4x4.

Original nomenclature: Car, Bantam, 1/4 Ton, 4x4 Light Reconnaissance. This BRC-40 was photographed during Army testing, 5 May 1941.

Bantam BRC-60 prototype jeep, during US Army testing, circa early 1941.

Ford Pygmy Prototype Jeep Photo Gallery

Side view of the Ford Pygmy with Budd Co. body, November 1940.

Side view of the Ford Pygmy with Ford body, November 1940.

Testing the Ford Pygmy at Camp Holabird, MD, November 1940.