Willys MA Prototype Jeep

The Willys Quad pilot model jeep of 1940 led to Army approval for a 1,500 unit prototype contract to Willys, subject to design changes to cure problems and deficiencies of the Quad. The result of the redesign was the Willys MA. Ultimately, Willys won the mass production jeep contract in 1941 with additional redesign resulting in the Willys MB, the standard World War II jeep that was produced in the hundreds of thousands by Willys and Ford from 1941 to 1945.

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

Willys-Overland factory photo showing Willys MA, 1941
Willys-Overland factory photo showing Willys MA, 1941.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the Willys MA prototype jeep at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup.

Today in WW II: 5 Jul 1943 Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel) begins, last German offensive in Russia and largest tank battle [5-19 July].  More ↓
5 Jul 1945 In British election, Winston Churchill loses to Labour Party, Clement Atlee becomes Prime Minister.
Visit the Olive-Drab.com World War II Timeline for day-by-day events 1939-1945! See also WW2 Books.

Willys-Overland MA Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4x4 Prototype Jeep Photo Gallery

Willys MAs on assembly line at Willys-Overland factory, 1941
Willys MAs on assembly line at Willys-Overland factory, 1941.

Willys MA with Santa at Camp Lee, Virginia, Quartermaster Replacement Center, Christmas 1941
Willys MA with Santa at Camp Lee, Virginia, Quartermaster Replacement Center, Christmas 1941.

Willys MA jeep at the Desert Training Center, Indio, CA, June 1942
Willys MA jeep at the Desert Training Center, Indio, CA, June 1942.

Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4x4 Willys MA (left), Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 Ton, 4x4 Dodge WC-56, and Truck, Radio, 1/2 Ton, 4x4 Dodge. 15 May 1941
Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4x4 Willys MA (left), Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 Ton, 4x4 Dodge WC-56, and Truck, Radio, 1/2 Ton, 4x4 Dodge, 15 May 1941.