The MB Jeep is not a true original. It’s the true original. Developed for the US Army in WW2, the MB Jeep GPW – MB for Military model B, and GPW for General Purpose Willys – is not merely the archetype of all modern 4x4s that do daily battle on the streets of Chelsea, it’s also the inspiration and basis of our very own Land Rover.

 What started life as a light reconnaissance vehicle, built by both Ford and Willys, soon became a legend. The late General George C Marshall had a point when he described it as ‘America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare’. Over 600,000 Jeeps were built during the conflict, but the end of the war was only the beginning as the Jeep found applications everywhere there was a need for a no-nonsense, go-anywhere vehicle.

And as the car was so much fun to drive, it was only a question of time before the Jeep established a new market for recreational vehicles.

In today’s market early Jeeps, as well as later Hotchkiss-bodied examples, are great value. This is because the fickle tides of fashion have seen early Series 1 Land Rovers soar in value while MB Jeeps have held station. These days in sophisticated European circles, GI American Retro isn’t quite as fashionable as it once was. Be grateful and drive a bargain.