History Nut? Affordable 1942 Jeeps Are Perfect Collector Items

These two Jeeps weren’t purchased simply because they were old and cool; they were added to the Quattroruote Collection because of what they mean. They “were acquired for the collection because they represent the joyous liberation of Italy by the Allies,” according to RM Sotheby’s. And now they’re going to auction, and can be yours.

The two models that will be available on Saturday, May 14 are a 1942 Willys MB Military Jeep and a 1942 Ford GPW Military Jeep. Yep, two manufacturers made two versions of the same car in the same year. A dying company named American Bantam Car Company hired an engineer named Karl Probst, who created the Jeep’s famous design. ABCC didn’t have enough resources and wasn’t big enough to supply the Army, however, so the design was given to Willys and Ford, who produced their own versions.

The specs are nearly identical: both have a 60-brake horsepower, 134 cu-in L-head four-cylinder engine, a three-speed manual transmission with two-speed transfer case, four-wheel-drive, live-axle front suspension with leaf springs, solid rear axle, and four-wheel drum brakes. The total package made for a perfect reconnaissance car.

The best part? They’re only estimated to sell for €15.000 – €20.000 ($17,000-$23,000). Any regular car buyer can spend that! And these are far from regular cars.

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Via [RM Sotheby’s]