70 Years of Jeep®: 70th Anniversary special!

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is noting the 70th anniversary of the founding of Jeep by showcasing some of the most famous models over the years starting with the original: a 1941 Willys.

The humble jeep, you will recall, is the vehicle that won World War II.

The museum's jeep -- the small "j" because back then, the name was generic for the small, tough military vehicle and not the name of the manufacturer -- is Willys MA78621. It's one of approximately 45 known 1941 models in the world, an estimated 20 of which are restored, the Auburn Hills museum says. Eight of the 20 are in the U.S. and Willys MA78621 is on loan from the private collection of George and Bernadette Hollins of Palos Park, Ill.

They trace their vehicle's origins back to July 5, 1941, the day it was delivered to the U.S. Army from the Willys-Overland plant in Toledo.

It is believed to be one of four shipped to the 15th Infantry for testing in Ft. Lewis, Wash. It was found rusting in a farmer's field outside Ft. Lewis, US in 2001.

70 Years of Jeep celebration runs until Dec. 30.

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