Born as a military spec vehicle and ending up in suburban parking lots, the Jeep brand has been through a lot of changes during seven owners -- four of them with "Chrysler" in the name. In honor of Jeep's history, we've decided to take a ride down the rocky, muddy trail that is Jeep's memory lane.

Above:

1941 Willys MA

The U.S. military asked 135 automakers in July 1940 to bid on a vehicle that would replace the hodgepodge of Model T's and motorcycles that made up the Army's fleet. According to specs, the vehicle had to weigh less than 1,300 pounds, have four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, be able to carry 600 pounds, and feature a wheelbase of less than 75 inches.

Three automakers -- Willys, Ford and American Bantam -- responded. Most of the Fords and Bantams got shipped to the Soviets and the British as part of the Lend-Lease program, but the Willys (pronounced like the name of the character in Diff'rent Strokes) MA ended up the most successful of the three.

Photo: Chrysler

Authors: Keith Barry

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