I love auto history, and one of the areas I enjoy learning about is what car companies made to help support war efforts. So this series will be a small snapshot of the vehicles and some surprising other items. As a note, most of the makers didn’t just volunteer to stop producing cars, although most complied with the restrictions on materials – like not using chrome for the brightwork, which created the very collectible attribute for wartime cars – the blacked-out version.
First up, American Bantam. “Who?” you might be saying. Ok fine. Do these ring a bell:
1938 American Bantam
1939 American Bantam Roadster
Nice looking cars, not much on name recognition.
The company started out as the American Austin Car company In 1930 and in 1934 became associated with the British Austin Car Company and then filed for bankruptcy. In 1935 it was revived as the American Bantam Car Company. They are credited with the first jeep prototype. (So any guesses as two one of their contributions during WWII?). The company stopped doing business in 1941.
Reach search show 3 main contributions for the American Bantam Company.
First up and one of the most important military vehicles.
1940 Bantam Jeep
Nothing but functional with a 4 cylinder engine.
1940 Bantam Engine – 4 banger Flat head.
As if that wasn’t enough the also produced two trailers for pulling behind the jeep.
1939 Bantam Pumper Trailer for use with the Jeep.
Impressive.
amphibious Trailer
And there you have it. American Bantam’s extremely important contributions to the World War II effort and tahe beginnings of one of the most versatile military vehicles…the Jeep!!
Thanks for reading.
Tim
