Name/Title
Prototype Jeepster vehicle photoEntry/Object ID
2014.16.33Tags
"jeep"Description
Black & White photo from the early 1950's of a prototype Willys military vehicle based on the Jeepster chassis. Photo is of the vehicle undergoing lift tests. From the Mitchell Bentley collection, MB made the coachwork for this vehicle.
In the early 50s Ionia Mfg. developed a replacement for the WWII Jeep prompted by a 1951 Department of Defense RFP (Request For Proposal) for a Multi-Utility Tactical Truck (MUTT) that was sent out to qualified contractors in the mid 50s. Two different prototypes were developed and they closely resembled the M151 Jeep that was eventually produced in 1960. Unfortunately, Ionia vehicles were not chosen for production and the M151 contracts went to Ford, Hupp and Willys. The M151 MUTT and its variants became the principal combat Jeep of the Vietnam era.Photograph Details
Subject Person or Organization
Mitchell Bentley CorporationSubject Place
City
IoniaCounty
Ionia CountyState/Province
Michigan* Untyped Subject Place
United StatesCataloged By
Chris CausleyAcquisition
Accession
2014.16Acquisition Method
PurchaseSource (if not Accessioned)
Chris CausleyMade/Created
Studio
Mitchell Bentley CorporationDate made
circa 1950 - circa 1953Time Period
Cold WarPlace
City
IoniaCounty
Ionia CountyState/Province
Michigan* Untyped Place
United StatesLocation
Location
Binder
Folder PH-1 VehiclesShelf
Archive Room Shelf DRoom
Archive roomCategory
ArchiveRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Mitchell Bentley Corporation, Ypsilanti Reed Furniture company, Ionia Manufacturing CompanyRelated Places
Place
City
IoniaCounty
Ionia CountyState/Province
Michigan* Untyped Place
United States