Rare 1941 Willys MA at 70 Years of Jeep Exhibit

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is to host the 70 Years of Jeep exhibit on from April 19 to December 30, 2011. The exhibit will be centered around an original 1941 Willys MA, one of approximately 45 known 1941 models in the world, an estimated 20 of which are restored.

Of the 20 restored vehicles, eight are in the U.S.  Willys MA is on loan from the private collection of George and Bernadette Hollins of Palos Park, Ill. who have traced the 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, OH.

It is believed to be one of four MA shipped to the 15th Infantry for testing in Fort Lewis, Wash. The vehicle was discovered rusting away in a farmer's field near Fort Lewis in 2001 and was restored the following year.

“Featuring a changing array of eight production and concept vehicles, 70 Years of Jeep traces the vehicle's evolutionary rise from military reconnaissance use to the transportation of choice in navigating all manner of terrain for millions of adventure-seekers.  The special exhibit also features historical images, memorabilia and extensive narrative that chronicles Jeep's embodiment of freedom and pride for seven decades,” stated the press release.

The rotation of heritage vehicles rounding out the 70 Years of Jeep exhibition include:
• 1943 Jeep MB
• 1945 Jeep CJ-2A
• 1949 Jeep Station Wagon
• 1950 Jeep M38
• 1950 Jeepster
• 1964 Jeep Gladiator Fire Truck
• 1973 Jeep CJ-5
• 1984 Jeep Cherokee
• 1986 Jeep CJ-7
• 1987 Jeep Wrangler
• 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
• 1997 Jeep Dakar Concept
• 1998 Jeepster Concept
• 2000 "Tomb Raider" Jeep Wrangler
• 2001 Willys II Concept
• 2003 "Sahara" Jeep Wrangler
• 2004 Jeep Rescue Concept
• 2004 Jeep Treo Concept
• 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept
• 2005 Jeep Hurricane Concept
• 2008 Jeep Renegade Concept