The WWII Bantam BRC-40 Prototype Jeep
In the race to produce a 4×4 “recon car,” three companies produced prototypes: Willys, Ford, and Bantam. Two would emerge with contracts to build Jeeps during WWII
Bantam BRC-40 4x4
Bantam BRC-40 4x4 Reconnaissance Car
- Weight: 2,600 lbs
- Engine: Continental BY 4112 4-cylinder
- Displacement: 112 cu. in.
- Horsepower: 45 @ 3,500 rpm
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Fuel Capacity: 10 gallons
- Maximum speed: 55 mph
- Maximum range: 165 miles
HISTORICAL NOTE
When the Army placed a competition request for a 4x4 1/4-ton reconnaissance car, three companies produced prototypes: Ford, Willys, and Bantam. Bantam hurriedly built a batch of 69 pre-production units before the Army ordered 1,500 vehicles. Between March 10 and July 2, 1941, Bantam completed the vehicles, each designated as a “BRC-40.” Fifty were built as four-wheel steer vehicles.
Bantam received a third order for 1,175 units with work completed in December 1941. Though it had been an early innovator in the evolution of the Jeep, this was Bantam’s last order for the 4x4 vehicle. During WWII, Bantam went on to produce thousands of 1/4-ton T-3 trailers for use behind Jeeps and torpedoes for the Royal Navy.
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