Willys MB 1/4 Ton 4x4(diecast 1:18, AUTOart Signature)
- Willys MB 1/4 Ton 4x4 (from 1941)
- AUTOart Signature
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- Olive green
- Perfect mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
Historical background of the Willys MB and classification
The prototype for this miniature is the Willys MB 1/4 Ton 4x4, which became one of the most-produced light military vehicles during World War II. The model shown here is the MB series, which went into production starting in 1941, built until 1945 and also made under license by Ford as the GPW. Its immediate predecessors were the Willys MA and the Bantam BRC prototypes, which defined the US Army’s requirements for a compact, off-road 4x4. The Willys MB 1/4 Ton 4x4 kept the short-frame layout with a wheelbase of about 203 centimeters (80 inches), solid axles on leaf springs, selectable front-wheel drive and a simple, user-friendly operation. Typical Willys MB features are the stamped vertical-slat grille, folding windshield, a bare-bones body without doors and a very utilitarian interior. Because it was so versatile — troop transport, reconnaissance, radio duties, towing — the Willys MB 1/4 Ton 4x4 became a standard tool for Allied forces on all fronts.
Technical specs and how the original works
The Willys MB 1/4 Ton 4x4 was powered by the 2.2-liter inline four “Go Devil” (L-Head L134) producing about 45 kW/60 PS at 4000 rpm and roughly 142 Nm (105 lb·ft) of torque. Power went through a 3-speed manual T-84 gearbox and a two-range Spicer 18 transfer case with rear-wheel drive or selectable all-wheel drive plus low range. Curb weight was around 1050 kilograms (2,315 pounds), and top speed on road was roughly 97 km/h (60.3 mph). With about 22 centimeters (8.7 inches) of ground clearance, short overhangs and 6.00-16 NDT tires, the Willys MB 1/4 Ton 4x4 was built for off-road work. Brakes were hydraulic drums all round, electrical system 6 volts. Equipment-wise it typically carried mounted tools like a shovel and axe, an externally mounted fire extinguisher, holders for jerry cans and a universal pintle for a Browning M1919 .30 cal machine gun. A common combo was a 1/4-ton trailer (MBT/T-3) to carry ammo, drums or engineer gear — exactly the setup you can see in the photos. Finish was usually matte Olive Drab with white stars on the hood and sides and white tactical numbers.
The 1/18 model from AUTOart Signature in Jiten’s collection
The pictured miniature is part of collector Jiten’s lineup and is a 1/18 scale model from AUTOart Signature. It’s made in diecast, so the frame, fenders and the distinctive front end are rendered cleanly and feel solid. The paint matches the typical Olive Drab of US military vehicles; there’s a neat white star on the hood, plus small readable type and warning decals and the “USA” registration numbers on the sides. Inside you get the spartan dash, a three-spoke steering wheel, gear and transfer-case levers and pedals — all nicely done. The seat covers have a rough woven look that even mimics fabric. Behind the front seats there’s a radio set with cables and a whip antenna, fitting the recon/communications role many Jeeps had. There’s a mock-up of an M1919 on the ring mount, an axe and shovel hanging on the side and an outside-mounted fire extinguisher. The attached 1/4-ton trailer carries a 55-gallon drum and more gear; white stars on the trailer sides match the tow vehicle. This 1/18 AUTOart Signature piece is marked as a limited release and is very display-friendly.
Paint, markings and collector relevance
The model’s finish is functional and convincing: matte Olive Drab with clean panel lines and well-defined screws and fasteners, and the white national markings give the usual visual contrast. The grille with its vertical slots, the headlight buckets, the simple bumper and towing hooks all capture the Willys MB look. The folding windshield frame and wiper arms are visible; the glass sits in the same fold-down frame as the real thing. The wheels have period-correct NDT tread, and the rear sports a simple hitch with a pin. The trailer reproduces the era’s construction with round fenders, basic leaf springs and marked taillights. For collectors, diecast construction is a plus — it gives the model a realistic heft and durability for handling. The maker notes this is a limited edition, which helps place it in WWII-themed collections. If you’re into the Willys MB’s technical history, this model hits the key design features and markings you’d expect from an MB built from 1941 onward. Jiten’s piece documents the common tow-vehicle + 1/4-ton trailer combo in a scale that shows details well while still being easy to display.
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