Founded in 1908 by John Willys with the purchase of Overland automotive division of the Standard wheel company. Four years later in 1912 renaming it the Willys-Overland company. From 1912 to 1918 it was the second largest manufacturer in the USA after the Ford Motor Company. By 1920 the recession, not quite the great depression at that point led to the demise of Willys-Overland as a separate company eventually becoming part of the Chrysler Corporation. But that wasn't the end of it as during WWII was the manufacturer that ended up building probably the most important war machine in history known today as Jeep.

Turning to full civilian life with the introduction of the Hum Vee. It could be called the great grandfather of it's replacement as just by looking at the Hummer. The similarities of the two are uncanny to say the least. So while Willys-Overland Automotive is a hundred year old memory the lasting legacy is some and inspiration for some of the best 4x4's out there today.

Taken at the 2013 World of wheels in Kansas City which was already two months ago. I really need to get these last few up here so I can be ready for the next show I hit.