That was one theory as to the origin of the name, another was that it was derived from the cartoon character from that era which could adapt/transform itself to whatever was needed.
I have seen a newspaper clipping of 18 pdrs being towed here in Shilo sometime in the late 30s, and ref is made to the trucks as Jeeps. Since this predated the evolution of the Bantam/Willys/Ford, and Canada did not use the term "General Purpose" (GP), I think we can discredit the 1/4 ton truck from being the original Jeep.
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