In 1940, Uncle Sam saw storm clouds on the horizon. Germany was steamrolling European countries at a horrifying pace. Japan was collecting island nations like Boy Scout badges all over the Pacific.

This 1945 Willys Jeep sold for $44,800 through RM Sotheby’s in 2020. Darin Schnabel, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s. While American Bantam is generally credited with the original Jeep, it was Ford and ...