This Saturday, one of the auto industry’s most recognizable brands will celebrate its 75th anniversary. On July 16, 1941, the Willys-Overland Motor Co. was contracted by the U.S. Army to produce the Willys MB  at their Toledo, Ohio plant.

Developed to fill the role of a four-wheel-drive reconnaissance vehicle, the Jeep was extremely capable and popular with servicemen in all branches of the military. At close of World War II Willys introduced the CJ, or Civilian Jeep, which began an extremely successful line.

Eventually, Jeep would be acquired by Chrysler, and is currently one of Fiat Chrysler America’s most popular brands with a variety of models ranging from the Grand Cherokee, to the compass, and the iconic Wrangler.