Posted by Brian in Oregon on March 01, 2000 at 23:33:24:
In Reply to: Nissan, a very bad boy posted by Mike on March 01, 2000 at 22:54:53:
Marmon-Herrington probably is the originator of the SUV. In the 1930's they converted various Fords, including station wagons, to 4-wheel drive. In fact, the US Marines had 1937 Marmon-Herrington four door deluxe Ford woodies with flathead V-8's. It was used as a command and recon car, seating six.
Dodge probably scores for the first large scale production SUV's, with the 1940 VC-6, the 1941 WC-10 and the 1942 WC-53.
As for the mini-pickup, the Model T was probably the original, though no one thought of it as a mini. it certainly is by todays standard. But, the 1939 Bantam 4x2 pickup is certainly a mini-pickup, and led to the Jeep design. Also, the 1933 American Austin is clearly a mini-pickup.