11 Best Jeep Model Kits To Buy?

Jeeps are a classic American vehicle with a lot of history. Jeeps played an important part in all countries wars and in many aspects of our lives. For fun for work or as an everyday driver, Jeeps will always be a part of our lives. I wondered which Jeep models were the best for building and learning more about Jeeps. Here’s what I found out:

Here are the best Jeep model kits:

Airfix 1:72 Willys British Airborne Jeep
Italeri 0326S 1/35 1/4 Ton 4×4 Ambulance
MINIART American Military Bantam
Italeri Models Willys Jeep & Trailer
Revell Jeep Honcho Ice Patrol
AMT ERTL Dukes of Hazzard Jeep
1:25 Jeep Commando Mount ‘n Goat
Metal Earth ICONX Willys
IWM – Metal Construction Model Kit – Willys MB Jeep
Tamiya Jeep Willys 1/4 Ton 4X4 Kit

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Read on as we go into the details of these kits and a few more.

Airfix Willys British Airborne Jeep Model Kit

This British Jeep kit by Airfix is a very well detailed 1:72 scale plastic model kit with 39 parts. It is rated as a skill level 2 that requires glue and painting and is rated for 10 years of age and older. After reading some reviews I can see that this is a good kit for beginners as well as intermediate modelers.

The Willys MB US Army Jeep was manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. They were able to carry and tow many loads, making for a highly maneuverable army.
wikipedia

The kit comes complete with detailed instructions and a decal set. It is a great value priced at $16 to $18

Italeri 1/35 1/4 Ton 4×4 Ambulance Model Kit

This is a 1:35 scale United States of America 1/4 Ton 4×4 Ambulance Jeep. The ubiquitous Jeep is perhaps the most all-round vehicle ever constructed. This is a plastic model kit that is a skill level 2. Assembly and painting is required. Paint and glue is not included. Priced at around $18

Because it was ruggedly built and thus able to traverse most types of terrain without suffering structural damage, one of the task assigned to the Jeep was that of ambulance service.

MINIART AMERICAN MILITARY JEEP BANTAM BRC 40 Model Kit

This is the 1:35 scale Bantam 40 BRC plastic building model kit by MiniArt. This kit will require assembly with glue and painting. This is a skill level 4 as it contains 260 parts, including photo etched and clear parts. This model is recommended for ages 14 and older.

The Bantam BRC 40 was the production version of a 4 wheel drive “Jeep” designed by the American Bantam Car Company. Bantam did not have a large manufacturing base so this was contracted to Willy and later Ford as the Army required 75 Jeeps produced daily.

The eventual Willy product was an amalgamation of their own, Bantam’s, and Ford’s designs. Bantam produced more than 2700 vehicles with over half their production going to the British and Soviet Armies. In the end the US Army awarded all contracts to Willys and Ford with Bantam only producing trailers.

The included decal sheet is for 3 variants of the model. Includes five soldier figurines with weapons and equipment included. Illustrated assembly instructions and detailed painting scheme included. The price is $40 to $45.

Italeri Models 1/35 Willys Jeep & Trailer Model Kit

This is a Italeri 1/35 Jeep and trailer kit that would be a great part of a military diorama. This kit includes three life like figures and a trailer.There are detailed illustrated instructions, with decals for four versions. This kit does not show a skill level but appears to be a level 2. Requires glue and paint for assembly. This is a great value at around $16.

Revell Jeep Honcho Ice Patrol Model Kit

This kit features multi-piece snowmobile, detailed V-8 engine, 4-wheel drive system, pickup bed accessories including gas cans, tool box, and rollover bar with lights, plus chrome plated parts, and soft black tires.

The Jeep pickup truck was based on the famous Jeep Wagoneer. It was initially referred to as the gladiator and was in production from 1962 to 1988.

The Honcho was a trim package offered on the base J10 model. It was part of a series of special packages offered in the 1970S and 80S. The original Gladiator truck was the basis of the first post war U.S. Army truck. Designed to be a civilian vehicle, It was then adapted for military use.

The basic engine in the Honcho was a 258 C.I. Six cylinder engine with an available option of the AMC 401 C.I. V8, rated at 225 HP. Both engines used the Quadra Trac drive system and were known to be strong and reliable.

This model is rated as a skill level 4 with 80 parts. It is a scale 1/24 that will be 8″ in length, width 3-3/4 and 5″ tall when completed.

This is a great model for around $25

AMT ERTL The Dukes of Hazzard Daisy’s Jeep Model Kit

This is the Dukes of Hazzard Daisy’s 1978 Jeep CJ. 1:25 Scale Plastic Model Kit. This kit requires assembly and is molded in white. Complete with optional removable top, detailed engine with 4×4 Chassis and Suspension.

For the modeler of moderate experience from ages 10 and up. Glue and paint needed for assembly, but not included. Rare and hard to find priced at around $100.

Some History of the CJ Jeep:

1972-1983 JEEP® CJ-5 RENEGADE: Renegade models typically featured a 304-cubic inch (5L) V8 engine, stouter drivetrain, alloy wheels, and a Trac-Lok® limited slip rear differential. This unique CJ-5 featured special striping on the hood and seats, chrome front bumper, roll bar, 258 OHV inline six, black rubber lip extensions on the fenders, and oversize Polyglas white-walled tires.
jeep.com

1:25 Jeep Commando Mount ‘n Goat Model Kit

MPC’s Mount’n Goat Jeep Commando features plenty of exciting options. How about three different wheel choices, massive off-road or rugged street tire, hard up-top or open-top options and a greatly expanded decal sheet featuring the original graphics plus all new factory-style stripes.

It’s molded in pearlized blue plastic. Super detailed engine, raised suspension and authentic interior components round out the package, which is full-on Retro Deluxe.

This kit is built in 1/25 scale, skill level 2 and requires paint and glue. Very fun to build and priced at around $32.

Fascinations Metal Earth ICONX Willys MB Jeep 3D Metal Model Kit

This ICONX Willys MB Jeep model comes in two sheets with a moderate difficulty level. Once assembled, dimensions are 3.74 x 1.57 x 2 inches. This Earth Metal kit comes as a unassembled model with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.

There is no glue or soldering required as the parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers and a small needle nose pliers are the recommended tools for bending and twisting the connection tabs.

You just pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions.

This is a highly detailed etched model that will make a great display once completed. Priced at $21 to $25.

IWM – Metal Construction Model Kit – Willys MB Jeep Model Kit

High quality, steel pieces coated with tough anti-oxidation finish. Kit has easy to follow instructions with 392 detailed pieces.Suitable for ages 14 years and older. Price is $28 to $32.

Produced between 1941 and 1945 this US Army Jeep was the four-wheel drive utility vehicle that enabled light, cross-country over-ground travel during the Second World War. Now you can build your very own Willys MB Jeep at home with this all-inclusive construction set.

Tamiya Jeep Willys 1/4 Ton 4X4 Hobby Model Kit

This kit is a detailed Jeep with weapons (rifle, .30Cal m/g with mount for the rear compartment) and equipment, clear parts (windshields and headlights), includes driver figure in relaxed sitting pose. Decals for five vehicles.

This is a 1/35 scale U.S. Willys MB Jeep 4×4 by Tamiya. Without a doubt the Jeep Willys MB occupies a significant position in the whole automotive history.

In November 1941, the army, with alterations on the front grille and hood to the Ford design, chose the Willy’s vehicle as the basis for the mass production model. This marked the birth of the Willys MB (model B) that provided unmatched ability to transport Allied troops during the conflict.

Paint and cement (not included) required for assembly. Recommended for ages 12 and older.

Final Thoughts

Now you can choose one of these great historic models and build your own favorite military or civilian Jeep. These are all fun and historically interesting models so I hope you will enjoy building them.