In 1951, the Ford Motor Company undertook a contract for the development of a new Military Utility Tactical Truck (MUTT), which would replace the MB/GPW, M38, and M38A1 models. Three main factors were considered in the design of the vehicle: that production and potential repairs could be carried out with few complex tools, that the vehicle would be reliable and durable in harsh conditions, and finally, that the vehicle and its maintenance would be economically accessible for large-scale export.

Many prototypes were developed, and eventually, the American administration approved the design of the vehicle with a fully steel cabin, independent suspension for each wheel, four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive, a four-speed transmission, and a 24-volt waterproof electrical system. The first production contract was awarded to Ford in 1960 for a vehicle with M151 specifications, while during the 1963-1964 change, a modified version of the M151A1 was already developed.

Major changes were made to the design of the rear suspension, which was reinforced after issues arose in the M151 version when transporting larger loads or installing heavier weapons. By 1969, the production of the M151A1 version took place not only by Ford but also by Willys (later by Kaiser, AMC, AM General). However, the rear suspension was still far from perfect. A poorly designed rear axle caused excessive distortion of the cabin during more aggressive turns and, as a result, frequent rollovers of the vehicle.

The M151 has proven its worth in a variety of roles and conditions around the world, having served or even being in military or police service in over a hundred countries! Its successor in the US Army is the HMMWV, the popular Hummer.

• Length: 3.38 m
• Width: 1.63 m
• Height: 1.8 m
• Weight: 1070 kg
• Engine capacity: 71 HP