I would classify automotive styling in one of two categories: revolutionary or evolutionary. I think all automotive companies have used both.
When a new exciting model is introduced, it’s probably revolutionary compared to what that company has previously produced. For the champion of evolutionary styling, though, I nominate Jeep. Starting in 1940, the military Jeep made its debut, and its evolutionary styling for the past 84 years continues through today.
Jeep at one time was said to be the most recognized product name in the world just behind Coca-Cola. Not only was the name recognized, but so was the vehicle. Everyone can identify a Jeep (the “Jeep” Jeep, that is, not the fancy models) when they see them.
The small reconnaissance vehicle’s history started when the U.S. Army asked for bids from American automakers manufacturers with a very short timetable. Only American Bantam Car Co. and Willys-Overland responded. To develop a new vehicle usually takes three to five years, but the first Jeep prototype was developed in 18 hours by Karl Probst, working for Bantam as a freelance auto designer from Detroit.
That first 1,840-pound prototype exceeded the Army’s expectations, but Bantam was too small of a company to build the number needed. The contract was awarded to Willys-Overland, which was also too small, so Ford was contracted to also build an identical Willys vehicle. Willys and Ford built more than 637,000 Jeeps to meet demand.
A number of theories suggest how Jeep got its name. A Popeye cartoon character called “Eugene the Jeep” made its first appearance in 1936, and some attribute that as the origin of the Jeep name. Others believe it dates back even further, to World War I, when “jeep” described anyone or anything that hadn’t yet been proven.
As anyone who’s been in the military knows, acronyms are part of their language, so seeing how the vehicle the Army contracted with Bantam, Willys and Ford to create for a “general purpose” became abbreviated to “GP” and then “Jeep” is not a major stretch.
After the war, Willys manufactured the first civilian version of the Jeep, known as the “CJ” (civilian jeep) for farmers and ranchers especially. Today, Jeep clubs are everywhere, as they are a popular recreation vehicle. Since 1986, more than 5 million Jeep Wranglers have been sold, and 80% of them are still on the road. This issue’s featured vehicle is a 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ that San Ramon resident John Ebert paid $16,000 for about 30 years ago.
“I bought it from the original owner in Lafayette, who was getting married,” Ebert said. “His bride was short and couldn’t reach the pedals, and she told him it was ‘either me or the Jeep’ ” (he hasn’t heard how that decision worked out).
The YJ (sold from 1986 through 1996) is an upgraded model that followed the CJ series and used newly designed square headlights for the first time. We love controversy, and some Jeep lovers said the model can’t be a real Jeep because it doesn’t have round headlights.
Ebert, who likes the square headlights said, “From 1997 on, they went back to round headlights. I decided that rather than hide in fear of Jeep purists, I would flaunt my squareness.”
For that reason, he got personalized license plates that read “SQ LITES.” This Jeep is powered by a 4-liter (242-cubic-inch) straight six-cylinder engine designed by American Motors and improved some after Chrysler bought AMC. It’s teamed with a five-speed manual transmission, one of those “bulletproof” power trains that now has 230,000 miles on it with virtually no repairs having been needed.
This Jeep was produced in Toledo, Ohio, the original home of Willys, is a proud possession of Ebert’s but is not a show car. He has repainted it, installed a fabulous sound system and luxurious interior, and he drives it.
The owner believes his interest in Jeeps goes back to his childhood when his grandfather gave him a toy Jeep pedal car. His love of Jeeps has never wavered, and of course, he has no plans to sell this one.
Have an interesting vehicle? Email Dave at [email protected]. To read more of his columns or see more photos of this and other issues’ vehicles, visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz.