“The third week of July 1945 forever changed vehicle history as Willys-Overland made the grand public debut of the civilian Jeep and thereby unofficially launched the Sport Utility Vehicle market. A mass-produced, four-wheel drive, multi-purpose vehicle would now be available for the average consumer. Wednesday, July 18, was the official introduction date, which Willys proclaimed to be “Jeep Day.” So wrote Bill Norris in the Summer 2020 issue of The Dispatcher magazine. You can read the entire article here.
It appears the current owners of the Jeep brand have forgotten this milestone. At least we haven’t seen anything in the media – yet. Perhaps they are waiting for the actual day. We fear it is more likely that they aren’t aware of this historic day.
For our part, we plan to spread the word on social media and elsewhere that July 18th is “Jeep Day.” A day to go for a drive in your Jeep, take your Jeep to work, or celebrate your Jeep in any way you choose.
Shows, rusty gold, and trenchers
The show season is in full swing, and we have attended four events. At all the shows we attend, vendors sell used parts. While we don’t expect to find many Jeep parts at an antique tractor show, we do search for Farm Jeep parts. At the most recent show, we hit paydirt!
As soon as our display is set up, we head for the swap meet or vendor area. Barry immediately spotted a Monroe Lift top link among a collection of lift parts. For $5!
Speaking of dirt, our friend Scott Sperling has sent us information and documentation on the Go-For-Digger. You can check out the second “Jeep Approved” trencher by clicking on the picture.
FJ