The Jeep’s popularity continues to grow each year, especially among outdoor enthusiasts. The first Jeep was the “Jeep CJ,” which stood for Civilian Jeep. Civilian Jeeps were the first sold to non-military customers in 1945. Usually referred to as the Jeep CJ, these models are still highly prized as antique collectibles.
During World War II, Jeeps had a name that may not be familiar to many. At the time, they were instead called the Willys MB. These vehicles took the form of a compact Jeep, pickup truck, and transport vehicles to fit military needs. You should know everything there is to know about your vehicle if you’re a Jeep enthusiast.
Here are some of the fascinating facts about Jeep that would blow your mind:
Origin of the Name, Jeep
To date, the main origin of the name “Jeep” remains a mystery. Although a lot of people have some assumptions as to how the name came about, none has been proven beyond reasonable doubt. Let us consider some theories:
- During WWI, “Jeep” was used as slang for new, untested recruits or vehicles. This theory suggests the name stuck due to the vehicle’s initial use in the military.
- Some believe the name originated from the sound soldiers made upon seeing the capable vehicle, expressing surprise and delight.
- A theory suggests the name came from a character named “Eugene the Jeep” in the Popeye comic strip, known for his small stature and toughness, mirroring the Jeep’s characteristics.
- Some claim that the name Jeep is the phonetic pronunciation of “GP”. It was the result of a request by the Army in 1940 for a General Purpose (GP) vehicle that was small, lightweight, had four-wheel drive for cross-country travel, and was capable of carrying a light machine gun.
The Seven-Slot Grille
Originally, the grille slots were 13. It’s unknown exactly how the designers settled on seven slots. But there were originally twice as many grille slots as it is now.
The original 1940 Jeep design had thirteen slots on the front instead of seven.
Eventually, this number was lowered to nine around 1943. From there, the designers made the vehicle we know and love with its iconic seven-slot grille. The seven-slot grille, a defining feature of Jeeps, first appeared on the 1945 CJ-2A model. There are speculations about what the slots in Jeep are, and there are claims that they symbolize Jeep’s ability to make an impact on the seven continents.
Jeeps are popular vehicles, today pre-owned Jeeps are being sold across the world, and you can explore your vehicle history! By taking the time to run a Jeep VIN decoder you can find satisfying historical data about any Jeep model.
Jeeps as Train Cars
This vehicle gained popularity during World War 2, they were considered less rigid and could easily maneuver their way through rough terrains.
Jeeps weren’t just for driving around. With some changes, they could become train switchers, fast speeders, or even small train engines. This makes them one of the few vehicles that can handle both roads and tracks, which is pretty amazing!
Taking a road trip is fun, but riding a train-Jeep is something else entirely! This lesser-known fact shows how clever Jeeps were and how important they were in winning the war.
Jeep Colors were Inspired by a Trash Can
The now-iconic “Anvil” color, a dark gray with metallic flecks, was born from an unexpected source. Designers spotted a nearby trash can painted in this unique shade and were instantly drawn to its rugged yet sophisticated look. This chance encounter led to the creation of a popular Jeep color choice. Fascinating right?
Award For Bravery: The Jeep Purple Heart
The purple heart was an honorary title usually given to brave soldiers during the war, as Jeep breaks down continuously and yet endures, it was deemed appropriate to reward such loyalty with a purple heart as though the vehicles are wounded soldiers.
Fun Facts about Jeeps
- Jeep started using the seven-slot grille design as its signature in the 1990s
- They went into a legal battle with Hummer because of the use of the seven-grille design
- The Zamboni Ice models were built on Jeep chassis between 1949 and 1964
- After World War II some Jeeps were modified for farming operations.
- Jeeps were used for picnics, and in fact, Jeep’s first station wagon was closely associated with the term “Tailgate”
- Nintendo a gaming company designed a game with 18 different Jeep models in 2008
- The M38 Jeep was equipped with special equipment that could help it to stay submerged in water.
- In 1962 a breakthrough was made as Jeep created the so-called Wagoneer with an automatic transmission
- The Model CJ-5 is said to be the Jeep with the longest production history as a single model.
- In 1999 the last Jeep Grand Wagoneer was sold. This is significant because it was the last of its kind with a carburetor.
- Jeep VIN lookups remained the easiest way to access any Jeep model vehicle history information
The Jeep VIN Lookup
Jeep VIN lookup has been around for a long time, but most of the companies providing vehicle history reports failed to add auction and sales data to their reports.
This changed in 2018 when a comprehensive car history report containing auction and sales history information was introduced, most times the auction data is accompanied by images detailing how the vehicle was in the recent past.
Jeep in the Past and Present Decades
During the 1940s Jeep was born, born into the heat of the battle, the soldiers loved it because it could “Go anywhere and do anything”, it provided support for soldiers all around the world.
During the 1950’s Jeep produced some recreational models, Jeep jamborees were organized,
They made around seven unique models in this decade.
While in the 1960s the wagoneer was made. Wagoneer owners are known and seen to command a special prestige for the owners.
Jeep continued its growth in the 1970s when it introduced the first full-time 4×4 system. The six models raised Jeep sales to an all-time high.
In the 1980s, Jeep produced the Cherokee XJ, disrupting the 4×4 market, then came the first compact 4-door SUV, the first uniframe construction.
In the 1990s, the Grand Cherokee ZJ was considered to have superb off-road capabilities, while the Grand Cherokee’s (WJ) sales soared to 629,000 units during the 10-year period.
During the 2000s the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was made, it was considered capable and durable. There was also the Compass and Patriot, which reached into the small utility segment.
