A Jeep By Any Other Name...

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the iconic Jeep, renowned the world over as one of America's most versatile vehicles, capable both off road and on. Today, the Jeep division of Chrysler puts out several models, but each retains the signature seven slotted grille. Many people know that the original jeeps played an important role in the US army during World War II, but many may not know the origins of the vehicle or even the name itself.

The Jeep was designed in a combined effort between Ford Motor Company and Willys, as part of a military need for a light, versatile vehicle capable of transporting infantry anywhere they may be needed, a big problem suffered by the Allies in World War I, back in the early days of the automotive industry. The iconic grille was actually the product of Ford designers, who found that the design was both lighter and more cost-effective than the grille Willys had made, but also used less resources to make.

The origins of the name 'jeep' has been a subject of some debate over the years. Some say that the car was named after a character in the cartoon 'Popeye the Sailor', others think it was a moniker used by Army mechanics referring to an untried vehicle. The most likely and most widely accepted theory is that the original designation for the vehicle was the Ford GP, which led to people saying the abbreviation 'Gee-P'. This actually led to some legal trouble after the war, since Willys adopted the name which Ford claimed was their product.

Of course, the real legacy of the Jeep is its versatility and ruggedness, a trait passed down to today's incarnations. In 1941, this ruggedness was famously demonstrated when it took some Congressmen on a ride scaling the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Some have noted that this was also the first time the term 'jeep' was used in the media.

Over the decades, Jeep has had many incarnations, has been used in the militaries of numerous nations, and has changed hands a couple of times. After Willys folded, the brand was been effectively taken over by AM General Corporation, and then Chrysler, who used the seven-slot grille on its newly acquired American Motors cars, until American Motors folded and Jeep brand was created. And so, seventy years later we still have the privilege to have a connection to a design dating back to the Second World War in our daily lives. Until next time, take care, and thank you.