1954 Willys Jeep

One account of the origin of the term "jeep" begins when the prototypes were being proven at military bases. The term "jeep" was used by Army mechanics for any untried or untested vehicles. Another likely factor in the popularization of the jeep name came from the fact that the vehicle made quite an impression on soldiers at the time, so much so that they informally named it after Eugene the Jeep, a character in the Popeye cartoons created by E. C. Segar. Eugene the Jeep was Popeye's "jungle pet" and was "small, able to move between dimensions and could solve seemingly impossible problems."

In early 1941, Willys-Overland staged a press event in Washington, D.C., having the car demonstrate its prowess by driving up the Capitol steps. Irving "Red" Hausmann, a test driver on the Willys development team who had accompanied the car for its testing at Camp Holabird, had heard soldiers there referring to it as a jeep.

This 1954 Willys Jeep has benefitted from a complete restoration back to its factory specs including Army issue green paint and even the appropriate white lettering. It is powered by a torquey four cylinder engine, 4 speed transmission, full transfer case pushing the power to the robust 4X4 Willys axles. It also comes complete with canvas top, and vintage military radio with full whip antenna as well water fording snorkel and tall exhaust pipe allowing it to safely cross streams and rivers. These vehicles were the original all terrain vehicle, the simple design that worked so well, they hardly changed in over 50 years of production. If you're looking for a fun, unique and historical vehicle to drive and enjoy, and do the occasionally cross country driving in, don't miss your chance to purchase this special Jeep.