Venturing into the world with a Jeep is an exhilarating journey that goes beyond the limits of the road. As a proud Jeep owner, you become part of a tight-knit community of off-road enthusiasts. Move aside, Taylor Swift and her devoted “Swifties” – the Jeep Club is the ultimate association to be a part of in 2024.
Each year, nearly one million brand-new Jeeps are sold, demonstrating the lasting appeal of the brand. However, even after 80 years, there are still intriguing aspects of Jeep’s history that remain an enigma. At Sky Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we try to untangle various Jeep myths and legends, focusing on five key facts.
The Origins of Its Name Are Unclear
It isn’t hard to deduce how Ford, the brainchild of Henry Ford himself, got its name. The same can be said for Buick, Chevrolet, and other auto brands that share naming rights with their founder’s surname.
Yet somehow, the true origins of the name “Jeep” are still shrouded in a bit of mystery. The prevailing theory proposes that it came from the phonetic rendition of “GP,” short for “General Purpose.” This was the term applied to World War II vehicles with no specific purpose. It’s quite plausible that soldiers started referring to these vehicles as such, and the shorthand eventually became the standard.
But then, it’s just as possible that Jeep is named after a 1930’s Popeye comic strip character. Eugene the Jeep was Popeye’s magical companion, bestowed with the ability to traverse any place at any time; maybe soldiers linked its spectacular mobility with their versatile, all-terrain general purpose vehicles? Regardless of how Jeep first became Jeep, the name has since become synonymous with automotive freedom. It also isn’t going anywhere.
They Were Used as Train Cars in WWII
Jeep was founded in 1941, just as America was readying itself to enter World War II. As mentioned earlier, Jeeps were classified as “General Purpose” vehicles during the war. But was the Jeep designated as such because it lacked a specific purpose or identity? Or was it labeled as such because it possessed the versatility to handle a wide range of tasks? The military clearly believed the latter, as they would utilize Jeeps extensively in the war’s final years. In fact, Jeep was bestowed with a Purple Heart for their contribution to the war effort.
One notable perk of Jeeps was their unique capability to traverse railroad tracks, facilitating the creation of “Jeep trains.” Utilizing these adapted railways, up to 10 tons could be transported, ensuring efficient supply lines. The Jeeps’ remarkable adaptability in effortlessly transitioning between rail and standard wheels rendered them an invaluable asset.
The Seven-Slot Grille Once Had 13 Slots
Jeep is widely recognized for its iconic seven-slot grille that has become synonymous with the brand. However, determining the optimal number of slots was a gradual process for the engineers. The 1940 Jeep had a grille featuring 13 slots, possibly as a tribute to the original count of United States colonies.
However, the designers swiftly started decreasing the number of slots to attain a more streamlined appearance. By 1943, the Jeep grille exhibited only nine slots, eventually transforming into the iconic seven-slot grille that has become synonymous with the brand. This unique design attribute became firmly established by the end of World War II in 1945.
The Color of Jeep is Trash
Lest you think we’re being snobby, cosmetic critics, we’re actually being quite literal. The Anvil Jeep color took direct inspiration from a trash can in the Jeep design studio. It became such a hit that it was eventually used for the Jeep Wrangler JK. Take this to heart the next time someone calls your own work trash.
It’s More Than a Vehicle Brand – It’s a Family Sport
In 1953, a man named Mark A. Smith organized the first Jeep trek across the Rubicon Trail. This became a tradition, eventually dubbed Jeep Jamborees. Fast-forward to today, where the spiritual successor to these Jamborees exists in the form of Jeeping, a modern term that involves using Jeeps for off-road sport.
Exploring the great outdoors through Jeeping is an adventurous activity that the whole family can enjoy. Navigating cliff sides, tackling steep inclines, and conquering off-road trails enables you to fully experience the impressive power and capability of your Jeep. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to fill out the family photo album.
Jump Into a Jeep Today
Now that you’ve received your crash course in Jeep lore, there’s only one thing standing in your way of becoming an true expert: the keys to your own Jeep vehicle. Pay us a visit at Sky today and we’ll fix that. With our vast selection of new and used Jeeps, from the 2024 Compass to the all-new Gladiator, we’ll punch your ticket to the Jeep Club today. Facets of Jeep’s history may still be ambiguous, but your driving future will be anything but.
