Jeepster, Where Did You Get Those Peepers?

Costa Mesa - 2010, one of the better car shows I've been to. Not only did they have a parade of beautiful to ridiculous automobiles, but they also had a race track. And that was very entertaining... the race track highlight must have been the super-light chopped up Pick-up rat rod. It was so light, it couldn't hug the curves of the track and spun 360s half the time.

Anywho, there is was. The Willy. I have a strong penchant for Jeep Willys and Jeepsters and Commandos... I think they're the epitome of cool and I can totally picture myself cruising in one of these fun vehicles down PCH on a sexy California summer day. Too bad its drizzling today.

The Willy was born with WWII and was produced for the Army from 1941 through 1945. The WWII vehicle was then adapted for civilian use and was known as the Jeep CJ, or "civilian Jeep". These were some of the first mass-produced 4x4 vehicles out there ever.

The Jeep Jeepster was originally produced by Willys-Overland from 1948 through 1950. The name was then revived in 1966 on a new model knownas the Jeepster Commando. That is by far one of my favorite car names EVER. American Motors, Willys-Overland's successor decided to put a halt to the name in 1972 and production in 1973.

Willys produced the Jeepster as a crossover from the military Willy to a more passenger oriented market. Originally set with only rear-drive, the Jeepster was given 4 wheel drive with its revival in 1966, under the name Jeepster Commando.

What's there not to love?!