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Highways Across the Horizon by Dorothy Rogers

• CATEGORIES: Books, FC150-FC170-M677, Features, Women & Jeeps This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This ad published in the Los Angeles Times, June 15, 1962, by the Alaskan Camper Factory, welcomed Dorothy and Louise back into the United States after their trip around the world in an FC-170 (with an Alaskan camper, of course).

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Originally Published October 06, 2012: Highways Across the Horizon was written by Dorothy Rogers, who previous wrote Jeopardy in the Jeep.  I received a copy of it in the mail last week.  I knew the book was about traveling through Asia, but there were two things I didn’t know.  The first think I learned was that she and her travel partner Louise, traveled all the way around the world, starting and ending in New York.  The second surprise was their vehicle of choice:  a FC-170 with a camper.   Craig confirmed today that Dorothy and Louise piloted only the third known FC to make it around the world.  I can’t wait to read about their adventure.

Here are FC related pics:

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1962 Article on a CJ-5 Build

• CATEGORIES: Features, Magazine • TAGS: , , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This May 1962 article in Four Wheeler magazine highlighted a few things. First, it’s a really clean build. I wish the pics were in color, as it’s deserving of some great photos.

Second, if I understand correctly, the rear bumper is actually a gas tank. I’m not sure I like that plan so much.

Third, given this jeep is near Colorado Springs, it probably has the Thor Electro-matic hubs, which allow a push button engaging of the front hubs. And, because they are short hubs, the front wheel covers can be placed over them.

Fourth, this has an early vacuum brake assist. Herm carries a newer version of this.

Fifth, the White top on this jeep is beautifully styled in my opinion.

Photos

 
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Altoy Jeepster Ione, CA eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, toys This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Thanks to Roger Martin for spotting this altoy on eBay.

View all the information on ebay

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“Luzon Red 1948 VJ Jeepster. Willy’s dealerships would have these on display in the showrooms. Because the level of detail is so perfect, only 150 are known to have been made.

They were made by a company called Al-Toy in the ’40s, right after WWII. The Jeepster Touring Car is considered the last American touring car, and so it has a following all on its own as a collectible.

This particular toy in this condition is hard to come by. Most have broken or missing parts (front bumper, steering wheel, vent window frames, missing hubcaps). This toy is in great shape with no broken or missing pieces. Hand painted Jeepster decals on the fenders and the painted dash gauges.The hand painted white wall tires finish out the incredible detail that went into this toy.

Jeep measures about 15” long 5” wide and 5 ½” high at the windshield. It weighs a whopping 6 lbs. All four rubber tires move freely.

Also included are 3 dealership service pins (10, 15, and 20 years of service). Ships to the lower 48 states only.”

 
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1960s Harris Manufacturing Top and Doors

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: The October 1962 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine included an ad for the Harris top and doors, along with an article.

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Originally Posted October 07, 2017: Here’s a rare Harris Dura-Door one-page brochure on eBay. This fiberglass half door produced out of Bakersfield, California, for CJ-5s was also advertised in Four Wheel Magazine (see ad at bottom).

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This ad appeared in several Four Wheeler issues, including the June 1966 issue. I’d have to guess that by 1966, Harris had dropped its soft top product and focused on the dura-doors for jeeps.

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1949 Photo Showing the Newgren Bush and Bog Harrow

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Old News Articles This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

A March 06, 1949, photo in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph highlighted Newgren’s recently introduced bush and bog harrow. The Pittsburgh firm of Buyers Motors was promoting this piece of equipment and others as part of a product exhibition for Willys-Overland Motors dealers.

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The Spirit of Tomorrow

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old News Articles This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

As part of the development of this uniquely styled rear-engine car, in 1937 Basil (Barney) Oldfield built a prototype he called the “Jeep”. The “Jeep” sold him on the idea of a rear engine vehicle, so he  began development of a safer, more dependable vehicle built around the rear engine. Unlike Tucker’s rear-engine auto design, Barney’s “Spirit of Tomorrow”, completed in 1942, did not lead to a manufactured product. But, Barney did achieve his goals, as Ralph Nader approved of his vehicle, claiming it was roomier, safer, and had more visibility.

This September 05, 1967, article form the Victoria Colonist (Victoria, B.C.,) provides some good early history on the vehicle.

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The “Spirit of Tomorrow” still runs. This 2018 video interview provides additional information:

https://www.sookenewsmirror.com/community/spirit-of-tomorrow-car-still-turning-heads-after-76-years/

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1944 “Invasion Scenes – Europe: British Troops” Video

• CATEGORIES: Features, videos This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The end of this video shows jeeps unloading, jeeps driving through a town, and a jeep navigating difficult terrain.

“L/Ss of soldiers talking to armed civilians on coastline. Various shots of man ploughing field with two ox. Several shots of war graves. Two men look at bullet holes in the helmet of which rests on grave. Various country scenes. Shots of soldiers looking out to see aided with binoculars. Various shots taken from landing craft approaching coast. L/S of jeeps coming ashore. Shots of jeeps moving through street of town. L/Ss of jeep being driven up steep mountain pass. M/Ss of soldier talking. More shots of jeep.”

 
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Jeopardy and a Jeep Book by Dorothy Rogers

• CATEGORIES: Books, Features, Women & Jeeps This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Ashley Giordano has published a well-written synopsis of the book Jeopardy and a Jeep for Expedition Portal: https://expeditionportal.com/jeopardy-and-a-jeep-africa-conquered-by-two-women-professors/

She also shared this article from April 27, 1954, that was published in the Cape Argus newspaper out of South Africa:

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Published Feb 28, 2021: According to the November 24, 1957, issue of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, this book was published in November of 1957 (previously, the date hadn’t been clear).

The December 08, 1957, issue of the Birmingham News included an article on Dr. Rogers’ new book. Apparently, Rogers was a former teacher in Alabama.

Clipping from The Birmingham News - Newspapers.com

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Originally Published September 25, 2012:

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Kelly Manufacturing’s Safari and 23-Series Tops

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: The September 1962 issue of Four Wheeler included a full page ad for its new hardtop and half-top designs. The magazine included both a full-page ad and a short article. Given this info, it looks like the top redesign was introduced during the summer of 1962.

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Originally Published July 7, 2020: Sometime in the early 1960s, Kelly Manufacturing altered the design of its angular full and half hardtops. The new tops eliminated some of the horizontal bevels and the flat back design for a slightly more elegant design; but, the tops did retain the angled top-side that was so recognizable (As I don’t have much knowledge on any interior changes, this post will stick to the major exterior differences) (See Kelly’s connection to Beck and Kemco and an early Kelly brochure) (Also see CJ-3B page Beck and Kelly histories)

Interestingly enough, Kelly branded the Flatfender  tops as 23-series, but not the CJ-5 tops. Here’s a 1962 Kelly brochure that highlights a wide variety of the rear-angled design for both the CJ-5 and the flatfenders, along with the model numbers:

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To make the differences more clear, let’s take a look at the early Kelly design (these early hardtops were also marketed by the Berg’s as JeepKing hardtops). Notice the horizontal bevels along the driver’s side rear and on the rear latch. Also note the flat vertical back of the hardtop.

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Cardboard Display Jeep With Various Drinks

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Dave Meyer posted this jeep-themed cardboard display to Facebook. It contained Body Armor, Monster, and other drinks. I believe he spotted this in Florida. Anyone else run across this?

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