This story reported on May 29, 1944, in the Madera Tribune shares the story of how some soldiers played Santa using a jeep.
Features Research Archives
The Kia “M-715”
Craig spotted this article in Autoweek about the descendent of the Kaiser M-715, the Kia KM450. It’s still been built, albeit with an updated power train. Still, comparing the pics, it’s amazing they still look as close as they do.
PIc of M-715 with similar stake bed setup:
1943 Article About Cabrillo School Jeep War Bond Pruchase
This March 27, 1943, photo and article in the San Pedro News Pilot describe a big event at a Cabrillo Avenue School in San Pedro. Enough money was raised to warrant jeep rides at the school. I can imagine that must have left some memories with those kids!
1942 Photo of Radio-Equipped Search Jeep
This September 23, 1942, photo and caption in the Madera Tribune describe the new way of using a jeep with a radio to communicate with a search plane so that crashes can be more easily located.
1946 Ad for the Mighty Jeep
1943 Photo of Lena Horne Exiting a Jeep
This photo and caption from August 27, 1943, described Lena Horne’s visit to a local baseball game between SCU and players from the 92nd Infantry Division.
Happy Holidays From Army Jeep Parts
George Baxter shared a bit of cheer from everyone at Army Jeep Parts.
Interactive “Jeep Experience” Coming to Toledo
Jerry Huber shared this news: The “Jeep Experience” is expected to open in 2022. Per WTOL, a station out of Toledo, “A $40 million project is coming to Toledo that promises an immersive, interactive experience in all things Jeep. The Jeep Experience will be 56,000 square feet, with an outdoor test track and aims to reach Jeep lovers worldwide.”
Thanks for the Cards!
I’ve had a couple Willys-oriented Christmas cards come my way, thanks to Bob and Tim, so I thought I’d share them. I can’t believe it is already the 18th!
1947 Ad for the Willys Caravan in NC
On November 4th, 1947, the Wilmington Morning Star published an ad highlighting a Willys-Overland Caravan visit at Bellamy Farm. The ad was sponsored by the Fleming Company (Or it may have been the Fleming Willys Company).










