5 Little Known Jeep Facts
Think you know everything there is to know about Jeep? Here are a few little-known facts you might not be aware of.
1. The Government Basically Invented The Jeep
Well, pretty much. The Department of Defense drew up some very detailed specifications for the type of vehicle it wanted. This led to prototypes from Bantam, Ford, and Willys. After testing the Bantam, the Army provided feedback to both Ford and Willys, and ultimately both were adopted. But neither likely would have seen the light of day if it wasn't for the good old U.S. government.
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2. 8 Different Companies Have Owned Jeep
As beloved as the Jeep brand is, they sure have changed hands a lot over the years. First, the brand was owned by Willys-Overland, followed by Kaiser Jeep, American Motors Corp., Renault, Chrysler Corporation, Daimler Chrysler, Chrysler LLC, and now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Sure, the last four are basically the same company, but not in the eyes of the business world.
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3. The Jeep Name Probably Came From a Cartoon
The U.S. Army nicknamed the Jeep the G.P., short for General Purpose. But starting in 1936, Popeye cartoons featured a character named "Eugene the Jeep" who could go anywhere or do anything. Put the two together, and you've got one of the most famous and enduring brand names in history.
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4. The Tornado OHC Was Designed by an English Sports Car Builder
Jeep's post-war SOHC six-cylinder engine, the Tornado OHC, was rather revolutionary when it came out. But it may come as a surprise that the Chief Engineer for the project was a chap by the name of A.C. Sampietro, who came to Willys after working for Austin Healy.
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5. Jeep's Tornado Engine Had Some Racing Success
Since the Tornado SOHC, six-cylinder used in the Jeep was designed by a sports car guy, it only makes sense that it was also fit for racing. After American Motors formed an Argentinian joint venture in 1966, the company used the Jeep motor for racing purposes. The highlight of the Torino's motorsports career was a fourth place finish at the 1969 84 Hours of the Nurburgring. Renault kept building the car after it bought the company in 1975, all the way until 1982.
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