President Reagan’s Willys Jeep Takes Center Stage in Washington
Even the National Mall in Washington D.C. seems to be getting in on the Jeep 75th Anniversary celebration.
In the park’s second “Cars at the Capital” collection, the National Mall is showcasing a historic 1962 Willys CJ-6 once owned by President Ronald Reagan.
The Jeep was given to Reagan by his wife, the late Nancy Reagan, as a Christmas gift in 1963 before he was elected Governor of California, according to a USA Today report. The old beater was a regular fixture on the Reagan ranch near Santa Barbara. Apparently, it was originally utility green until the California National Guard painted it red with white pinstripes as a going-away present before the end of Reagan’s two terms as Governor of California.
The Jeep, which was recently registered by the Historic Vehicle Association, has been the subject of numerous photos capturing the 40th U.S. president in a more relaxed environment — some of which are shown below, including one with the former president clearing brush while his dogs wait in the front seat. There’s also another photo that shows Reagan taking former U.S.S.R. President Mikhail Gorbachev for a ride in a Jeep Scrambler.
Reagan’s Jeep, along with President William Howard’s White Steam Car, are on display in D.C. for the rest of the month.
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Via [USA Today]