Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Jeep's 70th Anniversary Revs Up Chrysler Museum

Jeep enthusiasts rejoice: The brand's 70th Anniversary has inspired an exhibit at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.

The exhibit 70 Years of Jeep celebrates the beloved brand and its evolution from military vehicle to one of the auto industry's brand-darlings.

Starting April 19th and running through December, the Chrysler museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan will be home to the exhibit that will feature a classic, yet rare Jeep model: Willys MA78621.

Just how rare you ask? The car is one of only 45 known models stemming from the benchmark year of 1941. Jeep fans will cringe at the thought that this particular model was found rotting in a field near Fort Lewis. It was restored in 2002 and was believed to be one of 4 MA's shipped to Fort Lewis for testing by the 15th Infantry.

Jeep's passionate brand loyalists will relish viewing the iconic progress of Jeep with the exhibit's sizable collection of models ranging from the 1940-era classics to the innovative auto-concepts of the mid 2000's.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420" caption="The iconic Jeep Willys MA78621 is sure to be a highlight of the Chrysler Museum's exhibit."][/caption]

 

Click for a full list of featured Jeep vehicles and more exhibition details

13 comments:

  1. In 2007, I donated my CJ5 to the Museum. According to a letter I provided with the Jeep, from the Chrysler archival group, it was confirmed to be the last CJ 5 produced in Toledo, therefore the last CJ5 made. It should have a position of honor. I was the original owner and it and 480,000 miles. It was fully restored. The Museum was not non-profit, therefore, I literally gave it to the museum free. I wanted it to live on. I have yet to see any photos or recognition for the donation. I do intend to come up to the Museum for the Jeep’s 70th Anniversary. I am hoping the 83 is included. Thanks, Bob Wood

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  2. Hi Bob,
    It is fantastic that your CJ5 is able to continue its legacy at the museum. I'm sorry to hear that your Jeep did not receive proper recognition from the museum.
    If you would like to bring up your issues with the museum, here is the site with the museum's contact information: http://wpchryslermuseum.org/newsroom.do?id=393&mid=150
    You can also email the manager directly: manager@wpchryslermuseum.org
    You should let us know if the CJ5 made it into the show and feel free to send us pictures from your visit. We would love to make a blog post about it!
    Thanks for reading GRAutoBlog!
    -Abby Hartig
    GRAutoBlog Contributor

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  3. Abby, thanks for response, I'm in contact with the person who was responsible for, and negotiated, the transfer of te Jeep to the Museum--haven't heard a follow up from him yet--my son, grandson, and I are going to Auburn Hills on the 12th of July thru the 17th--hopefully they will have included the 83 in the exhibition--time will tell--my son learned to drive in the 83 and we took many camping trips together--appreciate the contact information and if I do not hear anything I'll contact them--will make sure I send you pictures for the membership to see--It should be an interesting visit--Jeep is a classic auto icon -- Bob Wood

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  4. Abby--tell me how to send pictures..I'll send pics of my three jeeps including the 83, if you are interested--Bob Wood

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  5. Bob, You can send pictures to ahartig@bettenimports.com. I would love to be able to use the pictures on our blog, giving you the proper recognition, of course! I'm excited to see your photos!
    -Abby Hartig
    GRAutoBlog Contributor

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  6. Have emailed everyone at the Museum--haven't heard yet--did send pics of the CJ5 and will send Museum pics when I get back home, appreciate your interest--Bob Wood

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  7. Bob,
    I hope you have a good time at the museum! Is it possible that I could email you a few simple questions about your Jeep so I can have some more information for my blog post? Let me know if you would feel comfortable with that, if not, I understand and we will still use your pictures. Thanks.
    - Abby Hartig
    GRAutoBlog Contributor

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  8. I'll answer any question you ask, appreciate your intrestm Bob

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  9. Hi all blog members--Will be at the museum the 12th to the 17th-will be in my 2007 Rubi Unlimited, soft top, soft doors, Warn 9500 I winch, high 2.5" brush guard, and, jeep green, Florida plate--probably will spend a lot of time around my 83 cj5---look me up if you are there, I'll be with my son, grandson (hopefully)--not too far for you all, come and support the Jeep icon-we have to keep it going for future generations-- Bob Wood

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  10. Have fun at the museum Bob. I can't wait to see your pictures and hear how it all went!
    - Abby Hartig
    GRAutoBlog Contributor

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  11. A BIG 10-4 ABBY, THANKS FOR YOUR AND THE BLOG SUPPORT

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  12. Abby--sent narrative and pics of museum last night--let's push for a big 75th Anniversary for JEEP--BW

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  13. Bob Your the man!!!!... We are so proud to be your friends,,,Thank you so much for being THE JEEP MAN....We Thank you for keeping everybody educated on JEEP.. I know I appreciate it... :}

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