30 | #7 | issue one 2016

famous ‘jeepers’

Since the first ever Jeep® vehicle was assembled in 1941, these versatile vehicles have found their way into the lives of some of the most renowned writers, performers, sportspeople and politicians in history. From those embryonic years as the flat-packed vehicular heroes of World War II, through to the 21st-century trends for custom parts and ‘Moparisation’, a Jeep remains a sturdy and stylish sidekick.

Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)It’s no secret that Ronald Reagan was the proud owner of a blue 1983 Scrambler. This CJ-8

was a surprise from Nancy Reagan while her husband was in office, and provided quite a transport service for the former President. It was host to Secret Service agents and visiting dignitaries such as Mikhail Gorbachev. It packs a 4.2-litre six-cylinder engine, with spotlessly maintained Renegade-package dual-blue decals, doors and upholstery. Alongside his sky-blue gift, he was also the owner of a postbox-red 1962 Jeep CJ-6. It was bought to assist in manual duties on his ranch, including hauling tree cuttings. This loyal workhorse assisted him in his retirement days on the ranch, which were far removed from

the jet-setting lifestyle of being arguably the most powerful person in the world. The public can now view the CJ-8 at the Reagan Ranch Centre in Santa Barbara. The CJ-6, however, still remains at the family ranch.

J.d. SalingeR (1919-2010)The famous creator of listless protagonist Holden Caulfield in his classic novel The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger first took to the wheel of a Jeep during his time in the US Army. Salinger was part of the 4th Counter Intelligence Corps (C.I.C.) detachment that landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. His writing took a different colour after his

role in World War II, which is particularly evident in his darker short stories such as A Perfect Day for Bananafish. Anecdotally, there are tales of Salinger hauling a portable typewriter around in the back of his army Jeep, so he could work on his stories during the war. There is no pictorial evidence of Salinger’s own personal Jeep, but he was rumoured to have kept his old military vehicle, which he allegedly drove around with breakneck agility.

MaRilyn MonRoe (1926-1962) In February 1954, Marilyn Monroe touched down in Korea to perform in ten of the legendary USO variety shows, which were put on to entertain US troops, in the space of four days. She famously took this detour on her honeymoon, travelling alone from Japan in order to perform to more than 100,000 US soldiers. In the absence of a limousine, Marilyn’s transport throughout this trip was often military Jeep and helicopter. Many pictures

game

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From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of modern-day Beverley Hills, you may be surprised by the variety of famous names that are or were Jeep® enthusiasts. Ciara Jack considers just a few…

#7 | issue one 2016

famous ‘jeepers’ | 31were taken of the platinum star waving from the back of a CJ-5. Monroe also posed for a sandy desert shot in a Jeep, but judging by the white vintage swimsuit and balmier climate, this was a much more leisurely occasion. But who knows, maybe she spent some time whizzing through sandy dunes for some Saharan off-roading in between shoots?

Steve McQueen (1930-1980)‘The King of Cool’ and star of The Great Escape, Papillon and Bullitt had quite a thing for unique Jeep vehicles. Steve McQueen was not only a fan of the brand but also an off-road racer. He participated in the Mexican Baja 1000 race behind the wheel of a dune buggy, but showed his devotion to the off-road philosophy by owning a ‘Universal Jeep’, complete with chrome roll bar. A cutting-edge vehicle in 1969, it boasted a double set of rear leaf springs and not just one but two spare tyres. McQueen’s Jeep was reported to have been sold to Sonny Bono, famous husband of Cher; however, its current whereabouts are a complete mystery.

lenny KRavitz (1964-)Superstar singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz professed his love for Jeep by stating that his own Wrangler was so much more than just an impulse buy: “The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged classic. I’ve been driving the same one for 16 years, and I refuse to get rid of it – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” In 2011 he featured in Jeep’s commercial for the Wrangler Unlimited, taking a ride through a mossy forest and ploughing across a gothic swamp, which created a brooding contrast with the mud-splattered, bright silver model. When it comes to musicians buying Jeeps, the Wrangler’s adventurous appeal seems to do particularly well among the rich and famous who want a bit more bite to their ride.

david BecKhaM (1975-)‘Posh and Becks’ combined earn more than Queen Elizabeth II, so it’s fair to say that David Beckham can afford pretty much any vehicle he wants. As a noted car connoisseur, many outside the Jeep family might be surprised that he invested in a Wrangler. After signing for Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, the former England football captain was seen driving his glossy black customised Wrangler, complete with tube bumper, on the school run in Hollywood. Since retiring from playing, as well as undertaking various forms of charity work, David’s entrepreneurial spirit has led to him attempting to start a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.

otheR faMouS JeeP® owneRS include:

Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, LeBron James, Avril Lavigne, Tim McGraw

and Faith Hill.