Andy-
I hadn't gotten into that particular dimension of "Jeep" history... But,
yes- one of the stories is that it was named after "Eugene, the Jeep" from
"Popeye" cartoons...(A "Ubiquitous animal able to do anything" I seem to
recall the definition being...) However- again, the term "Jeep" predates
"Eugene" in military slang, from what I understand! And I meant to mention-
the use of the term "Jeep" to be any insignificant item was an Army term...
On civvy street, I'm not sure how it was used, other than "Popeye"
reference, until the war.
So, the term "Jeep" has had an interesting history- with many attributed
beginnings... But no known origin!
Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: <andylit@covad.net>
To: <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 1:06 PM
Subject: Re: Re:TR2 Front Wings and Archeology
> > >"Peep" was the original nickname for a "Jeep"(At the time, a 3/4 ton
> > weapons
> > carrier was referred to as a "Jeep")<
> >
> >
> > ISTR the term "Jeep" was a diminutive of GP which itself was short for
> > General Purpose.
>
> -That is one of the stories- however none are proven to be "the" true
> -story... And, "GP" was a Ford designation. Due to the somewhat
compromised
> -design competition, in which American Bantam(originators of the "jeep"
> -concept) was eliminated, both Ford and Willys came up with viable first
> -production models- the Ford GP, and Willys MA.
>
> (BIG SNIP)
>
> But wait!. There's More!
>
> The Jeep predates Wiley's, Ford and the U.S Military.
>
> The Jeep is actually a cortoon character from the old Popeye comic strips
> and books, circa 1936. Have a peep at this Jeep
>
> http://members.tripod.com/HoboJeepers/eugene.htm
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
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