Jeep Cars
The name Jeep has a curious origin, some say it comes from careless pronunciation of the acronym GP (General Purpose; general use in Spanish or Governmental Project, government project), other than a character Popeye, Eugene Jeep, was very popular in the 30′s of the twentieth century. In any case, Willys-Overland Jeep registered the trademark in the United States and other countries in 1950.
It was in July 1940 when the General Staff of the Army of the United States sent to 135 carmakers tender specifications to be met to build a combat vehicle. Among other conditions, Uncle Sam demanded a model with traction at all four wheels that could move quickly through the countryside. In the bidding, only came within the stipulated period of 49 days, a manufacturer Bantam Motor Company, a prototype designed by Karl Probst. But, given the shortcomings of the mechanical model, it also admitted the Quad presented by Willys-Overland. Furthermore, the development of war forced to quickly increase production, so the government pactó with Ford using their factories. That year, 1940, dates the term SUV, as before, when a car left the road called him accident. That year Jeep called it off, ensure the brand.
After this first SUV to use predominantly military, Willys-Overland Jeep manufactured the first civilian, the CJ2A. This was followed by among others, the CJ-3B, which was in production until 1968, the CJ-5, and the public enthusiasm that was manufactured until 1980; CJ-6, CJ-7 and Jeep Wagoner Limited, which was responsible to popularize such vehicles to the public, thanks to an interior that was so comfortable and well equipped as a tourist.
In 1986, the CJ-7 gave way to Wrangler, an SUV effective, modern and comfortable. A year later, Chrysler Corporation acquired the brand, which then moved to DaimlerChrysler and which has in its range with the Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.
Jeep in Spain
In 1960 VIASA began his career with the construction under license from the popular Jeep Willys Americans, in their first battle shorter version of (PS-3) and, later, the long battle (CJ-6). This series, but with some technical tinkering, stylistic and denomination (Universal, Bravo, Caporal, and so on.), Would remain in effect until the beginning of the eighties.
In 1963, VIASA introduced the SL range, with four models cabin and advanced traction to all four wheels (unparalleled in the Willys-Overland American), capable of carrying more than a ton of weight for any type of terrain. It was the Campeador (pick-up with 1,200 kg payload), the model duplex (double cabin pickup with 5-7 seats and 750 kg); Furgón (van with 6 seats and 1,000 kg) and the so-called Toledo (minibus 9 seats). With minor improvements, and under the common name of Jeep Ebro SV, these vehicles survived until 1981
Just one year after the launch of the North American Jeepster Commando, VIASA decided to manufacture under licence in facilities that had in Zaragoza. Initially, it was virtually identical to the American model, including maintaining the Anglo-Saxon name Jeep Commando VIASA. A couple of years later, at nacionalizarse its production, the M Commando loses it superfluous. This Command Spanish was sold three bodywork: Basic (cabriolet); roof of canvas, or with closed cabin. It maintained the option of dual gasoil (Barreiros C-65) and gasoline (Hurricane F-4).
The launch of the Jeep Commando saw the emergence on the national market for a vehicle of similar characteristics to the Land-Rover, SUV Spanish par excellence, in terms of consumption and resistance, but more comfortable and faster than the latter. His versatility enabled him to enjoy more of a perfectly mixed use on the road and field. Its price was significantly higher than the Land Rover 88 and similar or slightly lower than in the 109. Sales peaked command splendor between 1977 and 1981, a period in which there were two versions Diesel (S & HD) to choose from.
Back in the eighties, with the outbreak of the Nissan Patrol in the domestic market, the Jeep Commando seemed obsolete, both mechanical and equipment. Thus in the year 1982 no longer manufactured forever.
The advertising Jeep Commando always stressed its versatility as a commercial vehicle and recreational, as well as their skills ruteras. 1969, a vehicle was revolutionary in terms of its design, because for the first time in Spain could be have a model of exceptional hardness and resistance, comfortable and easy to drive. Both were well exceeded some spare comfort to the Jeep CJ-3CJ-6 and Land Rover 88/109.
With increased sales and the popularization of such vehicles among youth, the very Motor Iberica sponsored a competition for their jeeps. Thus, in 1979 took place in the Champions League Spain Cross Jeep Grand Prix Motor Iberica, for vehicles with traction at all four wheels.