Clarification - Willys

Over the summer a few folks asked why I have not taken issue with a couple of Willys Jeepsters of the early '50's being in Special Interest. My response has been that, unless there is a more appropriate class, such as Stock 50's, or Jeeps, those particular vehicles are "borderline" Special Interest because they were "built for a specific and unique purpose".

The following information, some from the old Willys ads and some from Hemmings and other sources will explain:

"The Willys vehicle aided military service greatly due to its toughness and versatility, which allowed it to traverse various types of rough terrain that other vehicles could not navigate. It's higher than normal chassis allowed the Willys to navigate terrain where ordinary vehicles would get hung up.

"Even the civilian models through 1953, whether 2WD or 4WD were specifically built to handle tough, unpaved terrain which was prevalent throughout the U.S. in the early 1950's. Through 1953 the Willys and Willys Jeep models were virtually the only American vehicles built specifically to handle rough, uncivilized terrain, and snow covered roads.

"The Willys of the early 1950's were most popular in South America, where roads were more a luxury at the time."

As you can see, the early Willys can fit into Special Interest as it was built for a specific and unique purpose. But it is not the most appropriate class if the show has a class specifically for Jeeps, which is where it truly belongs. And if the show has a class for Stock '50's, it's a toss-up, as the vehicle could fit just as well there as in Special Interest.

And that, my friends, is why I have no issue with them being in Special Interest - even though they almost always beat the pants off our PT Woody, as they did once again today. Congrats to them.

I hope this answers any questions on this particular issue.

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