Fragile Jeeps

[Collyn]

Not Jeep was a success. Way back in late 1950s Jeep introduced a Forward Control version.

In the course of our own trip (twice the length and breadth of Africa) in a 1940 Bedford 4=tonne 4WD, we had to escort (and often tow) a Forward Control Jeep that had broken almost one of everything prior to crossing the Sahara (a desert the size of the USA). To our (and the owners) surprise Jeep chose to run a promo claiming this useless heap had traversed the world without any problems!

Collyn (now in Australia)

 

[billiebob]

well it is 60 years old
and maintenance might have been a factor

 

[jeepgc]

Maybe you found the bad one

 

[LilKJ]

Not View attachment 645246Jeep was a success. Way back in late 1950s Jeep introduced a Forward Control version.

In the course of our own trip (twice the length and breadth of Africa) in a 1940 Bedford 4=tonne 4WD, we had to escort (and often tow) a Forward Control Jeep that had broken almost one of everything prior to crossing the Sahara (a desert the size of the USA). To our (and the owners) surprise Jeep chose to run a promo claiming this useless heap had traversed the world without any problems!

Collyn (now in Australia)

Do you have more pictures available from this trip? I would love to see them. I'm a Willys guy myself, but I can see where an overloaded Willys FC would give you problems.

 

[zb39]

So, you did this trip in the 50's or you actually made a decision to use a 60 year plus old vehicle to travel around Africa. I understand doing it on a budget but thats ridiculous.

 

[LilKJ]

So, you did this trip in the 50's or you actually made a decision to use a 60 year plus old vehicle to travel around Africa. I understand doing it on a budget but thats ridiculous.

Judging from the gear in the picture... this trip was mid 70's at the latest.

 

[Weeds]

I rode in one of these when they were new. They were not made to travel the desert. They were work vehicles. I doubt they would hit 50 mph. In the 1970's I man I worked with used one for a tractor on his farm. The OP has 1 post in 6 years!!

 

[Kmrtnsn]

I’m waiting for the OP to wax eloquent on the high state of the Australian auto industry next.