Bantam Jeep Factory Burns Down

[Rusty PW]

This was on the local news tonight.

https://www.wtae.com/article/massive-fire-destroys-former-bantam-jeep-building-in-butler/69228299

Sponsored

 

[Jaxmax]

Yes saw that , Bantam started it , every Jeep traces its roots and even design to Bantam! It was just a building, the spirit goes on. Perhaps Jeep should have a Bantam edition to help build from the ruins….Jack

 

[legacy_etu]

Well that sucks. All that history lost.

 

[rharr]

wasn't that important if it was abandoned with all the utilities shut off.

 

[Cburd61]

wasn't that important if it was abandoned with all the utilities shut off.

They should have done it like the old Studebaker factory, in South Bend. Made a museum out of it.

 

[Gvsukids]

They should have done it like the old Studebaker factory, in South Bend. Made a museum out of it.

Who's they?

 

[Hootbro]

Probably for the best. A lot of those old factories are cost prohibitive to rebuild and repurpose because of the lead and asbestos abatement costs.

 

[Cburd61]

Who's they?

Whoever owns the building. Or, a Willys group could have purchased the property and done it. The old Studebaker factory was purchased by Frost and French, who were former dealers. They sold nos parts for decades, including building the Avanti II, after Studebaker went belly up. I’m not sure if the city of South Bend was involved, but, it was a combination of Studebaker Drivers Club members and others. Quite a nice place, back in the day. I’m not sure it still exists, as it’s been a long while since I was into Studes.

 

[vicsvx]

Đang...I juay sold my bantam trailer too

 

[NC_Overland]

They should have done it like the old Studebaker factory, in South Bend. Made a museum out of it.

That’s a very cool museum. It’s probably better now, but it was in a terrible part of town when I went years ago in the 90s. There were homeless people around burning trash barrels. First time I’d ever seen that in real life.

 

[Stan H]

Who's they?

You know ...Theeeey!! Duh come on I thought everyone could read minds by now

 

[Jrgunn5150]

It's a bummer, would have liked to have seen it somehow, but also probably never would have. WTF wants to go to PA anyway?

Time marches on.

 

[GI Grandpa]

This was on the local news tonight.

https://www.wtae.com/article/massive-fire-destroys-former-bantam-jeep-building-in-butler/69228299

Truly sad news

 

[Rusty PW]

It's a bummer, would have liked to have seen it somehow, but also probably never would have. WTF wants to go to PA anyway?

Time marches on.

Rausch Creek and AAOA.

 

[Bantam]

Unfortunately the building had been used and abused by a few different companies, the most recent (don’t recall the last day, maybe early 2000’s) as an expansion of the nearby steel mill now owned by Cleveland Cliffs.

I think there were some interested parties with some dreams to do some sort of museum but the costs just to stabilize it were astronomical.

With any luck, this podunk town might see a bit of industry move into the area as it’s currently getting a bit more attention prior to the fire. Unfortunate to see it come down, but maybe there will be some light in this dreary situation.

Sponsored