What's your first Jeep memories

[FLAGladi]

1986 CJ7. I grew up in Miami Beach and remember on many occasions getting soaked with our nearly daily torrential rains in the summer months. Loved the Jeep and always regret selling it.

Sponsored

 

[Falcor]

My first Jeep memory was when the repo guys drove off in my dad's Scrambler. He bought it brand new in the early 80's while he was working for Burlington Northern. They laid a bunch of people off including him, and he had to let it go. I was around 4-5 at the time.

 

[FormerToyotaGuy]

Riding with my father and neighbors going deer /pig hunting in N. California Dad had CJ 5 and neighbor had a 1972 Jeep Commando (so wish I had that one in garage)both with the little 304 v8

 

[AstroZombie]

My Grandfather drove a scouting Jeep for the 3rd Calvary Armored Car and Tank unit in WWII. He had WWII Jeeps pictures everywhere. The Jeeps name was Sandy.

The story behind this picture was: My grandfather (left) met this guy on the bus to enlist (he enlisted and was not drafted when he was 17) That's another story HAHAHA. These 2 were from the same town in Upstate NY. While he was in Germany he developed a pretty sever case of dysentery and was about to be pull out and sent back to a hospital in Allied territory safe zone. After getting word he was being pulled form the front these 2 ran into each other again. The guy on teh left was in working in teh med unit and happened to notice my grandfather was being relocated. My grandfather felt he was abandoning his unit and this man helped him abscond back to the front to meet up with his unit. Basically stealing his gear back and running away from the hospital back to the front with his unit. My grandfather was known for his embellishment but that is what o took form the way he told the story. He lived to be 94 years young.

I will add that they did not know each other until they met on teh bus and that was their only real interaction until the time in Germany. His unit was not involved with the initial onslaught at Hitlers Eagles nest in Austria but his unit came in after and cleaned up. He also faught in the battle of the Bulge.

 

[teamblkdog]

Riding in the back seat of a childhood friend's dad's CJ-5, top down, taking a corner at speed and feeling the wheels lift off the pavement. That's when I knew I would own a Jeep.

 

[KX L]

Always fascinated by the military and that meant Jeeps. Never knew til way later that many Jeeps weren't actually made by Jeep. Swore I would own a 40's Jeep but never found one that either worked or was being sold for a reasonable amount.

My best personal experience is in 1983 as a new butter bar Lieutenant at Courthouse Bay in Camp Lejeune. The Amtrac [Amphibious Tracked Vehicle] Battalion and Companies still had the old style Military "Jeeps" and I loved taking them out for a drive to get parts or run errands [obviously an enlisted guys job but I would immediately say, "I'll go." ] The gunny loved it because he could get the "damn Lieutenant" away and also keep the driver doing whatever job he had the guy on. It worked 90% of the time. I'd often get caught by a Company Commander or Battalion officer and they'd tell me to knock it off----but it was just said in an amused voice so I knew they really didn't care.

Bottomline is I've pined for a Jeep my whole life and am embarrassed to say I didn't get one until I ordered my 22 Mojave with the 6 speed manual and half doors and everything. Have been in love with it from day one---absolutely no regrets.

 

[Fundamental Jeepster]

1978 when we could run up and down the river bottoms where the High Trestle Trail Bridge is now.

 

[DanJT]

My 79 CJ 5 I purchased in 81, rode many a trail in Tennessee. Then in the early 90's moved to Colorado, Rode many trails, and this what I drove Black Bear pass to Cripple Creek and back several times. Good Times.

 

[Q Tip]

After making it through my first year of college on foot, my folks helped me get a 1983 CJ7. It was white with steel doors and a nutmeg hardtop. 258 six and a 4 spd. Way nicer vehicle than I deserved. There was a sweet but buck toothed girl at school that had aquired the unflattering nickname of Squirrel Head. One evening Squirrel Head was dressed in a fancy white prom type dress, she was actually quite slim and attractive, and she wanted to go "mudding" with my buddy and I. She was in the back seat. We'll in those days you mounted your awesome radio speakers on metal brackets on the rear fenders of your jeep. I had done so but had removed them to trade for a quarter bag of weed, if I recall correctly. Memory a little hazy on that. Anyway, when we hit the mud hole, a terrified wailing and squealing erupted from the rear seat. I had my hands full driving but glancing in the rear view I could see Squirrel Head wrapped up in geysers of mud that were erupting from the speaker holes in the fenders like gushers in a Texas oil field. I couldn't lose my momentum at the time so burying the throttle to escape the clutches of mud, Squirrel Head began to be transformed into the Bride of Tarzan in her now brown colored soaking muddy wet sleeveless prom dress. It was rather erotic I must say. Suddenly the CJ lurched to a stop and we were stuck in the middle of a huge mud hole. I had to pack Squirrel Head to shore on my back, setting her down clutching her new pair of newly browned pumps in one muddy hand. It was a long walk back up the trail to the nearest house, where we were gruffly received and handed the phone out the carport door on the extra long corded handset that was ubiquitous in those days. Squirrel Head never once complained. I should have asked her to marry me then and there. I wonder what she's up to now.

 

[Dummy SALAPA]

My first vehicle to ever finance was a 1985 CJ7 with the rare automatic trans. I purchased it in 1988. My first experience with a Jeep. This one is not mine but mine looked close. I pulled the doors and top off every chance i got.

 

[Jaxmax]

Started the Jeep life in 1976 , bought 1946 CJ2A , was a lot of fun but beat to hell by previous owner . Hit a tree off-road , ruined the frame and radiator , but drove it an hour home stopping to get water , and whole time no brakes ,5:38 gears helped slow it down at stop signs but my buddies would jump out to stop it at the very end . New frame, Buick v-6 (225c inch ) warn overdrive, painted the body and parts in the back yard, fenders and hood hung from my mom’s clothes line , it was when my Dad proud as hell of me said “ the Mack Truck blood runs deep in you”. I have since gone on to be able to do anything , built two of my houses, fix anything for anyone , have built amazing sites with my company , and feel proud when I am referred to as the fixer by ownership, as I constantly step up out of my electric field to solve problems .
The CJ2A I had until 1982 when I got a Scrambler , my brother had the Jeep for ten years after that and our friend Don still has the Jeep now , painted olive drab and not running but in great shape……Jack

 

[MightyMike]

I always loved Jeeps and finally purchased my first Wrangler in 1995. It was a Rio Grande Edition with 4 cylinder engine. It wasn't very powerful, but was fun to drive. Since then, I have owned a 2000 Wrangler, 2003 Wrangler, 2021 Wrangler, 2023 Gladiator, and 2025 Gladiator. Oh, and I also have a M715 Kaiser Jeep restomod.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I always loved Jeeps and finally purchased my first Wrangler in 1995. It was a Rio Grande Edition with 4 cylinder engine. It wasn't very powerful, but was fun to drive. Since then, I have owned a 2000 Wrangler, 2003 Wrangler, 2021 Wrangler, 2023 Gladiator, and 2025 Gladiator. Oh, and I also have a M715 Kaiser Jeep restomod.

Come on now!!! You can’t say you have a 715 and not show us the goods!!!!!

 

[MightyMike]

Come on now!!! You can’t say you have a 715 and not show us the goods!!!!!

 

[Great Offender]

Marine Corp sent me to Motor Vehicle school at Camp Geiger in Jacksonville NC. Drove a Jeep for 2 years shuttling around artillery forward observers overseas until I rotated back to the states. I was so convinced in a Jeeps capabilities that I bought a brand new 92 YJ when I got out. First new car. I now have a driveway full of Jeeps.

Sponsored