The Jeep made its transition from military vehicle to civilian favorite over seven decades ago. In that time, not only did the common name for any all-terrain vehicle become simply “a Jeep,” but its iconic shape has been seen in hundreds of movies and TV shows, truly making it a part of American folklore. Here are some of the Jeep’s most famous TV appearances.
M.A.S.H.
The first on our list is a throwback from the days where Jeep was primarily a vehicle used by the military. Set in the Korean War in the early 50s, M.A.S.H. is the story of a medical army unit and its adventures, ranging from hilarious to tragic.
The most-used Jeep throughout the show was the M38, a model actually used during the war in Korea. As opposed to Jeeps used in World War II, the M38 was actually a military version of a civilian model, the Jeep CJ-3A. However, the classic Willis MB used by the American forces in World War II was also used throughout the show.
Cars
Even now, over 70 years after the war, the first image popping into many people’s heads when hearing Jeep is a military vehicle. The producers of the classic 2006 movie Cars, now commonly featured on the small screen through DVD or streaming services, also made the association. “Sarge” is based on the Willis MB Army Jeep and actually served in World War II, his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge earning him the “Grille Badge of True Mettle.”
While a Jeep earning a medal may sound like something that can only happen in a cartoon, a fun fact is that a Jeep that survived two different beach landings during World War II was actually awarded a Purple Heart by the U.S. Army, a clear testament of how valued the vehicles were.
Jurassic Park
Moving away from army-themed Jeeps, Jurassic Park features the car as a staff vehicle in the famous dinosaur-filled park. Considering the movie’s premise and how access to the park is described, it makes perfect sense that the main vehicle featured in the movie is a Jeep—a 1992 Wrangler Sahara, to be exact.
Dukes of Hazzard
The famous show from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s featured many iconic cars, but one of the easiest to remember was the white CJ-7 Jeep driven by the gorgeous Daisy Duke. Known as Dixie, the car’s appearance on the show improved upon the car’s already growing reputation. The 2005 movie remake also featured Daisy driving a Jeep; however, this time it was a Wrangler Rubicon.
History Channel’s “How you get There”
Last on the list is a TV show actually starring the Jeep. Two Jeeps, to be precise, owned by Jeep enthusiast Jenn Barlow, are used in the attempt to conquer two extremely difficult off-road paths in Utah. Equipped with Dana aftermarket axles on both the front and the rear, the two Jeep Wrangler Rubicons go on a daring adventure and help each other pass the difficult challenges they’re faced with.
Image via Flickr by andreboeni used under CC BY 2.0
Connect with us
