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On America's Independance Day I decided to write about my love for Jeeps, the American vehicle who has played such a major part in the liberation of Europe during WWII and subsequenlty in many other parts of the world.
My love for Jeeps started as a young school boy who always saw the Jeep in war movies. As a teenager we visited family in the Bushveld near Alma and we went into the mountains with a 1960s CJ5. In my high school days I wanted to rebuild an old Wagoneer but had neither the skills, finances or equipment to tackle such a project. The Jeep stayed a dream.
When I started working I bought an old Volkswagen Beetle and took it to Bloemfontein one July holiday to Vossie, an old friend from my teaching days. I bought a Kitcar Kit, a red fibreglass Jeep body and we converted the Beetle into a Jeep. I took this once to Sordwana Bay on the Natal north coast and soon realised that this is more like a toy, not a real Jeep. When I was transferred to Sweden in 1989 I sold the "Jeep" and fortunately did not loose any money on the deal.
In 1992 Almarie and I were driving down from Johannesburg to Kleinmond for our December holiday (we were then in the USA) and in Villiersdorp we passed a garage where an old CJ5 was for sale. I returned the next day and bought it - driving it 70 km back to Kleinmond. I brought this Willys Jeep to Pretoria where Hennie Smit and I compeletly dismantled and rebuildt it - now in a blue colour. I had this Jeep for 16 years and then sold it to Jan. We were very happy that he bought it as he keeps on the farm and it kind of stayed in the 'family."
I replaced the Jeep with a Wrangler TJ 2005 model. I customised it with some aftermarket products to give it a true trail Jeep capability. We use this Jeep for our everyday commuting as well and it has become a much loved vehicle in the family. Its a lifestyle vehicle and we all enjoy it - especially with the top down and going to surfing.
Adriaan and I love taking the Jeep on camping and outdoor expeditions and we have many lovely memories of the Jeep four wheeling in the Cederberg mountains and surrouding areas. I love my Jeep and there is always a sense of adventure when we get into it - even if it is just driving to the mall.
I have always been astonished with the versatility of the Jeep which must be the most versatile vehicle ever made. I collect minuature Jeeps and have a collection of about 150. The Jeep has been used as a military vehicle, ambulance, tractor, fire truck, amphibian vehicle, agriculture and hundred other uses. It is a remarkable vehicle and admired by all. It is truly what the marketing slogan says: "There is only one."
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