Hemmings published this somewhat odd article (https://www.hemmings.com/stories/1958-jeep-maverick-special/) about the 1958 Maverick introduction. I use the term “odd”, because of the history that’s included. Let’s consider a few items:

1. The company company formed in 1953 under Kaiser was called Willys Motors, Inc., not Willys Motor Company.
2. Yes, W-O produced MBs, then MCs, but I’m pretty sure military production didn’t stop during 1956?? Seems there were some M-170s and M-38A1s produced? And what about the civilian jeeps sold to the military and government?
3. Besides the military vehicles, I’m pretty sure there were one or two civilian jeeps produced for consumers prior to the introduction of the Maverick Special in 1958.
4. How is there zero mention that there was an active relationship between the Maverick show, Willys Motors, The Kaiser companies, and the Maverick Special wagon (the late 1950s Jeep News issues certain thought it was a big deal)?
5. Why was it a slow seller? Was it a lack of 4WD, poor marketing, an underpowered engine, or something else? Why wasn’t the market “ready” for this model?

This kind of feels like it was written by an AI program, then not vetted by an editor. In fact, it kind of feels like a regurgitated version of this news article: http://www.ewillys.com/2016/07/07/the-new-maverick-special/

Hemmings can do better …

Barney Goodwin shared this May 1980 issue of Cracked Magazine that features an illustration of M*A*S*H folks riding in a WWII jeep. I was a big fan of Mad Magazine, but don’t remember trying out Cracked.

You can have your own copy, as there are several for sale on eBay. (here is the cheapest I found).

The Dispatcher Magazine landed here last week. Bill Norris takes a close look at the Jeepster’s history with an eight-page article, including a nice section on the carryover of parts from the station wagon. I didn’t realize just how much of it was similar to the wagon. Thanks in part to the addition of technical writer Sal Consalvo, the Dispatcher Magazine has expanded an additional four pages. Also, if you are frustrated at some of the current tools available for things like removing transfercase and pinion seals, checkout the article on Joe DeYoung’s jeep tools!

Finally, if you can, please get a subscription and support the magazine’s efforts!