Free Downloads Jeep: The History Of America's Greatest Vehicle
The definitive, fully illustrated celebration of an auto manufacturer that paved its own way by going off-road. Few American vehicles, or vehicles made anywhere else in the world for that matter, are as universally iconic as the Jeep. From olive drab WWII military relics to the beloved Wrangler with its rear-mounted spare tire, open-air design, and telltale roll cage, the Jeep is a true classic. In Jeep: The History of America's Greatest Vehicle, automotive writer Patrick R. Foster chronicles over 70 years of Jeep vehicle design and production. Beginning with the Jeep as a crucial component of the American World War II fleet, Foster expertly recounts the corporate shifts, financial struggles and successes, close calls, and, above all, the enduring machines that have carried Jeep from the early 1940s to its triumphant role as a modern-day embodiment of American perseverance. Three hundred color and black-and-white historical photos complement his expertly written narrative of Jeep's entire history, reminding us that sometimes, the road less traveled was just waiting for the right truck.
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Motorbooks (July 15, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0760345856
ISBN-13: 978-0760345856
Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 0.9 x 11.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #309,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #105 in Books > Arts & Photography > Vehicle Pictorials > Automotive #113 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Automotive > Classic Cars #169 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Automotive > History
This book really seems to be two very different books in one. For an automotive history buff like myself the first three chapters were excellent. Rich with information from the development of the Jeep, through it's mission in WWII, the years under WIllys and then Kaiser-Jeep. Nicely illustrated and full of captivating anecdotes from behind the scenes during Jeep's rise to be one of America's most respected brands. Then, beginning with the AMC takeover, and through the Chrysler years to the present day this book totally changes focus. It becomes a year by year compendium of every model, every special edition, listing every option for each down to the most minute changes, like the trim rings on the heater control knobs. Perhaps this is useful to the collectors of Jeeps from the 80s and newer, but I found it tortured reading. There is still some mention of what was going on behind the scenes but it is mostly very dry. I also had hoped for some side discussion about what was going on with American Motors in the years that their passenger car models were offered with 4 wheel drive like the fabulous Eagles. Was that Jeep under the skin? Not a mention. Very nicely illustrated although sometimes the illustrations lagged several pages behind the narrative. I loved the first half but was quite disappointed with the second half. Undoubtably there will be some who will see it the other way around.
very informative and complete history of jeep. some never before published information about the company's history and cars. great for the jeep historian or those interested in a comprehensive overview by someone who really knows the subject. not for those who want depth on a specific jeep car or model.
Bought this for my boyfriend who has a disturbing obsession with Jeeps ( in a cute way ha! ) for a nice coffee table book and he LOVED it. Looks great on his coffee table and has excellent pictures and content. I think he read through it in a day!
Patrick Foster is almost as much of a cheerleader for the brands he writes about as an author. And I find absolutely no problem w that whatsoever! It makes his books all the more fun to read. I have read others, but do admit that this one was by far the most enjoyable. He traces Jeep all the way back to American Bantam and WWII. I was aware of some of the history behind the GP, but he filled in a whole lot of background info that I was not privy to. The history of Jeep has been incredible. From Kaiser to AMC to Chrysler and now even Fiat! And all this in the space of a little over 50 years. For those who revere the Jeep nameplate and all things related, this is your kind of read. He pulls few punches about the AMC/Renault years. He also is pretty acerbic in reference to the Daimler Chrysler years. Some fun concept vehicles that never saw the light of day. A Hurst/Jeepster? Wow. He even mentions an AMC vp that my Dad knew from college. We visited Marv Stuckey in Detroit in the late 60s. I never knew he was a veep, but was also pretty young and would not have understood anyway. Great read for those who love Jeep.
Very thorough history of the Jeep all the way down to the details,at times exhausting yet informative nontheless for Both Jeep fans,Casual fans and Transportation buffs.Personally,I am not a avid Jeep enthusiast but I have them in my family and want a LS powered Willys Jeep or Scrambler,or Renegade CJ7.I like the fact that Buick V6 were sourced for awhile,and as pointed out in the book a "Iron Duke."was planned with a GM(Buick)4cynlinder sadly was still born.A lot of one offs and rare archives,only thing That bothers me is in the beginning of the book of the author's biased(ProFDR)View regarding the Best President,but later on he makes up for it by blaming where blame lies on the militant unions for some of the problems(Legacy costs)With AMC.This Book ishighly recommended for anyone Jeep fan or not.
I'm not listed as a Verified Purchase as it was a gift from my wife (her account). As others have mentioned, I found the first half of the book much more enjoyable than the last half. The excruciating detail about the later years were tedious to read. I was also a bit disappointed at the lack of detail about the post-CJ models - the YJ, TJ and JK. The continuing evolution of the "real" Jeep would have been much more interesting, even though I already know most of it. In fact, I already knew most of the early history of the WWII Jeeps and the Post-War Willys models but still enjoyed the read anyway. Many really great pictures - several I had not seen before.On my first reading, I found a few minor proof-reading errors that didn't detract from the book at all. I did find four errors in captioning of pictures that would be noticed by a true Jeep nut. Really nit-picking, I know, but Jeep nuts care about such tiny details.pg 51 - the Truck at the bottom is not a 1950. It's a 1955 or a 1957 or later model. The grille and rear window tell the story.pg 71 - the Wagon is a 1955 shown by the 3 bar grille, no fresh air intake below the right parking light and split windshield. Also it's unlikely that a new 1962 would come with NDT (military) tires. By the '60s most Wagons had street tires.pg 86 - the top caption is a duplicate from page 54 - who knows what it should bepg 172 - this Willys appears to be a bit of a Jeep Salad, but mostly an early 3B. The grille is 3B but the hood and windshield are from a 3A. The fenders appear to have been raised to clear large articulation of the front axle. That probably explains why the 3A parts were used.Like I said - nit-picking.Overall, a good book.
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