Kishore has produced extraordinary visuals on the story of The Jeep – it’s origins, legacy and finally the enduring Indian Mahindra collaboration. Needless to mention that Kishore found the experience of capturing 80+ years of the history of a single vehicle into 8 pages dauntingly enjoyable.
The Willys Jeep had an ubiquitous presence amongst the planters in Kodagu and we thought that this story would resonate especially with those who have fond memories of this legendary vehicle. It is an ideal Weekend read!!
CLN would welcome photographs, comments and stories from readers which will selectively be published online. – CLN Newsdesk
N. Kishore — Private Banker, JPMorgan Chase. Numbers by day, Narratives by Night. History buff and restless wanderer, mapping old empires onto new journeys. Devoted husband, grandfather. Practitioner of tactical silence. Quiet fortitude in reserve.
Very informative article, in 60s and early 70s, I have seen Willy Jeeps with planters, a Fuel can tucked behind the Jeep. In 1972 Indo Pak war Mahindras gave a large number of Jeeps to the Army as a gift.
Fascinating article and one fit for any archives on vehicles. From what one gathers the Army has moved on from the Willys Jeep to a customised Scorpio. What one finds in plantations now is a Bolero 4×4 Pickup – which is a hardy utility vehicle.
Willys Jeep’s evolution to Thar is now largely a city/highway vehicle and to that extent not the “rugged” Jeep that Willys represented.
Thank you, Mr. Kishore, for the wonderful article on Jeeps. Growing up in Kodagu, I have seen the Jeep evolve all the way from the classic Willys to the new-age Thar.
Way back in the early ’80s, I had the opportunity to drive a left-hand-drive petrol Willys in Chikmagalur—I even had to beg my cousin to share the steering wheel back then! Later, I drove an ’83 model CJ, then an MM540, and today I drive a 2017 Thar CRDe. It truly gives you a “regal” feeling when you’re behind the wheel; you feel like the road is completely under your control.
In comparison, the new Thar feels more like a highway cruiser than a rugged workhorse.
Extraordinary record of the story of The Jeep by Kishore and to Coffeeland News for carrying the story. The Willys Jeep was part and parcel of the planter’s life – a multi utility vehicle – other than going to war, every other purpose was served in Kodagu. From carrying fertilizer, coffee, workers and even attending functions (including weddings), the Jeep was a reliable and unwavering partner.
It is a very interesting read as my first recollection of a vehicle was a jeep as no other vehicles would ply on the unpaved roads in those days. That memory still continues as rightly said – a Jeep is a general purpose vehicle. Even now, a new model draws attention, but the vintage Willys had “character” and an undeniable identity.
Thank you all for the wonderful comments. They mean a great deal to me.
Of all the stories I’ve worked on, the Jeep series was one of the most enjoyable to create because it wasn’t just about a remarkable vehicle—it brought back a flood of childhood memories.
My father served as the Receiver of the Nilambur Kovilakam,( he was a Senior Member of the family)
and one of the highlights of my youth was accompanying him on inspections through the vast forests of Nilambur. Those journeys were almost always in sturdy old Jeeps that seemed capable of going absolutely anywhere. They climbed impossible tracks, crossed streams, and carried us deep into a world of towering teak, elephants, and silence.
So while researching the Jeep’s military history, I found myself smiling at memories that had nothing to do with battlefields and everything to do with my father, the forests, and a very special time in my life.
Sometimes the best stories are the ones that reconnect us with our own past.
Thank you again for coming along for the ride.
Beautifully documented. Brings back memories!
The story about the Jeep is most interesting and visuals are outstanding. These jeeps are so entrenched as part of the Armed Forces existence – so much so, officers are allowed to purchase a Jeep on their retirement at very affordable prices. Don’t know if this continues.
For many the Willys jeep is just an old vehicle. But for those of us who grew up in Kodagu, it is a cherished part of our childhood.
I still remember the unmistakable sound of the jeep echoing through the hills long before it came into sight. It was the trusted companion of every planter, carrying coffee sacks , farm workers, school children, groceries and sometimes overloaded with entire families. It never complained, whether it had to climb muddy estate roads or cross swollen streams during the monsoon.
Today’s vehicle (Thar) may be faster and more comfortable, but they can never replace the charm, character and soul of the legendary Willys Jeep. For my generation, it will always remain a treasured memory of a beautiful childhood in Kodagu.
Nice to go through this Jeep article. We do have a Willys Jeep club in Kodagu called Coorg Flat Fenders. 118 Willys jeeps from 1941 to 1983 models are registered under this club so far. You can visit their Insta page for more details at https://www.instagram.com/coorgflatfenders?igsh=d2Q1aW5xenNza2Fn&utm_source=qr
Would welcome stories and comments from Coorg Flat Fenders. 118 Willys Jeeps must have many worthwhile stories. Looking forward to sharing them with CLN readers.