Titan News Blog

The CJ-3A is considered by many to be the father of recreation vehicles. Introduced in late 1948, the CJ-3A was very similar to the previous model, but featured refinements over the CJ-2A including: a one-piece windshield with bottom vent and dual bottom-mounted wipers, a more robust transmission, transfer case, and beefier Spicer 44-2 rear axle.A farm version was offered from 1951-1953 and featured more farm centric options, including a hydraulic lift, engine governor, drawbar, driveshaft guard …

The Jeepster (VJ) was the last phaeton-style open-bodied vehicle made by a U.S. automaker, using side curtains for weather protection instead of roll-down windows. Brooks Stevens, the Willys-Overland designer, had intended the Jeepster to be a low-priced American sports car. Eventually it price out at around $1,900, which was at the time extraordinarily expensive. Though it was marketed as a sports car the performance was somewhat lackluster, which led to poor sales numbers. The J …

An early advertisement promoted "The new 'Jeep' Trucks are the biggest news in the medium-duty field." Two and four-wheel-drive models were originally marketed to farmers. The 118-inch-wheelbase pickup truck marked the first attempt to expand the Jeep beyond the short-wheelbase flat fender. The Jeep Truck was produced with minor sheet-metal changes until the Gladiator pickups replaced them in the '60s. With two and four-wheel drive models available, the Jeep Truck could be fitted …

America's first all-steel station wagon debuted in July 1946 and featured a three-tone paintwork that gave it that "woodie" look. The no-maintenance all-steel utility vehicle was not prone to weathering, peeling or squeaks like older "woodies". The Wagon's fold-down tailgate hatch was ahead of its time and can at least be partially credited with the origin of the "tailgate party". Most station wagons of the day could carry 4x8 feet sheets of plywood horizontally — but only Willys could stor …

The Willys MB emerged out of the war proven and ready for continued service. The workhorse of World War II was converted by Willys-Overland into a CJ with the aim of putting farm workhorses out to pasture. According to Willys-Overland, there were 5.5 million farmers in the U.S., and of these, more than 4 million had neither a truck nor a tractor. The rugged and versatile CJ-2A was marketed by Willys-Overland as "The All-Around Farm Work-Horse". It could do the job of two h …

It's the stuff of legend; the U.S. Army requested a vehicle—and drove off in a hero. The Willys MB, its spirit forged by the fire of combat and honed in the heat of battle, seared its way into the hearts of warriors fighting for freedom. Fierce emotional bonds often developed between a soldier and his "jeep" 4x4. The faithful MB earned a place in every GI's heart, in every area of combat, in every conceivable role. The tough, simple, …

Here we have a very sharp Stroker Engine set up by Bob. He's rocking a powder coated aftermarket valve cover along with excellent looking after market motor mounts. It's always a good practice to replace the mounts when installing a new engine and these ones look great. If you would like to be featured on out blog send us a message at blog@titanengines.com with some pictures and a bit of info you'd like us include. …

Here we have an absolutely beautiful 4.0 engine done up by Darren. He did an amazing amount of loving work on this engine with the colorful detailing and that slick install. If you would like to be featured on out blog send us a message at blog@titanengines.com with some pictures and a bit of info you'd like us include. …

The Willys MA featured a gearshift on the steering column, low side body cutouts, two circular instrument clusters on the dashboard, and a hand brake on the left side. Willys struggled to reduce the weight to the new Army specification of 2,160 pounds. Nuts and bolts were shortened along with lighter panels in order to produce a lighter version of the Quad. Items removed in order for the MA to reach that goal were reinstalled on the next-generation MB resulting in a final weight of approximately …

THE FIRST JEEP BRAND 4x4In June 1940, with the US on the verge of entering World War II, the US Army solicited bids from 135 automakers for a 1/4 ton "light reconnaissance vehicle" tailored to Army specifications. Only three companies responded — Bantam, Willys, and Ford — but, within a year's time they collectively produced the template for the vehicle known worldwide as the "jeep".Willys-Overland delivered the prototype "Quad" (named for the 4x4 system it featured), to the U.S. Army on Armisti …

Today we have a tangential followup to our last post about Old Faithful.In the 2006 Disney/Pixar film Cars there's quite a few background Jeeps, but only one that's a main side character.Sarge is a khaki green 1942 WW2 Willy's army Jeep that runs his own government surplus store. Sarge is a natural patriot and loves America. Every morning he raises the Stars and Stripes in front of his army hut to a version of "Reveille" while saluting with his antenna.He proudly served in World War 2 (don't …

As you know, Jeeps found their origin as the military transportation choice of the US Army during WW2. One thing most people don't know is that Jeep also has a unique honor as the first vehicle to be awarded a medal for its military service. Old Faithful was a Jeep was used in the pacific campaign, serving as the transportation for high ranking officers. It’s believed to have been the transport for at least 4 generals during its 18 months of service starting on August 7th 1942. It was a p …

What do you get when you make a TV show about Korean War medical unit? Besides lots of green army uniforms you also get quite a few types of Jeeps on set. In the show the cast, which included Alan Alda as the show’s main character, is seen doing most of their ground travel in models like the 1953 military M38, the CJ2A Willys Jeep, and Willys MBs. All models that had the iconic front grille.

The Jeep Wrangler from Jurassic Park (1993) is one of those cars no one forgets. In the film the Jeep Wranglers were used to ferry people to and from the airport and the park's main building. However they take on a much greater importance once the dinosaurs escape and power is cut on the island, leaving them as the only working vehicles. The Wrangler is also a key part of easily one of the most famous scenes from the movie. With the extreme popularity of the movie there were many replicas …