These photos were taken on the Pipeline Road in Panama. It was built during the second World War to provide an oil pipe in the jungle parallel to the Panama Canal. In case the canal was ever blocked by enemy forces, oil could be still moved from one end of the canal to the other. Later it was used by US forces for jungle training. We think many, many Willys Jeeps have been up and down this track in the past. Now it is in Soberania National Park, it is one of the worlds most famous places to see birds. As you can see it is in poor shape but perfect for expeditions in our Jeep. The desert rat on the front of the Jeep is in honour of my Grandfather who was a Colonel (Coates) with the British Army and part of the famous Desert Rats. I am sure he used a Jeep in North Africa, Italy and later during D-Day. That is Alistair (8) and Paloma (5). Alistair can drive the Jeep off road, Paloma can’t reach the pedals yet.
Our Willys CJ-3B was bought from a member of the German Embassy in Panama. We bought the Jeep so that our children could learn mechanics and learn how to drive. We are slowly replacing the old and damaged parts for new ones. The Jeep is used almost exclusively off road on the old WWII tracks that weave through the jungles around the Panama Canal where we live.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Life – Andrew Coates
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Lovely report. I was stationed in Panama for a few weeks. Howard AFB.
Don’t let the babies drive off the bridge!
very cool! I’m restoring the cj3b that belonged to my grandfather… I also learned to drive on cj3b when I was a child …. these photos brought me these memories …
I love good Jeep stories. Especially ones with history. Your kids are lucky to have a Jeeper mother!
GREAT
This is the best message I have received in years! Thanks for sharing. Your kids will, not doubt, contribute much to society with their u-brining. Bless you! I learned to drive Dad’s new 48 Jeep pick-up here in N Texas, at age 9 and have recently restored a 53 CJ3B for my little farm. Y
Jeeps, more than just about any other vehicle, seem to tie two, three or even four generations of families together. This was a really good cover photo and a great theme for this year’s catalog!
Having the kids experience things like this cannot be priced in dollars and cents.
Miss Paloma may not be able to reach the pedals yet – but it looks like she can give advice.
Get ‘er out and get ‘er muddy!