This photo is tagged “1958 FJ25”. What does the writing say? Does anyone have more information about this photo? It looks like it is a press photo of a 1958 Toyota FJ25, which preceded the FJ40.

Mark from SellaJeep.com took 8 pages of photos at the recent Great Willys Picnic in Lansford, PA. There was a number of beautiful Willys Jeeps, trucks and wagons, but the highlight of the show was “NellyBelle” from the Roy Rogers TV show.

1968 Kaiser Jeepster Commando “C-101” 4 wheel drive with a 160hp Dauntless V6.

I was reading an article on Hooniverse the other day where they asked their readers what was the best automotive feature ever produced. Their was some great comments and some that left my head shaking. As for me, here is my top 5.

1. Electric starter: Honestly, can you imagine having to hand crank your engine to start it?

2. Power Steering: I may get heckled by some of the old school guys here, but seriously…power steering is one of the best inventions ever! I had one truck with manual steering and hated it.

3. Transfer Case: The transfer case allowed vehicles to have four wheel drive. And your love of 4×4’s is why you are reading this website, right?

4. Cup Holders: My last truck did not have cup holders. Sometimes the coffee or water was balanced between my legs. Sometimes in a shoe or between junk that I piled on the bench seat to hold the drink. When I was shopping for my latest vehicle, easy to access cup holders were a deal breaker.

5. Air Conditioning: This is another one that I expect will not go over well. In fact, my Jeep does not have air conditioning. But I do not live in Florida or Arizona. I cannot imagine being stuck in Miami traffic without air conditioning.

So, what do you think of the list? What are your top five automotive features?

Best off-road vehicle I ever owned. 1956 CJ5 3spd, 134 with an oil bath air cleaner, twin stick, 5.38 axle ratio, drums all the way around, manual everything, heater and defroster were worthless, totally stock except for wheels, tires and custom roll cage.

You have probably noticed the lack of articles posted over the last few weeks. I have to apologize for that. However, I feel I have a pretty good excuse.

Two weeks ago my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer for the second time. The diagnosis itself was not a surprise, as dad was loosing strength in his legs and was getting more easily confused. However, he has gone downhill a lot over the last few weeks. I have not written many articles lately because i have been spending as much time as possible with him. He was admitted to the local hospital on Thursday and was sent to the closest cancer clinic yesterday. I am writing this on Fathers Day morning as my brother, sister and mom take the three hour drive each way to visit him.

#75Race has posted a few more photos that he found of his dad desert racing his off road buggy in the 70’s and 80’s on Race Dezert. Do you have photos that you would like to share?

1977 Cherokee Chief – Best all-around vehicle I have ever owned. 360, 4bbl, GM TH400, Borg Warner Quadra-Trac with Low Range, Dana 44’s, 3.54 Ratio, 32X11.50R LT15 Armstrong Tru-Tracs, Jackman 15X8 Steel Wagon Wheels, Roll Cage, 4 Point Racing Harness, Meyers Snowplow.

Do you remember the Funco tandem off road race buggies from the late 70’s and early 80’s? This Funco desert racing buggy is the infamous Patrick & Bowers buggy that won the Score 1980 Class 2 championship. It has won such races as the Mint 400 and Baja 500. If being a tandem buggy is not enough, it has the typical 80’s parts like yellow Bilstein shocks, Cibie lights and a windshield. I am not sure I would like to be the passenger in this one…what do you think?