Pronounced "Jay-Go", the Jago Geep was brought to my attention by Robert, who had never seen one either. So, I warmed up my googler this weekend to learn more about them.
According to this Sandero website, British Business Partners Geoff Jago and Richard Park launched the Jago Geep Kit car in 1971, making it one of the first kit cars in the UK. In the same way a dune buggy kit was sold in the US to be placed atop a VW Chassis, the Jago Geep Kit was initially intended to be place onto a Ford Anglia 105E and then later atop the Ford Escort MK1. There were five general variants of the Geep kit produced, but because they are all kits, it is doubtful that any are exactly alike once assembled and individual builder details were added.
In the 1980s, due to illness, Park sold the remainder of the company to Jago. In 1985, 25 specially manufactured kits were produced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Geep. Sometime in the 1990s, the company changed from the Geep model to the Sandero model, but I haven't learned why. Most recently, and in the post below, a Series II Land Rover was used as the chassis. You can learn more at the Jago Owners Club.
Growing up, I had a friend Tim who was my age and lived across the street. Hi father's name was Bud and he was a machinist for Boeing. Bud had a magical lathe and valuable skills that created a few of the valuable pieces I needed for putting together my first jeep. Bud also told me one day, near the end of building that first jeep, how he was talking to my Dad and how proud Dad was that I had built the jeep. Of course, when Bud told me this, I just stared back, as Dad only told me what I was doing wrong ... aahh, father and sons.
Anyway, one of Bud's projects was a beautiful red, sparkly Dune Buggy he built (not the one to the right, but similar). It was pretty much just a road machine toy. For those who knew the Renton, Washington, area back in the 70s, Bud would drive his dune buggy down to the middle of the out door retail mall downtown (the one anchored by Sears on one end and QFC on the other) and park it in the middle of the mall (no there were no parking spots there), because he could do it and people loved to check out his Dune Buggy.
One day I was trying to find the body style (it was a flat fenderish hybrid buggy) and I ran across this amazing website called the dunebuggyarchives.com. It includes a BODY ID Section that is very useful; there are SO many different buggy designs that the person managing this website built a database to help people navigate all the different kinds of buggys. It also includes a history section that's interesting.
(12/08/2013) Anyone know what company might have built this in 2004? Nice looking VEEP!
"2004 DUNE BUGGY, VW VERSION OF A JEEP, CALLED A VEEP! ALSO HAS OTHER NAMES: VEEPSTER, SCAMP, GPV (GENERAL PURPOSE VEHICLE) OR A CONVERTIBLE. I JUST CALL IT MY SHOW CAR!
THIS IS ONE OF THE RAREST, COOLEST VEHICLE YOU WILL EVER COME ACROSS AND A MULTIPLE FIRST PLACE SHOW WINNER... THIS WAS VOLKSWAGEN VERSION OF AN OLD WILLY'S / WILLIS JEEP, KNOWN AS A VEEP! THIS ONE WAS FACTORY BUILT IN CALIFORNIA FROM SMALL COMPANY IN 2004. AND THIS IS NOT THE CHEAPER VERSION THAT THEY TAKE A SOLID FIBERGLASS BODY AND JUST SET IT ON VW CHASIS. YET, THIS ONE HAND BUILT OUT OF A COMBINATION OF STRONG FIBERGLASS, ALUMINIUM AND STEEL BODY PARTS WITH VERY STRONG BOXED TUBE STEEL FRAME / CHASIS THAT TIES INTO THE STEEL BUMPERS AND ROLL CAGE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT IS BUILT EXTREMLY WELL. IT COMBINES THE RELIABILITY AND CHEAP MAINTANCE OF THE VOLKSWAGEN WITH THE SUPER TOUGH BODY OF ALUMINIUM AND RUST FREE FIBERGLASS. PARTS ARE SIMPLE, CHEAP AND EASY TO OBTAIN THROUGH AND VW SHOPS AND JEEP OFFERS MULTIPLE PRODUCTS TO CUSTOMIZE ANY WAY YOU DESIRE. THESE VEHICLES ARE GREAT OFF ROAD AND I KNOW IT WOULD BE BETTER AND GIVE IT MORE OF THE JEEP LOOK IF I RAN THE BIGGER WHITE WAGON WHEELS AND TIRES. YET I USE IT AS DRIVER TO WORK AND TAKE THE HIGHWAY TO THE CAR SHOWS, SO I WENT WITH THE WHEELS TO ACOMPANY THAT. AND WAS TOLD THAT RIMS ARE QUITE RARE AND WORTH PRETTY PENNY. I JUST LIKE THE WAY THEY LOOK AND RIDE DOWN THE ROAD. WEATHER YOU WANT TO WIN 1ST PLACE AT YOUR LOCAL CAR SHOW, ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, TOW BEHIND YOUR RV (VERY LIGHTWEIGHT), TURN IT INTO FULL BLOWN JEEP, GO OFF ROAD OR THE SAND DUNES, USE IN PARADE, HAVE A ONE OF A KIND DUNE BUGGY, OR JUST PLAIN AND SIMPLE AND DRIVE IT, YOU WILL NOT FIND ONE NICER. YOU PROBABLY CANT EVEN FIND ANOTHER ONE...
THIS VEEP IS TOTALLY STREET LEGAL AND PASSES ALL DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES REQUIRERMENTS HERE IN FL AND EVEN IN CALIFORNIA. FACTORY BUILT IN CA. AND OLNY HAS 1,125 MILES ON IT SINCE NEW. COMES WITH A VW TYPE 3 VERY TIGHT FRONT END WITH DISC BRAKES THAT WILL STOP ON A DIME AND GIVE YOU CHANGE. VERY LOW MILAGE 1600CC SINGLE PORT MOTOR BUILT FOR TORQUE THAT RUNS EVEN BETTER THAT IT LOOKS. THIS THING WILL IDLE UP HILLS AND THROUGH SURGAR SAND. STARTS UP WITH JUST A TOUCH OF THE KEY. CAN DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVE NO PROBLEM KEEPING UP WITH TRAFFIC. MOTOR IS LINKED TO A FOUR SPEED VW TRANSMISSION THAT SHIFTS GREAT. YOU WILL BE JUST AMAZED HOW WELL SHE RUNS DOWN THE ROAD.
EVERYTHING IN THE VEEP WORKS AS IT SHOULD; FROM THE RUNING LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS (HIGH AND LOW BEAM), ALL THE DASH LIGHTS, LOWER FOG LIGHTS ON THE FRONT BUMPER, UPPER KC LIGHTS ON THE ROLL CAGE, SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, OIL AND VOLTAGE GAUGE, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, SEAT BELTS, DETACHABLE FACE AM FM CD PLAYER WITH A REMOVABLE SMALL SUB BOX BEHIND THE SEATS IN YOUR STORAGE COMPARTMENT (HAS 10 FT EXTRA SPEAKER WIRE TO MOVE SPEAKER BOX ANYWHERE OUTSIDE YOUR VEHICLE FOR ENTERTAINMENT), FULL STEEL ROLL CAGE TIED INTO BOXED STEEL FRAME, CONVERTIBLE BIKINI TOP THAT SNAPS OFF IN SECONDS, LIGHT UP BUGGY WHIP MOUNTED ON REAR BUMPER WITH LAY DOWN MOUNT (LEGALLY MUST HAVE FOR OFF ROAD / SAND DUNES), LIFT UP PANEL BEHIND SEAT FOR EASY ACCESS TO BATTERY, VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND REAR OF MOTOR, FULL ALUMANIUM HOOD FOR THAT TOUGH RIDGIT DURABILITY THAT LIFTS UP TO EXPOSE THE FUEL TANK (WHICH HAS RUBBER SEALS IN BETWEEN TO PROTECT PAINT WHEN CLOSED), BRAND NEW WENCH MOUNTED TO FRONT BUMPER THAT HAS LIKE A 10 FT CORD TO OPERATE THE REMOTE SWITCH AND FINALLY, SOME NICE RED LED LIGHTS UNDER THE DASH AND ENGINE FOR THAT EXTRA TOUCH TO SHOW IT OFF AT THE CAR SHOWS OR JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD."
"Up for sale is a very nice Veep : A Willys flat fender Jeep body kit on a 1968 VW tub.
There have been many variations of Veep bodies produced over the years, this one is one of the more sought after versions, as it is metal rather than fiberglass. Rebuilt throughout and runs and drives extremely well. Body is straight, paint is not perfect and has it's share of minor blemishes, but is still a presentable toy.
Here are the basics:
-Steel body kit -Brand new 1641CC engine - less than 20 miles -Brand new seat upholstery -Roll cage -Turning brakes -Brush guard -EMPI wheels - powder coated black -Electronic ignition -Spun aluminum fuel tank -Grant GT steering wheel -Bobcat exhaust
This Veep fires instantly, runs like a sewing machine. Drives like a dune buggy. It is pretty tidy and operates as it should. I do have receipts for the brand new engine, totaling more than $3700 - The rebuild included ALL interior components, and even most exterior/bolt on pieces. It is new top to bottom:
-German VW case with line bore -Pistons/rings -Connecting rods -Cylinders -Cam/lifters -All bearings -Rebuilt rocker assembly -Reground German crankshaft -Heads -Pertronix ignition -Dual 34 carburetors -Coil/spark plugs/wires
(on and on)
Everything has less than 20 miles.
This buggy was built on a lark for a gentleman who doesn't have any problem spending money on his toys. When it was all said and done, he realized he didn't fit comfortably in it and never even drove it. I'm selling it for him.
It is registered as a 1968 VW and has a free and clear title. It is street legal, plated and has current tags on it.
Bidding has ended on this UK-based Geep has ended, but I thought it was worth posting anyway.
"I took this vehicle to Stoneliegh National Custom Kit Car show after it was first built and it was a show stopper. According to the Jago Owners club this was the first Jago Jeep built on Landrover ( Series II Lightweight ) Since then there have been others built.
Full weather gear Doors and Roof etc Roll Cage
17Inch Modular Wheels with Good Year Eagle Tyres ( Road Legal ) Including a spare wheel and carrier.
80 x 80 and 80 x 40 Steel box section chassis custom built to accept Series II Light Weight Landrover axles and LT77 5 speed Gearboxes Power Unit is a 2.0 Litre Frieght Rover Turbo Deisel Engine. ( requires cylinder head gasket )
Vauxhall Astra Bucket Seats with Harnesses Folding Roll Cage bar with 4 x Spotlights Overhead mounted 6 CD Audio Unit. CB Radio, needs aerial and mic
Front Interior is Aluminium Chequer Plate ( Dash Gearbox Cover and Floor ) Shines when cleaned up. Rear is Carpet
Summer is coming and this is a vehicle that attracts a lot of attention both on and off road. It requires a good clean and some TLC. I have run the vehicle since it was an original Jago Jeep based on and old Ford Escort. The time and effort that went into building the vehicle to accept and Jago Body and Land Rover running gear warrants the price. It is on Spring Leaf suspension to make it look more "Jeep" authentic.
10 Bolts hold the body to the chassis for access to the engine. If you buy this vehicle and want a really unique and jawdropping Jeep I would strip and rebuild the engine and complete the Aluminium chequer plating throughout. It would be a show stopper again. Personally I would have the chassis paintwork sandblasted off and have it galvanised. The chassis is solid without rust and has side steps, rear and front steps.
Now the vehicle is on Land Rover tons of new and used spares can be purchased from "The Paddock" at Derbyshire.
I just sold the spare prototype chassis alone for this vehicle for £1500.00 so your getting the FULL vehicle."
"1947 jeep willy's, military tub with civilian front grill. Buick 225 odd fire, sm420 4speed, t-18 transfer case, Dana 44 with arb, dana 30 front with arb, full roll cage, power steering, front disc brakes, pianless wiring kit. Goes anywhere runs the rubicon with no problems. Street leagal. Very reliable. Lots more extra's call for more details."
"1947 jeep willy's cj2a. Buick 225 with 4 barrel carb, headers, bran new radiator. Full roll cage, custom aluminum dash. I built this jeep to do all kinds of wheeling. It does great on the rubicon or similar rock crawling trails. Does well in the snow and mud, Or cruising the dunes or just cruising the back roads. It's unstoppable goes any where, and it's street leagal. No rust on it always garage well taken care of. No problem running at hwy speeds holds 65 mph all day long going up hill. But idles perfect for rock crawling, with the granny gear and 4:88 gears. Stays at 600 rpm's and won't stall out. I've never broken an axel or u joint in this jeep. In the sand and mud it has plenty of power and you don't run at excessive rpm's. the trany and gears are matched great for on and off road use. The motor runs great never have had a problem with it. It also has custom power steering. There's a lot of extras on this jeep. A lot of time and money went into this willy's I don't wont to sell. But new baby is forcing me to sell my loss your gain. No text!!!!!!!!! 530 613 4877. 8500. You can't build this for less than
30,000. It's a great deal at 8500.
Sm420 4 speed Buick 225 Dana 44 rear with auburn posi. 4:88 gears Built Dana 35 with chromoly axels with arb disk breaks. 4:88 gears Custom front bumper it's also an air tank Full tilt steering wheel Custom seats, body has been notched for more leg room Pain less wiring kit and fuse block Power steering Full roll cage Ice chest rack Large raditator, and large flex fan T-18 transfor case 33"super scampers 75% tread"
We started Wednesday morning in Fargo, North Dakota. Ann had been driving more than usual, because I've been typing. And typing. And typing.
Wednesday May 8th's drive to St. Paul.
Because she's been driving a lot, I've become aware of two things. First, she swerves to the side of the freeway it she sees a large spider scamper above her head and race towards the windshield. We never did find the spider; our nerves are back there somewhere, too . So was my heart.
Second, she stops for jeeps using a technique strikingly similar to her spider-veering-off-the-freeway maneuver. I bore witness to her using this technique yesterday after she spotted a flattie just south of Albany, MN, next to a fence along Interstate 94.
Now, I don't remember how fast our jeep goes from zero to 75mph, but I can say without reservation that it can brake 75mph to 0 in the time it takes my wife to say, "there's a jeep!".
And, I'm not saying she backed up along the shoulder of I-94 to get this shot, but I am saying she's the kind of wife who'd do that for me so I could share a pic like this with all of you! (funny story, this was shot with my iPhone, which I'd done as a backup shot. The 'real camera' with the zoom lens apparently didn't have the disc inside it . . . sigh). Through the zoom lens I could easily see the CJ-2A's bow holders on the driver's side. It actually looked in decent condition. There was no evidence of a for-sale sign.
A couple of readers later commented on this jeep, one writing: I think I spotted it. ... 45.61396,-94.511097 (near Albany, MN) .. Looks like its on the edge of that property but what an odd place to park it and leave it.
The other reader added: We checked on this a few years ago and at the time this jeep was owned by the same people who own the Chrysler/Jeep dealership in Albany MN that you guys passed through. They own this property where the jeep sits on and use it for groups to drive around with jeeps and 4 wheelers. They also owned a 3B jeep painted like a military jeep that they would take to car shows and parades in the area.
(In March of 2020 Ann and I through the area, but did not see the jeep ... it no longer appears on Google's street view.)
A CJ-2A was parked for several years just off of the southwest side of I-94.
When we mentioned we were heading to St. Paul, MN, to do some research before heading to Michigan's Upper Penninsula, Don dropped me a note and suggested I drop by to meet him and his wagon. So, after Ann and I got done at the Minnesota Historical Society (more on that tomorrow), we dropped by and visited with Don.
He's got a 1962 Wagon sold in 1963. Don said the original owner of this wagon was named Don (I'll call him Friend Don). One day, just before Don was old enough to legally drive the wagon, Friend Don gave the wagon to Don. That was 1980. Don had owned it ever since. He used it as his daily driver throughout High School. Eventually, Don decided to add the stenciling to the side of the wagon, so a buddy of his just down the street painted it on. It give is a great look.
The wagon is nearly bone stock, though there have been a few minor repairs to keep it running. Don seemed to waffle a bit about whether he wanted to fix some of the rusted body. He likes the idea of it being original, yet he wouldn't mind have it fixed. At one point Don said a jeep can only be original one time, so I suspect this wagon won't see a body shop for some years to come.
Don and I checking out the early Cutlas Selective Drive Hub.A closeup of an early Cutlas Selective Drive Hub.
One side note. As we talked, a squirrel took quite a liking to us. He was climbing on our feet and sitting on them. I've never seen such a friendly squirrel. Ann called him Mr. Jangles. She was taking such a liking to him, I was getting a little concerned that Mr. Jangles was going to be heading east with us. But, when it was time to go, she bravely walked away, but not without wondering if Mr. Jangles was going to be okay.
On Thursday we will be spending more time in the St. Paul area.
I traded in four wheels for two feet and a stick and am resting in one of Muddy Creek's chutes. As you can see, I am sporting the latest in hiking apparel. Despite mid-90s temps and constant sun, I escaped with no burns! My son says I looked like I was an old desert dweller. I think he meant it as a compliment.
I have returned! You might have noticed this already, but I didn't use my computer for four and a half days. It's been eleven years since I've gone that long without touching a computer. I suppose, technically speaking, I did use my phone for a couple days, but I'm just going to ignore that fact. I still have many emails to get through, so if I haven't answered yet, either pester me or be patient.
Regular updates will begin tomorrow (Thursday morning). This morning, you get to read about my canyon adventure and why I learned that having to go to the bathroom with horseflies around isn't much fun.
Our trip began Wednesday with a drive down to Twin Falls, Idaho. On our way, we stopped at the western foot of the Blue Hills for some refreshments. There, Ann insisted she get her photo with Big Foot. We even bought a "Believer" shirt that included a Big Foot illustration.
My beard is a bit thick, maybe she thought that was me??
On Thursday we reached Salt Lake City. Needing to kill some time before dinner, Karson suggested we hang out at Liberty Park, Salt Lake's version of Central Park. While there, he wanted to show us how to walk a slack line. I quickly learned I lacked slack skills.
My youngest son Colter is laughing at me. I might have stayed up a total of 2 seconds.You can see my "Believer" shirt.
Ann gave it a try. I didn't dare let her fall off.
We had a good time with Karson and Colter. My mother and Ann's son Daniel joined us as well.
On Friday, Karson and I headed south for our camping trip. Our goal was to hike some of the chutes on Muddy Creek, a small river that winds through the San Rafael Swell not too far south of I-70. There is no cell-service or any other services. Just another out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-Utah place.
We arrived Friday afternoon. It was a beautiful drive to our starting point, near Tomisch Butte.
Driving West on road 1019.
We soon arrived at Tomisch Butte, which is located near the abandoned Tomisch Butte uranium mine (360 degree view). We parked at what looked like a scenic, remote spot. It even had shade.
Looks pretty bucolic, right? It was, until the horseflies set in.
With a shady place to park, we exited the jeep and began to prepare our packs when several horseflies started feasting on our legs and arms. It didn't take us long to figure out that, despite the 95 degree temps, we had to put on jeans and long sleeve sweaters. I was so busy swatting bugs, that I forgot to pack any sun screen, so I slipped a t-shirt over my head, a bandana around my neck, and put on a wide-brimmed hat. There was no way I was returning to my wife with a sunburn; I would never hear the end of "why didn't you wear sunscreen??"
Fully dressed with our anti-horsefly outfits, we began our march to find a campsite. Karson had picked out a possible place and thought it would take a couple hours to get there. What I didn't know was that just five minutes into the hike we'd be trudging through Muddy Creek. In no time, my pants were drenched and shoes were filled with rocks, water, and mud. We hiked that way for the next two hours, before climbing up a dry canyon stream bed. Thankfully, we escape the horseflies.
Friday night was wonderful. Karson made camp and fixed dinner. We talked for hours. I could get use to this kind of backpacking!
That is me. Karson took the photo from the campsite.Karson making dinner. There were no camping sites and we followed no trails. This was all backcountry.
The next morning was our big day. We planned to hike about 10 miles. We would hike three miles to the beginning of the chute, drop our packs, hike in a ways, return, pick up our packs, and then find another place to camp for the evening... at least that was the plan.
On Saturday morning, I was awaked at 5am by a large bee that buzzed the tent. He just buzzed and buzzed and buzzed. I was not amused. We arose an hour later and I headed to find a remote spot for a morning constitutional. That's when I learned that my son packed so light that we maybe had twenty pieces of toilet paper. hmmmm. I rationed that as best I could, using only four.
Again, Karson took over the kitchen, whipping up some breakfast gruel, some oatmeal that included a slight bit of sand, but it still tasted good. After we ate, we packed up. As I put on my pack, I wondered if I should go to the bathroom once more, but then I thought about the remaining 16 pieces of toilet paper and figured I'd just go later. This proved to be a mistake ....
Overlook looking northeast. That's Muddy Creek flowing at us.Overlook looking south. That's also Muddy Creek. We'd be following that river in that direction for a few hours.
Breaking camp, we headed south, only to find ourselves at an overlook. The view was beautiful, but the hundred foot drop did not make for a safe route, so we backtracked a half mile until we found a rockslide to climb down. We were thankful not to find any rattler's as we made our way to the river bottom.
Clamoring down big rocks.Moments before the horseflies returned in earnest. You can tell by the short sleeves.
Once we made it to the river bottom, we took a couple photos. Quickly, the horseflies rallied the troops and descended upon us. Occasionally, they even bit through my jeans. I put back on my sweatshirt, heat be damned, and it helped protect from bites.
Having dropped off our packs, I head toward the creek's northern chute.
Once we finally got into the chute, the horseflies disappeared and we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the river.
That's Karson ahead of me.Here's a different angle. You can see that the river is the trail.Here I am in a shallower portion of the river. Karson was up to his chest at one point.A closeup of the desert dweller's duds.
Around noon we found a perfect place to eat some lunch. It was shady and relaxing. I tried to take a nap, but wasn't quite that tired yet. Still, if felt good to close my eyes.
After our siesta, we began our trek back up the river. It was about this time that I was getting that urge for a bathroom break. The problem was, our toilet paper was in the packs and the packs were still an hour away. Still, the walk back up the stream was great. During our river trek, we didn't encounter anyone else.
By the time we reached our packs, it was in the mid 90s again. I wasn't too hot, despite my outfit, probably because I was thinking more about the bathroom then the heat. I grabbed some toilet paper and found a remote spot, only to be swarmed by flies. There was no way I was baring my bare bottom for them to dine on, so I quickly changed my mind. I figured I could wait a little longer.
Over the next couple of hours we walked in and along side the river. We'd gone about 3 miles and had yet to lose the bugs. About this time, I tried to blow some snot out of my nose, but instead caused my nose to bleed. So, now I'm hiking with a pack, trying to hold my head up to stop my nose bleed, while trying to keep my head down to see where I am walking, while trying to ignore my potty urge, while trying to ignore the constant horseflies.
Eventually, the potty urge became more urgent. I told Karson I had to head up a nearby hill to see if I could avoid the bugs and go to the bathroom. I set down my pack, then, scampered up the hill as best I could. I made it up the hill half way before my body had had enough. It was ready for expellation. Unfortunately, the horseflies were at the ready as well.
Having no choice, I dropped my drawers. Those flies were on me like bees to honey. Without going into particulars, let's just say I wasted little time.... I didn't even bother wiping.
I raced back down the hill, put on my pack, and renewed our trek. We didn't go far before I suggested we needed to turn off from the river to return to our campsite of the previous night, which we knew wouldn't have bugs. He was less sure my suggestion was correct. So, we followed the river for another hour. As we rounded one particular bend, we realized that we should have taken the earlier cut. Now, we were as close to the jeep as we were to the campground.
Given we'd accomplished our mission and given the harassment of the horseflies remained unabated, we decided to give up camping the second night and return back to the Jeep. Unable to get organized when we got back, due to the flies, we threw our packs into it, jumped in the front seats, and drove about a mile. We were free of the bugs! Even better, I could finally get myself cleaned up.
For all the deprivations I went through on Saturday afternoon, I'd do it again in a heartbeat to spend time with my son. Now that we understand the area a bit better, we think a day trip to hike all 15 miles of the chute (we didn't see all the cool narrows) is in order. However, we won't try to camp next time, not with those horseflies awaiting our return visit.
