David Eilers

Photo of Woman @ the 1961 Jeep Derby **SOLD**

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

The winner of the 1961 @ Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jeep Derby race received a DJ-3A Surrey!

"Here is an Original Vintage 1961 5th ANNUAL JEEP DERBY Josephine Johns
8x10 B&W Press Photo
READY FOR THE JEEP DERBY -- Josephine Johns of El Paso waves as she prepares to take a trial run over the 63-mile three-day fifth annual International Jeep Derby at Truth or Consequences, NM. April 21-23 in connection with the Ralph Edwards Fiesta. First prize will be a pink Acapulco-style Jeep to be given by Willys Motors Inc."

1961-t-or-q-race-5th-annual1
1961-t-or-q-race-5th-annual2

6 Comments

  1. Bob
    Not much of a roll cage on that Jeep!
  2. SE Pennsylvania Guy
    I suspect this is just a publicity shot promoting the race. I don't think she actually drove in it. Can a jeep be raced in high heels, Dave? Or in a bathing suit?
  3. deilers
    Steve, now how would I know if a jeep can be raced in high heels? lol. If she drove at all, I suspect she motored over some small section of it. Based on some newspaper reports I found, this race was a big deal for years. Jeep was a sponsor, giving a vehicle to the winner multiple times. It's one of those odd bits of jeep history I'd like to learn more about. Bob, that's a pretty scare 'cage'. I wonder if anyone died during the race. I've got several photos that show two people per jeep during the race. Given the lack of protection, I would imagine there were at least a few serious wrecks. - Dave
  4. steve
    Is this 'women and jeep' thing getting a little out of hand? Do we have to report you to the authority.
  5. deilers
    I found a good resource for some Jeep Derby race info. In 1961, "Critt Coburn of Las Cruces, New Mexico, received a pink Jeep for winning the fifth international jeep derby. Second place went to Art Sullivan and third place winner was Richard Beyer of Messilla, New Mexico."
  6. deilers
    Steve, it's just springtime :-)

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