Walter P. Chrysler Museum Presents 70 Years of Jeep® Week Sponsored by Dana, July 12 - 17, 2011
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Free admission, an enthusiast program and a specially-themed Cruise Night are among the highlights of 70 Years of Jeep® Week at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum, sponsored by Dana Holding Corporation, July 12 – 17, 2011. The weeklong celebration coincides with the Jeep Brand’s July 15 anniversary observance, the date the U.S. Army signed a contract with Willys-Overland to become the lead producer of the military reconnaissance vehicle.
Dana's partnership with the Museum, located in Auburn Hills, Mich., celebrates the automotive supplier's 70 year affiliation with the Jeep Brand. The Maumee, Oh.-based company has provided Spicer® brand front and rear axles and propshafts since the original Jeep® – the 1941 Willys MA – was introduced seven decades ago during World War II. Spicer components have been a constant in that model's production as the Willys MA (which later became the Willys MB) evolved, postwar, into the civilian Jeep CJ-2A and, over time, into the Jeep Wrangler line that Chrysler Group LLC continues to proudly produce today. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior within its legendary exterior design.
Spicer axles and propshafts have also driven the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Commander and the Jeep Liberty.
During 70 Years of Jeep Week, Museum visitors can enjoy:
- 70 Years of Jeep Exhibition
The ongoing exhibit will be updated with an array of eight production and concept vehicles that trace Jeep's evolutionary rise from military reconnaissance use to its legendary popularity on the civilian front. The Jeep mix that is scheduled to remain on display through the exhibition's close on Dec. 30 includes:
- 1941 Willys MA
- 1943 Jeep MB
- 1945 Jeep CJ-2A
- 1949 Willys Wagon
- 1950 Jeepster
- 1973 Jeep CJ-5
- 1985 Jeep CJ-5
- 1998 Jeepster Concept
- 2001 Willys II Concept
A display of the Spicer® axles and propshafts instrumental in Jeep production enhances the historical images, memorabilia and extensive narrative that rounds out the exhibition.
- 70 Years of Jeep Cruise Night – Wed., July 13, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Dana will join with overall Cruise Nights sponsors Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Golling FIAT of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. and Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walled Lake, Mich. in welcoming enthusiasts with collector cars of all makes and models to the third event of the summer season and will join in presenting the evening’s vehicle awards, including Best Jeep.
Dana will showcase its axles and propshafts on the Museum’s grounds along with the selection of 2011 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and FIAT models that will be displayed, courtesy of the dealers.
- 70 Years of Jeep Heritage Lecture – Sat., July 16, 9:30 a.m. – noon; $13 advance, $15 door
Larry Johnson, avid Jeep history buff and retired Mopar Accessories Product Engineer, Chrysler Group LLC, will offer a look back at the iconic vehicle's rise from military to civilian use. Johnson’s presentation will emphasize the vehicle's earliest years (1940 – 1955), beginning with Bantam and detailing Jeep's progression through World War II. He will highlight the vehicle's evolution through various corporations over the years and will share the many interesting nuggets and little known facts he has uncovered through in-depth research.
Register online at www.wpchryslermuseum.org, via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 248-944-0450.
- 70 Years of Jeep Free Weekend – Fri. – Sun, July 15 – 17
Guests of all ages visiting the Museum throughout the weekend are invited to enjoy self-guided tours of the entire three floors – including the special 70 Years of Jeep exhibition – throughout the weekend at no charge, compliments of Dana. Weekend hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday.
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is open for self-guided tours 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. The Museum is closed every Monday, Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving and Dec. 24, 25 and 31.
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and older) and $4 for six – 12 year olds. Children five and under are admitted free; group rates are available. Download two-for-one admission coupons at www.wpchryslermuseum.org.
Located on the Chrysler Group LLC complex in Auburn Hills, at exit 78 (Chrysler Dr.) off I-75, the Museum is available for corporate and private meetings and events and offers a K-12 education program as well as membership and volunteer opportunities. Families can enjoy Kids’ Corner, with regular Museum admission, an area for pre-school – elementary school-age children to enjoy automotive-inspired puzzles, games, projects, books and coloring activities.
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) public charity and operates independently of Chrysler Group LLC. Donations are tax-deductible.
About Dana Holding Corporation
Dana is a world leader in the supply of driveline products (axles, driveshafts, and transmissions), power technologies (sealing and thermal-management products), and genuine service parts for light- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers. The company's customer base includes nearly every major vehicle manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets. Based in Maumee, Ohio, the company employs approximately 22,500 people in 26 countries and reported 2010 sales of $6.1 billion. For more information, please visit www.dana.com.
SOURCE Walter P. Chrysler Museum
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