So, you think you've seen "rare" Jeeps?

How about Rare with a capital "R"?

How about RARE in bold red letters?

I've known about these two vehicles for a few years, they're owned by a gent named Fred Laperriere who lives in Sedalia. I've talked to him about them on the phone and been invited over, but I've never made it over to see him. Today, I ran into him at Centennial airport. The B-17 Aluminum Overcast was there, and I was surprised to see lots of other WWII vehicles and weapons on display as well. And I got to meet Fred finally!

Without further adieu, may I present two of Fred's treasures.....

This is a 1949 Davis 3-wheeled prototype Jeep. Produced in 1949, only 3 were made and presented to the military for evaluation. They weren't accepted, of course, and no more were made. As far as Fred knows, all three survive, he's even met one of the other owners. But this one is the only one that's totally original, just as it was when the Army gave it back. They're only 2-wheel drive, so they're not really "Jeeps" per se, Davis intended them to be used on air bases and other bases, aircraft carriers, etc., as personnel haulers and for misc. utility use.

Check out how large the interior is! The seats fit three across, and you could easily fit 2 more guys in the back.

























Yes, it runs and Fred drives it! He drove it to the airport, and was driving it home tonight, about a 50 mile round trip. He was letting other folks drive it around at the
show.







Awesome!