This wacky Jeep-to-Bus conversion, the Jeepney, will be on display at the 30th Toyota Automobile Museum Classic Car Festival
By Bill Hayward
It’s delightfully cheesy, right down to the three shiny horse ornaments on the hood. But it began its life as a Jeep. And, according to the Toyota Automobile Museum, it’s a type of vehicle seen frequently in the Philippines, in use as a bus. Meet the Jeepney.
These Jeep-to-bus conversions are built on Jeeps that the U.S. Army has disposed of, and they’re cobbled together using a variety of used parts. Flamboyant ornamentation is a routine feature of these vehicles, adding a touch of whimsy to their utilitarian function of transporting the general public.
At their best, Jeepney’s are examples of rolling folk art or pop art. No two Jeepneys are alike, some skillfully painted inside and out with vivid, larger-than life portraiture, others emblazoned with garish commercial messages—more homespun equivalents of wrapped buses in the U.S.
The traditional Jeepney, however, may soon be an endangered species. Through a “public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program,” the Philippine government is pushing for the phase-out by 2020 of old Jeepneys in favor of modern diesel and electric vehicles that meet Euro 4 emission standards, according to Philstar Global.
Next month, a Jeepney will be among 150 privately owned distinctive classic vehicles that will drive in a parade during the Toyota Automobile Museum’s 30th Classic Car Festival at the Aichi Expo Memorial Park in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on October 27.
Among the other standout vehicles on display will be a 1902 Baker Electric, a 1959 Subaru 360, 1938 Toyota AB Phaeton, and even a Jaguar XK-150S. Yes, it’s a Toyota-organized event in Japan, but the show is not exclusive to Toyota or Japanese automobiles.
“This is said to be a period of major change in the field of mobility; however, even in periods of change, there are things that remain the same,” said Naoaki Nunogaki, director of the Toyota Automobile Museum. “Since cars are products that transport people, I believe they must continue to inspire affection. Some 150 classic cars that have been cherished by their owners across Japan will take part in the parade, and I very much hope that they will bring happiness to those who watch on from the roadside.”