History Parks for Lunch in Cheyenne

There I was, enjoying lunch at a local diner in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Epsi's Restaurant on Persing Blv. I highly recommend it. When an old army jeep pulled in.

Not just any jeep. This was a WILLY! 

Developed for the U.S. Army in 1940-1941, the Willys MB Jeep became a crucial, mass-produced 4x4 light reconnaissance vehicle of WWII, with over 600,000 units built by Willys and Ford.

Known for its durability, versatility, and 60-hp Go-Devil engine, it was vital for transportation, combat, and logistical support from 1941 to 1945

This Willy was fully restored to its original condition with the original engine still inside. Inside the restaurant, I found the owner.

Steve Torrey, jeep guy, is the owner. A friend of his rebuilt it about 5 years ago. He was more than happy to tell me its history. While he was talking, a local cop pulled up and jumped out of his patrol car. He took a bunch of photos with a smile on his face, then he drove off.

The vehicle was decorated with an old Nazi helmet, a couple of fake hand grenades, rifles, and ammo packs, even an old radio.

It was a perfect day to drive around with the top down and doors off. Why not get lunch at a local diner, just for the hell of it?

This is not something that could be taken up on the interstate. An old Willy was never capable of going 80 miles per hour. 40 was its posted recommended speed. But they could crawl over just about anything when there were no roads.

They were also easy to fix when they broke down. That was the point of the Willy: rugged, affordable, and easy to keep moving under all conditions.