BDS at Bantam Jeep Fest
This past weekend BDS loaded up the rigs and headed east for the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. Held just north of Butler, Pennsylvania, this event brought together thousands of Jeepers, for a weekend of family fun activities in the hometown of the birthplace of the Jeep. The event came about a few years ago to celebrate the town and the company that led to the WWII “Jeep”. Back in 1940 the American Bantam Car Company won the bid from the US Army to manufacturer a 4WD reconnaissance vehicle. You can read more about the history online, but ultimately the task of building nearly 600,000 “Jeeps” went to Willys-Overland and Ford to meet the US Army’s deadlines. The 3-day festival includes tons of activities out at the fairgrounds by day and nightly activities like the Jeep Invasion of downtown Butler. By day the fairgrounds were filled with thousands of Jeeps enjoying the…
Bantam Jeep Fest Recap
Butler, PA, with it’s beautiful landscape and small town charm has a little secret. Well it’s not much of a secret, it’s more of a heritage; the heritage of the Jeep; the birthplace of the Jeep. Over seven decades ago when the Army requested auto manufactures develop a light weight reconnaissance vehicle to use on the battlefields during WWII. Only 2 companies stepped up to the plate one being Willys-Overland and the other being the American Bantam Car Company in Butler, PA. Bantam original won the contract, but ultimately Willys received the commission with the help of Ford to meet the military’s quota. Fast forward 70+ years and the town of Butler decides to celebrate it’s heritage by hosting a Jeep gathering. Last year being the inaugural year the event set a Guiness world record for the longest Jeep parade and followed it up by starting this year’s event with…
In Route to Butler, PA for the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
BDS Suspension hit the road this morning in route to Butler, PA for the 2nd Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. The festival takes over the town of Butler, PA as thousands gather to celebrate all that is Jeep; the people, the lifestyle, and most importantly the heritage. Back in 1940 the US Army requested auto manufacturers design a light weight 4wd reconnaissance vehicle. The Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC) was built and originally chosen, but due to unattainable production demands, the contract was given to Ford and Willys who produced over 600,000 Jeeps during WWII. The event is sure to be a great time for the whole family. Events start Friday night with the invasion of downtown Butler and continue Saturday and Sunday out at the Butler Fairgrounds. BDS Suspension will be out in the vendor area next to Meridian Offroad Center so stop by to see us and take advantage…