The Little Red Jeep
Harrell & Beverly's 1951 Willys CJ3A is the mascot with a lot of history and a lot of spunk. Our grandfather and co-founder, James Beverly, acquired the vehicle when working for the Norfolk & Western Railway in Virginia. He describes the history in his own writing below.
History and Background
Year and Model: 1951 Willys CJ3A, Four Wheel Drive, Four Cylinder Engine
Purchased: (Used) from G.H. Tidwell of Bluefield, West Virginia
Modifications: The metal top and sides were built and installed by James Beverly, second generation owner of Harrell & Beverly. The Virginias had a great amount of snow and ice so the top and sides (with doors) made it warmer.
The Willys Jeep is an icon of the Second World War. Over the course of the war 363,000 Willys Jeeps were built. General Eisenhower described it as one of the six most important vehicles of the war.It would continue to be used in the Korean War and in Vietnam. The Jeep had been such a success that it was put into production for the civilian market and was a hit with farmers, mining companies, fishing enthusiasts and hunters.
History of the Harrell & Beverly Little Red Jeep as Written by James Beverly
During the late 1940s and most of the 1950s, I was employed by the Norfolk & Western Railway as tower and telegraph operator, between Bluefield and Welch, and Bluefield and Norton, Virginia. I could not get to these jobs without the Jeep.
Also, a family business was started in Bluefield, VA during these times. The Jeep was a blessing there also.
Upon Mr. Harrell (my father-in-law) retiring, we moved to Sanford, Florida in October 1959, which at that time was referred to as Celery City. What happened to the celery?
The Little Red Jeep has been a great part of Harrell & Beverly Transmissions for well over 50 years (now 60+!) and it seems to all of us it is part of the family.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
J.D. Beverly