Rarity, style, early or late production numbers, controversy, and a variety of other reasons can cause vehicles to become collectables. Dick Landy’s Hemi drag cars have earned their place in history for their performance and style, but what could make a repainted, unrestored, unmodified, and very used 1962 Jeep CJ-6 so special? This Jeep was the chosen ranch hand of President Ronald Reagan and exists today as a time machine of sorts tying back to its early years of use on Reagan’s Malibu Creek Ranch.

Reagan owned a number of Jeeps in his life but this worn and simple long wheelbase Jeep was his vehicle of choice for well over a decade on the ranch. This Jeep will be added to the National Register of Historic Vehicles in the coming weeks. We are happy to see that the Jeep will be preserved in its current condition and that the Jeep was relatively untouched since President Reagan last handled it. The Jeep was given to the ranch manager after Reagan’s health was declining.

The CJ-6’s original F-head motor, T90 trans, Spicer Model 18 transfer case, and Dana axles are intact and will likely be so for many years to come. The ’62 Jeep will soon make the journey to be part of the Historic Vehicles Association event called “Cars at the Capital” in Washington D.C. This Jeep may have earned its place in the History books for unique reasons but, it no doubt deserves the presidential treatment it is receiving.

Photos Courtesy of Ronald Reagan Library, Historic Vehicle Association