Is this Surrey Jeep Gala Retromod the World’s Coolest Beach Buggy?
Unique Jeep Wrangler, built with the exact specs as the original ’50s-era Gala, set to cross the Mecum’s auction block.
The Jeep community has evolved considerably over the years. These days, most builds can be classified as mean, tough, off-road machines designed to look as menacing as possible. Cute isn’t exactly something people think about when they’re ordering up parts for their Jeep builds. But there was a time when cheeky, beachy, cutesy fun was a thing people were into. And that time was the ’50s. A time when you could buy something like the Surrey Jeep Gala Edition.
These fun little rides sported things like striped seats, bright pastel colors, and a fringed top. They were perfect little beach toys, something you could ride the kids around in and let them have the time of their lives. But only a little over 1,000 of these cheeky Jeeps were ever built. Thus, this ’04 Jeep Wrangler, set to cross the block at Mecum’s Las Vegas auction November 15-17, was built with the exact same specs. And surprisingly enough, it works flawlessly.
If you didn’t know any better, you might think that this beachy blue ride rolled right off the assembly line like this. It has the same striped upholstery, the same whitewall tires, and identical fringed top as the originals. Everything is color-matched to perfection, including the wheels. And there are even removable side curtains in case one of those inevitable pop-up thunderstorms threatens your beach day fun.
This Jeep Gala replica certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. And it most definitely is the antithesis of the current trends we’re experiencing in this beloved hobby of ours. But we’re glad that someone out there is still daring to be different. And at the same time paying homage to a very rare Jeep model from the past.
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