1978 Jeep J-20 Flatbed - Jeep Encyclopedia - Four Wheeler Network
The Jeep light truck debuted in 1947 as a 1-ton 4x4. It was reasonably up to date then but remained in developmental stasis through the ’50s, growing ever more dated until 1962 when the J-Series Gladiator line debuted. The J-Series trucks were a big step ahead of the first-generation trucks and on par with the rest of the market. Kaiser Jeep was never big enough to be cutting edge very often but managed to keep the SJ (Senior Jeep) fresh and attractive through an almost 15-year tenure owning the Jeep marque. AMC bought the Jeep line in 1970 and was a bit better poised to capitalize on the J-Series trucks. The company immediately switched the Jeep line over to its engines, a particular bonus in the big Jeeps. The AMC buyout could largely be considered a plus for the Jeep line in general. Kaiser Jeep had started the Gladiator truck line out with a bazillion wheelbase and GVW configurations, as well as a plethora of commercial options and factory-installed special bodies. The truck was originally configured as a pickup but Walter found one of the original-style flatbeds and installed it to make his J-truck a little different. Source: www.fourwheeler.com
