Each Friday on the Jeep_® Blog, we explore the Jeep brand’s iconic heritage by highlighting different historical vehicles. This week’s vehicle is the 1959 Jeep Willys Gala Surrey.

And now for something completely different.

Which Jeep vehicle came in colors like Tropical Mist/Coral, Cerulean Blue, and Jade Tint (or pink, blue, and green in laymen’s terms)? Why, the Jeep Willys Gala Surrey, of course!

In 1959, there existed a surplus fleet of DJ-3A vehicles that the USPS used after that contract ended. Enter the Gala and Surrey models, similar vehicles introduced in different markets. The basic concept was the same, however: they were fun, open-body vehicles that didn’t need the four-wheel drive in models like the CJs. Instead, they were get-around vehicles and rentals to drive in warmer climates and resort areas.

The Gala model, made for export markets like Mexico and the Caribbean, and the Surrey model, made for the U.S. market, came with striped fabric tops to match the bright body color. Fringe around the edges and chrome hubcaps were just a few of the additional features to make this unique vehicle stand out.

Approximately 1,000 Gala/Surrey vehicles were manufactured. Along with prominent features in contemporary movies, the bright, fun vehicle is cemented as one of the more unique Jeep heritage vehicles.

We’re now moving into the 1960s with our weekly Heritage Friday series on the Jeep Blog. Check back next week as we dig deep into the next decade of Jeep heritage.