UPDATE: Still Available
I hope someone can buy and properly restore Les’ Jeep (assuming the documentation confirms it was his jeep). For those that don’t know, Les Schwab bought a tire store in Prineville in 1952 that has become a 330+ store chain here in the west (company history). Not bad for a guy who became an orphan at the age of 15. I didn’t know him, but everything I’ve heard suggests he was a man of his word. According to one reader, he was an early champion of the Formula Desert Dogs. Les passed away in the summer of 2007.
“This jeep was one of Les Schawb’s that he had on his ranch for over 30 years. I have all DMV documentation and current registration”
I spent almost 4 years at the North Bend Les Schwab just out of high school…Les was a good guy.. I met him at a company meeting in Prineville…he truly was a man of his word….I think the company has gone downhill some since his passing…. I know Les had a jeep but I’d be real suprised if this was his….Last time I saw Les’ jeep it was sitting in the meeting room and looked well taken care of since it left ranch service…
Well, that’s good to know .. maybe this was a 2nd jeep of some kind? I would have thought Les capable of taking better care of his jeep than the way the one above appears. I’ll do some searching and see if I can come across pics of his jeep.
– D
Hi my name is David. I own les Schwab’s Jeep. (The one pictured here) It has been in storage for the last dozen years. Restoration work is just beginning. My plan is to restore it as close as possible to its 1959 glory. It was originally blue metallic.
I would like to see it roaming the hills of Les’s ranch again someday. Who’s knows ? It might even find its way to a Prineville museum or Les Schwab Company Headquarters. Please send me a note or text message if you have questions.
David
541-566-6939
Thanks for the update David. Good luck with the rebuild! Please keep us up to date,
– Dave
Restoration work on chassis and all drive components is nearly complete. Installed all new suspension, steering components and 16 inch reproduction wheels on repaired & powder coated frame. I will test drive and fine tune the restored chassis and all dynamic components in 2023 summer months. Following successful completion of all drive systems new reproduction body tub kit will be installed and completed. Stay tuned 😁👍
David
Hi David,
That’s great news. I hope the test drives go well!
– Dave