DB11 Coupe

Segment
Coupe

Throughout its 70 year history, Jeeps have become renowned for their utility. When the Willys-Overland brand belonged to Kaiser Motors, it produced a long line of work trucks built solely for practicality. However, when the firm's owner Henry Kaiser retired to Hawaii to run a hotel soon after purchasing Willys-Overland in the mid-1950s, he needed a low-cost vehicle to ferry guests and supplies around the island. Enter the Gala Runabout, an appearance package based on the DJ-3A Jeep Dispatcher which mainly served as a postal vehicle.

With its vibrant color schemes available in pink, blue, and green with a matching striped fabric roof, the Gala Runabout was seen as a fun alternative to traditional Jeeps. The Gala package was eventually available domestically in the US as the Jeep Surrey, although the primary target was still tropical areas like the Caribbean and Mexico so that guests could rent and enjoy them at holiday resorts. Little more than 1000 Gala Runabouts were sold during its five year production run between 1959 and 1964, making them hard to come by. This 1960 Gala Runabout in Cerulean Blue with blue and white striped vinyl seat upholstery is being sold by RM Sotheby's at an upcoming Arizona auction next month.

Notably, this is the same auction where the last ever Bugatti Veyron Super Sport will be going under the hammer. The tropical off-roader has had a thorough restoration job to the point it looks like it rolled out of the factory yesterday. It's expected fetch between $25,000 and $35,000 when it goes up for auction. If you're looking for a rare example of the Jeep Gala Runabout in immaculate condition to have some fun in the sun next summer, look no further.