ANTIQUE CAR STILL CAN TAKE ITS BEATING

Unlike many people who restore antique vehicles, Jay and Jackie Sproat of Cape Girardeau don't excessively pamper theirs.

After all, the Willy, commonly referred to by a generation of U.S. servicemen as a jeep, was intended to be durable and reliable transportation under the most adverse conditions.

"If you get a ding on it, you just put on another coat of paint," Jay Sproat said.

The couple's 1941 Willy was one of about 130 cars on display at Capaha Park Sunday for the 18th annual River City Rodders Car Show.

Compared to the meticulously restored and preserved Corvettes, Impalas, Mustangs and other vehicles, some dating back to the early part of the century, the Willy isn't much of a sight. However, it has some advantages.

"This is a vehicle you can take out and use," Jay Sproat said. "It's not like cars, which some people here have, that they don't want anybody to even touch it."

The Willy was designed as an all-purpose vehicle that could go anywhere. During World War II it did just that and could be modified in a variety of ways to perform various tasks.

Despite its advanced age -- in car years at least -- the Sproats still drive their Willy on all terrains during World War II re-enactments that they take part in.

On the front bumper is the marking 35MP, which signifies a Missouri National Guard unit which served during the war.

The Sproats bought the Willy about two and a half years ago and have been busy restoring it ever since.

"I've always wanted one since I was a kid," Jay Sproat said.

While it is mostly restored, they still plan to add a couple finishing details, including a rear mounted spare tire and gas can.

After World War II many former servicemen, who came to admire the vehicles, wanted Willys. Jay Sproat said legend says most of the vehicles in service during the war were destroyed afterwards because the Big Three automakers were afraid of the competition.

It's more likely, he added, that the expense of shipping so many vehicles back to the U.S. was too great to justify.

The Willy did enjoy modest civilian sales during the post-war years. The company later merged with American Motors, which in turn was purchased by Chrysler in the 1980s. The Jeep division, of which the Willy was the forerunner, still survives as a part of that company.

Sproat said new parts continue to be made for the original three-speed, four-cylinder vehicles, which in many countries are still in use. He added that wrecks sold for parts can go for as much as $1,000. As to what his is worth, he won't say except to comment that it's not for sale.

"They're noisy and uncomfortable but are also part of history," Jackie Sprout said.