The Most Famous Jeepero in History

Learn about the story of Mark A. Smith, one of the most famous jeepers in history and nicknamed the Jeep master.

Among all the Jeeperos that have ever lived, there was one who became legendary because of his great history with the brand and incredible feats. Learn the story of Mark A. Smith, nicknamed the Jeep Master.

Mark was born in 1926 and enlisted in the navy during World War II. It was as a sailor that he had his first experience driving a Willys jeep, in 1944. After the war, he dedicated himself to organizing and directing excursions, teaching people how to use his all-terrain vehicle, and working directly with Jeep on improving 4x4s. .

In 1953, Mark organized the first Jeepers Jamboree, the first jeep excursion in the Sierra Nevada, via the now famous rubicon trail. This event brought together 155 people in more than 45 Jeeps and since then it continues to be held year after year.

In 1983 he founded the Jeep Jamboree USA company to promote offroading as a family activity throughout the United States. He was also in charge of teaching many people how to use their 4x4, during Jeep events around the world (including Mexico) and of training the police and special forces of the army. All of this earned him the nickname Jeep Master and The Father of Jeeping.



All his experience was more than demonstrated throughout his travels. From 1978 to 1979 he led the expedition to the Americas, a Jeep trip where he and 13 other adventurers crossed the American continent from end to end, from Chile to Alaska.

In 1987 he ran the Camel Trophy event, an off-road competition along the 1,609 km of the uninhabited coastline of Madagascar. Throughout his life he visited more than 100 countries and almost every continent, except the Arctic.

Just as he was a promoter of exploration, he was also a promoter of taking care of the places he visited, which is why he supported the organization Tread Lightly, dedicated to promoting responsible enjoyment of the environment.

Mark A. Smith passed away on June 9, 2014 at the age of 87, yet all the things he did for the Jeep community will never be forgotten. Today his spirit of adventure lives on in all people who like him enjoy exploring the most inhospitable terrain aboard an SUV. If the desire to explore is in you, schedule your test drive now and start planning your adventure.

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