Postal officials had been especially impressed by the performance of the Willys jeep in earlier vehicle tests. Already famous for the rugged reliability they demonstrated in World War II, jeeps soon became part of the Post Office’s vehicle modernization program.

In August 1953, the first postal jeeps rolled off the Willys Motors assembly line. The model, the first U.S. car in three decades to have right-hand drive, was soon being tested on postal routes around the country.

Carriers used these right-hand drive vehicles to save delivery time on their routes. They were able to more easily reach the mailbox without having to park and go around their cars, or reach over the passenger’s seat to deliver the mail.