Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!

In this episode, we shift gears into the past with author Robert O’Connor, whose novel “Jeep Show” blends WWII history with personal car memories. Robert discusses the real-life inspiration behind his book: the wartime USO entertainers who performed from Jeeps for troops at the front lines. 

He connects these historic Jeep Shows to his own first car – a scrappy Fiat 128 – sharing how tinkering with that little European car gave him an appreciation for simplicity much like the wartime Jeep. As an Iraq War veteran, Robert also opens up about how working on a vintage Willys Jeep helped him cope with returning to civilian life, each turn of the wrench providing therapy and connection to his grandfather’s WWII stories. Listeners will enjoy rich car culture discussions as Robert and the hosts chat about how military vehicles influenced post-war automotive design and the enduring appeal of Jeeps in car enthusiast circles. Wrapping up, Robert highlights the charitable cause behind his work (proceeds of his book support veteran wellness programs.

This episode blends literary insight, heartfelt nostalgia, and automotive history, offering a unique perspective on how vehicles and storytelling can preserve the legacy of “the greatest generation” and inspire healing across generations of car lovers.

Bob's favorite episode is "From Humvee to Home – Conrad’s Patriotic Car Journey and Family Driving Memories" - https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/14e35670c2a8268fa17865087a9c69af

*** Your Favorite Automotive Podcast - Now Arriving Weekly!!! ***

Listen on your favorite platform and visit https://carsloved.com for full episodes, our automotive blog, Guest Road Trip Playlist and our new CAR-ousel of Memories photo archive.

Don't Forget to Rate & Review to keep the engines of automotive storytelling—and personal restoration—running strong.