History of Transamerican Auto Parts

In 2011, 4 Wheel Parts/Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP) celebrates its 50th year in business. Only a select few companies in the off-road industry have five decades of experience behind them. In truth, many of the brand names that have been around since the beginning have actually been rolled into the TAP group of companies by way of acquisitions. The 4 Wheel Parts wholesale division was not an acquisition, however, and has been part of the group since those earliest days.

The Jeepers Jamboree was in its ninth year of operation in 1961 and off-road vehicles were getting more and more popular every day. Sales of military Jeeps to consumers were increasing and the Jeep dealership network was stretching across the U.S., expanding its reach. As well, Toyota sensed the growing interest in 4x4s, and Land Cruisers (FJ40s) began trickling in from overseas. This was also the year International Harvester launched the Scout 80, the company’s first non-Jeep, light 4×4 made in the U.S.

1961 also ushered in a company called Transamerican Auto Parts, a small wholesaler of Jeep parts. At the start, the company only served Jeep dealers and a few independent garages that serviced Jeeps. It was strictly a business-to-business operation that did not sell directly to consumers.

George Adler, former company president and owner, joined Transamerican in that first year. Hired by brothers Joe and Walter Block, George was the only full-time employee. Joe Block was George’s mentor as well as his father-in-law. In short order, Joe also became a business partner when George was able to buy out Walter’s share.