【FREEWHEELERS】"1945 U.S.NAVY VBF-6 to 1949 BONNEVILLE HOTRODDER"

Introducing the “1945 U.S.NAVY VBF-6 to 1949 BONNEVILLE HOTRODDER” from FREEWHEELERS.

Based on the image of civilian deck jackets from the late 1940s through the 1950s, this model combines elements of early deck zip jackets and the N-1 deck jacket.

This custom version is built around the story of VBF-6, the U.S. Navy fighter-bomber squadron known by the nickname “WHISTLING DEATH,” which served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock during World War II.

The concept imagines a former squadron member returning to civilian life after the war, becoming involved in hot rodding, and customizing his own deck jacket before entering the 1949 speed trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

On the right chest is a “WHISTLING DEATH” patch made with cotton duck and finished with horizontal swing embroidery using cotton thread.

The left chest features a dimensional patch constructed from red wool-rayon felt layered with white felt, then finished with Sagara and chain embroidery.

Across the back is a reflective “U.S.NAVY” print together with an airbrushed flying skull graphic representing the squadron.

Over this, crossed pistons and a V8 engine motif are layered using a discharge-style print, combining military imagery with postwar American motor culture in a single custom design.

The jacket itself features an N-1-inspired collar finished with alpaca.

A throat strap is fitted at the collar, while the front uses both a zipper and buttoned storm flap to improve wind protection.

Angled patch pockets are placed at both sides of the hem for easy access.

Wool inner ribs at the cuffs and a drawcord at the hem add practical deck-jacket details and help retain warmth.

The outer shell is made from FREEWHEELERS’ original cotton duck with a dry finish.

The densely woven fabric has a firm, substantial hand while gradually developing natural creases, wear, and character through repeated use.

The lining uses 100% alpaca pile with a long nap and excellent heat retention.

A layer of cotton flannel is placed between the outer cotton duck and alpaca lining, creating a three-layer structure with strong insulation for cold-weather wear.

Compared with the brand’s N-1 deck jacket, this model has more room through the body and sleeves.

The generous silhouette allows comfortable layering over heavyweight sweatshirts and knitwear while maintaining ease of movement.

With its strong wind resistance and substantial insulation, it is well suited not only for everyday winter wear but also for use while riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

DETAIL

MODEL
“1945 U.S.NAVY VBF-6 to 1949 BONNEVILLE HOTRODDER”

STYLE
LATE 1940-50s MILITARY & MOTOR CULTURE IMAGE CUSTOM JACKET
UNION SPECIAL OVERALLS
N-3 CIVILIAN DECK JACKET

COLOR
YELLOW BEIGE

MATERIAL
COTTON 100%
Original Cotton Duck, Dry Finish
Original ALPACA 100% Pile
Cotton Flannel Interlayer

FEATURES
VBF-6 “WHISTLING DEATH” Custom Theme
Right Chest Swing-Embroidery Patch
Left Chest Wool-Rayon Felt Patch
Sagara Embroidery
Chain Embroidery
Reflective “U.S.NAVY” Back Print
Flying Skull Airbrush Print
Crossed Pistons & V8 Engine Discharge Print
Alpaca Collar
Collar Strap
Front Zipper + Buttoned Storm Flap
Patch Pockets
Wool Inner Cuffs
Hem Drawcord
Three-Layer Construction

SIZE GUIDE

SIZE INFORMATION

Size	Body Length	Chest Width	Shoulder Width	Sleeve Length
38	64cm	57cm	47cm	63cm
40	66cm	59.5cm	49cm	64cm
42	69cm	64cm	53cm	65cm
44	71cm	66cm	55cm	66cm

※Measurements are taken from the actual garment. Slight individual differences and measurement variations may occur.

SIZE INFORMATION / HOW TO MEASURE

Body Length: Measured in a straight line from the base of the back collar to the hem.

Chest Width: Measured straight across from armpit to armpit.

Shoulder Width: Measured straight across from shoulder point to shoulder point.

Sleeve Length: Measured from the shoulder point to the end of the cuff.

ATTENTION

※Printed, embroidered, and patched areas may change in appearance through wear, friction, and aging.

※The cotton duck fabric will gradually develop creases, abrasion, fading, and other signs of wear over time.

※Due to the characteristics of alpaca pile, the surface and texture may change through repeated wear and friction.

※Actual product colors may appear slightly different depending on your monitor, device, and display settings.

※This item is also sold at our physical store. Although inventory is updated regularly, the item may occasionally become unavailable after an order is placed. If no restock is scheduled, the order may be canceled.