UPDATE: **Sold**
Nick is selling his very rare Valentine-built CJ-3A APUs. He’s done a great job of uncovering the history of these Valentine APUs and sharing it with the jeep community.”
“These Willy-Overland CJ-3A utility vehicles were converted into auxiliary power units for the US Navy in the 1950s by the Valentine Welder & Manufacturing Company for use in starting jet aircraft engines. Both vehicles are finished in yellow and equipped with a seven-slot grille, flat front fenders, a single-seat operator’s station, and power take-off equipment. The pair includes an NC-2 mobile power plant that was designed for use on aircraft carriers and modified with rear-wheel steering, front-wheel drive, and a rear equipment platform. The other truck is one of approximately 75 such units modified into an NA-4 ground-based mobile APU and is fitted with a replacement Willys F-134 inline-four paired with a three-speed manual transmission. The engine has been removed from the NC-2 and is included in the sale.”
Thanks for sharing!
You bet Nick .. best of luck!
These were sold on BAT on11/5/23 for $2650.00
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/pair-of-willys-overland-cj-3a/
Nice potential profit!
Dave: Nick’s the seller in both cases.
Nick: Did the BaT deal fall through in some way?
I drive semi for a national store. While driving on Calumet Ave in Hammond In. , a couple pulling a trailer with two industrial yellow willy jeeps of dubious condition were along side me. At the next stop light I asked the nature of the jeeps( I had noticed the generators mounted in the jump seat) , the new owner(?) informed me of their use and how they had been on carrier service. I saw the hood blisters, the spare engine, etc. I even took note of the stencil on the hood ‘USN 55 3397. That was yesterday, 4/4/24. A quick search today lead me to this site and the very APU jeeps I saw. Good Luck to the New Owners, I am glad I witnessed something so unique and rare from military history.
Sincerely, L DeBoer
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the update. I have updated the post. They certainly are unique vehicles!
– Dave