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Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example.
The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
There are plenty of interesting, unusual, historic and surprising stories related to Jeeps and their owners. In addition, some of these features have nothing to do with jeeps. This link will display all featured stories starting from the latest.
Looking for parts and not sure where to go? There are a variety of large and small new and used parts sellers both online and offline.
Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
This book cover landed on Facebook. It appears there was an early (or original) edition publishe din 1952 without a jeep on the cover. The CJ-5 cover edition was published in 1960 (and possibly other years). I do not know if a jeep plays any role in the narrative.
1952: (can be found on Amazon for $14.59)
1960: A copy of this book can be found on eBay for $4.99 plus shipping:
Steve spotted this one. Maybe someone can use it?
https://providence.craigslist.org/pts/7568515230.html
“WILLYS 1950-1951 JEEP MASTER PARTS LIST 4-73 SW, 6-73 SW, 4-73 VJ, 6-73 VJ”
I hadn’t heard that Bob had a new book out about the CJ-V35U, but discovered the book while looking for something else. So, I bought a copy. It’s 80 pages are devoted to this rare jeep. You can pick up a copy through Walck4x4.
https://walcks4wd.com/The-Military-Jeep-Willys-Model-CJ-V35U-By-Bob-Westerman_p_2775.html
UPDATE: Just to emphasize, this is a recreated version of the original painting.
Thanks to Scott for this link. The sale is for a 22 x 28 inch painting made by an artist named Daves from the original version of this image by Sessions. According to the seller, this painting was used as the cover image for Ray Cowdery’s book All American Wonder II.
https://willysforsale.com/ads/the-original-22×28-inch-painting-cover-of-all-american-wonder-ii/
“Here is the opportunity to own the original painting that was used for the by now iconic book on WWII jeeps ‘All American Wonder II’ by Ray Cowdery. The book is a ‘bible’ for any WWII jeep enthusiast and/or restorer. The author had this oil painting made by an artist of the name Daves to resemble a WWII Willys advertising by Sessions. It graces the cover of his book, and this painting is the only original in the world. On the back a large rubber stamp of the author and his former address. It looks amazing, the colors are vibrant, there are of course no holes or other damage. It looks amazing even unframed and will become a centerpiece in anyone’s jeep collection.”
Under the strange-places-to-find-a-Willys-Overland-ad category, someone is selling this 1946 Toledo University Yearbook (aka Blockhouse) with a ‘Jeep’ ad inside it.
View all the information on eBay
Glenn spotted this Pat Brady coloring book on eBay. The cover shows a great illustration of the Nelly Belle jeep.
View all the information on eBay
“My Husband’s coloring book from his childhood.”
This is priced at $55. It is a mid-1950s Special Equipment binder into which someone put Willys Motors and Willys Export bulletins from 1957-1962.
View all the information on eBay
“Willys motors Inc. and Willys – Overland export corporation Toledo Ohio kaiser jeep corporation parts and accessories bulletins 1957 to 1962
Shop worn and notebook inside is dirty but pages good overall. – inside notebook cover shows wear, especially where the metal clasps and notebook edges hold the paper – paper pages in good condition- Readable no tears a lot of spotting on the edges yellowing of pages overall all intact and in good condition”
The buy-it-now price is $55. I’m sure it’s a rare one; I’ve never seen another copy. It looks to be around 20 pages(?).
View all the information on eBay
“Up for auction is an incredibly rare very early Jeep collectible: a 1956 Jeepers Jamboree booklet in excellent condition! The booklet talks about the drive through from Lake Tahoe via Georgetown. I’ve looked online and these are extremely rare and I only found a couple other examples and none close to this old. This is truly a one-of-a-kind Jeep item.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $80.
Jeremiah let me know that he has the Bob Clemens’ Willy Jeep book for sale. Something I hadn’t noticed before is that the book has a Willys-Overland copyright (see second pic).
“PERFECT JEEP GIFT! This book is ultra rare and is great for military and jeep lovers, or even better a military jeep lover. Published in 1943 by Willys-Overland Motors. It was made by Overland as a promotional thank you to children for their efforts with war bonds. Very cool b&w and full color illustrations. Collectors gem.
Willy Jeep
By Bob Clemens
Illustrations by Patricia Windrow
Produced : 1943
Cover : Paper back book
Pages : 20
Size : 6.5″x9.5″
Condition : Great
Cover has very slight discoloration. Light fold lines in cover. Otherwise in great shape. Inside pages are well preserved. Staple binding in great condition. Ships Priority in a plastic sleeve with cardboard protection on each side.”
UPDATE: Rob reports (see comments at bottom) that the latest edition of this book is available here: https://robvanmeel.nl/product/british-airborne-jeeps-2018-edition-isbn-90-76221-01-4/
I recently obtained from eBay a copy of the first version (which is my designation, to separate it from an expanded 2019 version of the same name) of Monica Baan and Rob Van Meel’s British Airborne Jeeps (3rd Printing, printed in 1998). It’s loaded with detail drawing and diagrams of the modifications made for the airborne jeeps. This first version is just under 50 pages. I’ll post a few example pages at the bottom of the post:
After I received the book, I did some more research and learned that in 2019 Rob updated the book with photographs and much more. Now the book is three-times as large, with 154 pages. The new version is available for purchase for £29.99: https://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/products/author/Van%20Meel,%20Rob.
Either book would be useful for the person who wants to recreate a British Airborne Jeep. Here is a sneak peak at some pages from the booklet I have:
UPDATE: I have to second Mark’s reaction to this book. This has been a great read! Gerhard Neumann feels Forest-Gumpian at times, as his life bebops from adventures to mis-adventures. The jeep trip is a neat aspect to the book, and kudos to his good natured wife for suggesting it. But, his life story is so much more than just the jeep trip. His good natured attitude bubbles through his prose. And, don’t miss his tips and tricks, such as using horse manure to plug radiator holes.
Here are two pics from the jeep trip:
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Originally posted Jun 27, 2021: Mark Doepel shared news on Facebook of a book he found at his local Goodwill called Herman the German: Just Lucky I guess. It’s an autobiography by Gerhard Neumann. Mark really enjoyed the read.
A paperback version of the book is available on Amazon and you can probably find hard copies out there as well (I just bought a hard copy version). Here are some general reviews by a couple influential folks from the Amazon page:
“This fascinating and amusing account of his life is told by a colorful and highly capable German who became one of America’s most successful technical managers in the development of jet engines for aircraft.”-David S. Lewis ChairmanGeneral Dynamics Corporation.
“Not only has Gerhard Neumann’s life been filled with exotic and exciting adventures, but he was a highly successful engineer and executive-truly a superior individual and one of my favorite people.”-Sanford N. McDonnellChairman, McDonnell Douglas Corporation.
“Readers of Gerhard’s book will probably come to the same conclusion I formed while doing business with him; there is still room in industry for free spirits.” -T. A. WilsonChairman, The Boeing Company.
His colorful life included a jeep trip across Asia in 1947 documented in part by this 1948 Kansas City Times article from January 13, 1948:
This article about the release of Gerhard’s autobiography came out in the June 17, 1984, issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer:
This obituary was published following his death on November 6, 1997, in the Cincinnati Enquirer:
UPDATE II: I received this small booklet. There are thirteen pages (with lots of pics) written by Joe Brown and eleven pages about donuts, including a quiz and recipes (as in, you can use donuts in a variety of ways). So, if you want jeeps, don’t buy this booklet; but, if you like donuts, then this might be a winner. Below are a few sample pages …
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UPDATE: Curiously, after I purchased a copy on Amazon, the price went up a dollar.
In early 1944, Actor and Comedian Joe E. Brown published “You Said A Mouthful”, a book about his adventures entertain troops. The cover includes an illustration on the cover of him on a jeep. If interested, here are various copies for sale on eBay.
“A rip roaring; Illustrated; funny story of Joe E. Brown’s adventures in entertaining millions of doughboys all over the world.”
PHOTO CREDIT: University of South Carolina … https://digital.tcl.sc.edu/digital/collection/jmetz/id/1197
The book was published by the Doughnut Corporation of American and Bond Bread. Thus, this explains why he’s holding a donut. An advertisement for Bond Bread is included on the back of the book:
UPDATE: This ad published in the Los Angeles Times, June 15, 1962, by the Alaskan Camper Factory, welcomed Dorothy and Louise back into the United States after their trip around the world in an FC-170 (with an Alaskan camper, of course).
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Originally Published October 06, 2012: Highways Across the Horizon was written by Dorothy Rogers, who previous wrote Jeopardy in the Jeep. I received a copy of it in the mail last week. I knew the book was about traveling through Asia, but there were two things I didn’t know. The first think I learned was that she and her travel partner Louise, traveled all the way around the world, starting and ending in New York. The second surprise was their vehicle of choice: a FC-170 with a camper. Craig confirmed today that Dorothy and Louise piloted only the third known FC to make it around the world. I can’t wait to read about their adventure.
Here are FC related pics:
UPDATE: Ashley Giordano has published a well-written synopsis of the book Jeopardy and a Jeep for Expedition Portal: https://expeditionportal.com/jeopardy-and-a-jeep-africa-conquered-by-two-women-professors/
She also shared this article from April 27, 1954, that was published in the Cape Argus newspaper out of South Africa:
======================
Published Feb 28, 2021: According to the November 24, 1957, issue of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, this book was published in November of 1957 (previously, the date hadn’t been clear).
The December 08, 1957, issue of the Birmingham News included an article on Dr. Rogers’ new book. Apparently, Rogers was a former teacher in Alabama.
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Originally Published September 25, 2012:
Scott spotted a hardcover book called The Willys Dream Kit by Jan Novak that’s for sale on eBay ($49.49). The price for a new hard copy is similar on Amazon, but the used ($25) and paperback ($20) editions are much less on Amazon.
Reviews of the book from the Chicago Tribune and L.A. Times in 1985 suggest it’s a good read.
Derek published this story on the CJ-3B Page about three Brazilian Boy Scouts (Gabriel Paula Fonseca Jr., Everardo de Mello Nogueira, and Paulo Pinheiro de Andrade) who traveled the world, calling themselves the Baden-Powell AfricaEuropeAmerica Expedition.
Leaving in 1957, just after Hugo Vidal and his friend returned from their Operation Pineapple adventure, the Baden-Powell party used a CJ-5 that was styled and outfitted in a way similar to the Operation Pineapple CJ-3B jeep.Their goal was to attend the 9th Annual Boy Scouts Jamboree, one that also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Scout’s founding and the Centennial of Robert Baden-Powell, the Boy Scouts’ founder.
In 2018, a story was published in English called: 1957: From Cape Town to the Nordkap on a Jeep – Three Brazilians youngsters set out to discovery the world. I just purchased it ($6.50) for the kindle, so will be reading it as I can.
In 2017 a story was published about the trip on this site, but it appears you have to log in to access it. Some pics from this story can be seen on the internet. Based on these pics, the trio may have used the same “built with Brazilian” parts that Operation Pineapple used to fund the expedition:
**SOLD** Scottie has laid claims to these books …
These five books were published for the military services in May of 1944 and have courses on various aspects of Auto Mechanics. I bought these hoping to find some jeep info, but found none. Still, this may be of interest to some WWII buffs (mostly non-military automobile mechanicals).
1. C0URSE 1-THE ENGINE – BOOK IS MISSING BACK COVER AND FRONT IS SOILED. NO TORN OR MISSING PAGES.
2. COURSE 2-COOLING, LUBRICATION, AND FUEL SYSTEMS. SOME WATER DAMAGE ON PAGES. BUT COVERS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. NO TEARS OR MISSING PAGES.
3. COURSE 3-AUTOMATIC ELECTRICITY-WATER DAMAGE AND CREASES ON FRONT AND BACK COVERS-NO TEARS OR MISSING PAGES. BACK COVER HAS A SMALL TEAR.
4. COURSE 4-THE POWER FLOW. MISSING FRONT AND BACK COVERS BUT NO TORN PAGES OR MISSING PAGES.
5. COURSE 5-CHASSIS UNITS. FRONT AND BACK COVERS ARE SOILED BUT NO MISSING OR TORN PAGES.”
This is a 1976 372-page manual (reprint) that includes information on the rare (non-postal) DJ-5s and DJ-6s.
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/d/roseville-jeep-universal-cj-dj-factory/7253156744.html
“1966 – 1971 Jeep Universal CJ / DJ – JEEP Factory Shop Repair and Service Manual – SM-1046 / High-quality, 1975 reproduction 372-page manual which was written and first published by the experts at the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Jeep Corporation, for use by their dealership mechanics. Now, this great service manual can be yours!
MODELS COVERED:
1966 Jeep CJ3
1966 – 1971 Jeep CJ5
1966 – 1968 Jeep CJ5A
1966 – 1971 Jeep CJ6
1966 – 1968 Jeep CJ6A
1966 – 1971 Jeep DJ5
1966 – 1968 Jeep DJ6
1966 – 1967 Jeep Universal
Has wear as seen in the pictures, a little dirty on the outside but, all the pages are in excellent condition – Leave your nice books at home and keep this one in your Jeep!”
This collection of literature also includes some J-Series documents as well. It’s hard to tell if this is mostly just a manual or a large number of Bulletins.
View all the information on eBay
“Willys Jeep Dealer Manual 1952-1963 Parts & Accessories & Bulletins.”
I don’t know anything about this book in terms of value. Starting price is $125.
View all the information on eBay
“BOOKLET DOES NOT SHOW ANY WEAR”
UPDATE: I’ve added two newspaper photos to this post about Kent. One shows him signing copies of his autobiography. The other depicts him with a huge walking stick, one I’m sure could come in handy while exploring ‘his’ beloved canyons.
Even today, Kent’s shadow looms large over the area. Just this last week the Moab Museum screened the “My Canyonlands” film about him.
June 17, 1971, The San Juan Record: Kent Frost signing books.
February 11, 2004, The San Juan Record: Kent Frost holding a walking stick.
=========================
Originally published April 1, 2013:
(Above: Kent Frost on the front of his CJ-5 probably helping the driver negotiate an awkward angle)
(Originally Published April 2011) Without a doubt, my favorite part about running this website are the unexpected, interesting people to whom I’m introduced (if only virtually). One of those people is Kent Frost, a product of the Four Corners area and whom we caught glimpses of in Alan’s color photos of the 1961 Four Corners trip.
Doug commented on one of the Four Corner posts that he had read a book by Kent Frost called “My Canyonlands”, published in 1971. I’m very happy that Doug mentioned the book, because I ordered it and have enjoyed it immensely. Kent describes all kinds of adventures and early trips into remote areas of the four corners region. He loved to explore and hike, later jeep and river run, and that remote area has given him a lifetime of experiences.
Adil Jal Darukhanawala wrote a 332-page book on the Mahindra Jeep history and production. The photographs I’ve seen so far are beautiful; it looks like Adil has created a quality product. I have purchased a copy and will review it later this month.
One reviewer of the book notes it contains a variety of interesting information bits, including how a few CJ-5s reached India (thanks to the Pakistani Army). I also like the comment that the jeep was the ‘greatest free sample in automotive history’, an important insight as tens of thousands of jeeps were left by allies all over the world. It looks like an interesting, detailed book.
The book can purchased directly from the author at https://www.adiljal.com
Here’s a review of the book from EVO India –The Thrill of Driving: https://www.evoindia.com/features/car-features/timeless-mahindra-book-review
These three photos come from this website: https://parsikhabar.net/books/timeless-mahindra-by-adil-jal-darukhanawala-hits-the-standa/24193/
This is a 24 page manual.
View all the information on eBay
“1950s Kaiser Willys Jeep Mechanics Supercharger Manual 24 Pages, Good+ Condition wear. Shipping to US only, Free Shipping.”
This isn’t in the best of condition, but it’s priced accordingly.
View all the information on ebay
“Vintage 1943 WILLY JEEP by Bob Clemens Patricia Windrow – School Book. This was handed out in elementary school to a relative during the end of WWII. Cover has stains and one rip on page 3/4. No writing.”
William F. Baggerman in 1946 standing in front of his 1946 VEC CJ-2A. Behind the jeep is a trailer (a box on wheels). Standing to the side of the jeep is Charles Mum of the Laredo, Texas, AAA. William is just about to enter Mexico in 1946.
Wiliam F. Baggerman was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area around 1914. He attended Washington University and Edinburgh University. He started Modern Management Co., a real estate management firm, in 1936, and later was employed with Sycamore Investors, Inc., a shopping center development company.
He entered what would become the Air Force right after Pearl Harbor and spent 20 months in the Pacific theatre, stationed for at least part of the time in Guam. While in Guam, for some unknown reason, he decided to travel to Central America after the war.
A year after the war ended, he purchased a jeep and, along with a trailer, headed south to Laredo, Texas, where he began his adventure.
After his trip, he wrote an 60 page book: Driving to Managua, Nicaragua (A Guide to the PanAmerican Highway Through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua).
The book is part guide book and part travelogue, as most of the text describes dryly how to travel through the various countries. Yet, the pics feel far more personal; there are at least 10 photos, almost all of which include the jeep. You can view the entire book online at Hathitrust.org.
The jeep he used appears to have been a VEC with indents and a column shift, but without the rear hubs. So, I’d guess a 15xxx to 30xxx serial number. The trailer is a box on wheels … anyone know what model?
Let’s look at some pics!
This is a map of the Pan American Highway. It’s not clear to me how much he veered off the highway:
This pic shows him just entering Mexico:
Those are some beautiful mountains. But who is looking at the mountains when you can peek inside the cab and see the column shifter:
Apparently, even the jeep couldn’t take William everywhere:
