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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 .
I just finished reading The Last American CEO, a book about the transition of ‘Jeep’ from Kaiser-Jeep, to AMC, to Chrysler. The principal character and source of most of the material was Joe Cappy, who was the final AMC CEO before AMC was bought by Chrysler.
Among the book’s more interesting revelations, it argues that if it weren’t for an assassination, that Chrysler might never have purchased AMC.
UPDATE: This is a first edition of Jerry the Jeep, but it isn’t in very good condition (and very high priced).
“RARE VINTAGE old Children’s book JERRY THE JEEP post WWII FIRST EDITION EDITH THACHER HURD
“Jerry the Jeep lived in a big Army camp. He was a new jeep and a strong little jeep but he was always doing things that he shouldn’t. He went down hills when he was supposed to go up them. He blew his horn “peep-peep” when nobody wanted it and he was always dropping nuts and bolts like a ………”
book measures about 9 1/4″ by 10 1/2″”
UPDATE: Gayland noted that there are copies for sale on Amazon, too.
I’m not familiar with this book.
View all the information on ebay
“Synopsis
A delightful history of the Willys Jeep written in verse. Set in WWII, this is the story of Willis the Jeep and his soldier counterpart Joe as they tend to the chores of freedom. It covers the Willys Jeep’s production history, trials against the horse cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas and the Jeep’s ultimate replacement of the US horse cavalry as couriers and scouts in wartime. Willis the Jeep is a loving tribute that honors how the Willys Jeep changed the military.”
Chris is selling this manual that came with a later model jeep he bought.
https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/pts/d/indianapolis-tmmaintenance-manual-for/6771850269.html
“Reprint of maintenance manual for MB series Willys Jeep. Good shape, no torn pages, couple of fingerprints on covers. In great shape, would make a great shop copy for someone. I can invoice via internet and ship within the US for an additional $4.”
UPDATE: There’s another copy of the Joey Jeep book on eBay
This Joey Jeep book was written by Bertram Goodman and published in 1945.
“UP FOR AUCTION IS THIS SCARCE COPYRIGHT 1945 PRINTING OF JOEY JEEP, ILLUSTRATED BY BERTRAM GOODMAN, PUBLISHED BY ACTION PLAY BOOKS INC. THIS BOOK IS HARD BOUND , 7 1/2″ HIGH BY 6 1/2″ WIDE BY 32 PAGES LONG. THE BOOK IS A FANTASY STORY ABOUT A HUMAN LIKE ARMY JEEP ON AN ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS IT SEEKS A POST MILITARY CIVILIAN HOME. EACH PAGE OF THE BOOK IS CLEVERLY ILLUSTRATED. THE BOOK IS SOUND, CLEAN INSIDE AND IN GOOD PLUS CONDITION. THIS BOOK IS HARD TO FIND AND IT WOULD BE A NICE ADDITION TO THE LIBRARY OF A JEEP LOVER !”
If this didn’t cost so much to ship from the UK, I’d snag it. Vintage book with some jeep illustrations. Rear of book has some damage.
View all the information on eBay
“Classic 1944/45 comic strips
Famous ‘Two Types’, representing jaded veterens of the 8th Army.
Damage to rear of the booklet, see pics.”
UPDATE: Here’s the contact information for Hugo’s book if you are interested in purchasing a copy. Hugo’s son Fernando is handling the books and has copies on hand at his place in Florida:
Try emailing op.pineapple.book@gmail.com or go here https://www.facebook.com/flashesdeumaaventura/ for a copy:
————————–
Original Post September 17, 2018:
The book was larger than I expected. It was a pleasure for me to read.
Hugo Vidal, that 85 year old intrepid traveler from Brazil (and founder of AVM) has published his book. I received a copy last week and tore right through it. It’s written in both Portuguese and English. Since Ann and I traveled with Hugo and his son Fernando last year for four weeks, I knew most of the stories he included in his book. But, there were a few new ones and some fuller explanations on others. It’s also full of photos, some I hadn’t seen.
Most of the book centers on the 1956/1957 trip. But, there’s a little bit at the end about the 2017 Alaska Or Rust adventure. And on that, I have a minor quibble. Hugo remembers me contacting him about joining us on the trip. Actually, it was Hugo who contacted me. His eagerness was infectious, as this email extract, the second email he wrote me, underscores:
“…. Since we only heard about the Alaska or Rust caravan yesterday, my son and I rushed to try and find a way of joining in. But I understand now that participation is closed. Even though we don´t even have a vehicle yet, if there is a chance for a place in the waiting list we will somehow purchase, lease, borrow or steal one….”
Hugo dressed as a Dutch Maiden while on their jeep trip. You’ll have to read the book to learn why.
On the left is Hugo’s restored CJ-3B. On the right was the 3B for the trip. Note the custom bed extender on the back.
Ann took this photo of Hugo and Fernando, I believe in Jasper National Park in Canada.
From left to right we have Charles Downey, Hugo Vidal, and Jan Stekly.
Rick shared this manual. I’m sure someone can use it.
https://desmoines.craigslist.org/pts/d/1960-jeep-owners-manual/6710208846.html
“1960 Jeep Owner’s Manual for
Forward Control Model FC-150 4-Wheel Drive Truck
Water damage and some staining
Overall pretty good condition for its age,
No tears, rips or folds
Very small damage on front lower right corner and
front page (barely noticible)
Paperback, binding intact”
<– Post Trip Items: German Documentary w/ Alaska Or Rust Folks –> | Day 21 – Saturday May 19th: Mr. Infamous –>
UPDATE II: Merlin has created an order page for the book. Payment by check or credit card (no PayPal), check preferred. Directions are all on the order page. After April 20th all books will be direct from publisher and more expensive.
https://hansonmechanical.wordpress.com/2018/04/05/ordering-the-alaska-or-rust-book/
We may have a handful of books for sale at the Midwest Willys Reunion, but probably not too many.
UPDATE: I confirmed with Merlin that the first run of hardcover books will cost $40 and that will include shipping in the continental US. The book is 144 pages with over 300 color photos. After that, the book will be available through Blurb.com at a cost of $42 + shipping (I suspect they print and mail them to order). When Merlin is ready, he will create a book order page on his website. He will only be accepting checks or money orders. I will let you know when he’s ready.
Printing number one of the book will be hardcover edition. I really like the hardcover so I will probably only release a paperback down the road, or maybe just print some and sell them at shows. As soon as I have the postage details together I will start accepting orders for books and I will setup a blog post with instructions on how to pre-order.
Merlin Hanson has authored a photo book on our trip to Alaska and received his first full proof yesterday. He doesn’t plan to print a lot of extra books, but I would be curious to know if anyone has any interest in purchasing a copy (I thought of this last night and still need to check with Merlin about it).
<– Post Trip Items: German Documentary w/ Alaska Or Rust Folks –> | Day 21 – Saturday May 19th: Mr. Infamous –>
Only a few hours left on this. The current price is $19.99.
“JEEP Croft Cartoons by Croft Men (1942). 37 Page Booklet of JEEP Based Cartoon / Comic WWII Action!”
View all the information on eBay
This publication was designed to teach the sales force and dealers about the new Jeepster Commando and Jeepster Convertible. Looks interesting.
“This is a vintage 1968 Jeepster Comparison Data Brochure, measuring approximately 5.75×8.5” and is 20 pages long. It is an original piece of literature from Kaiser Jeep not a reprint and is in very good to excellent condition. Dated April 1968. Carefully stored since new, minimal handling, center staples tight, clean with no smudges, tears or folds. “7-68″ written lightly in pencil on bottom left of back cover. Contents include b&w photos, competitive vehicle comparisons, exterior and interior comparisons, general appearance, engines, frames, electrical, suspension, drive line, body, safety features, etc. Models covered include the 1968 Jeepster Convertible and Commando.”
View all the information on eBay
I can’t remember running across one of these industrial manuals.
“rare Willys Jeep 4 & 6 cylinder industrial engine service manual and parts lists catalog.total 168 pages,front and back cover dirt and little torn at bookbinding.interior very clean.see my other items on my eBay store thank you !!.”
This 35 page book looks interesting. It’s a reprint, but may be an old reprint.
“From a cache of WWII military jeep and motorcycle parts hidden away many years. A number of books and manuals were included.This is a 35 page Photo book produced in 1942 for introduction to the troops of the 1/4 ton 4×4 vehicle Reconnaissance later known as the Jeep. It’s filled with photographs and details for the use of the jeep vehicle. The book measures 8 1/2″ x 11′.with 35 pages, it’s listed as used, as I don’t know it’s actual history so listed as a reprint, great original period photographs and jeep details.”
View all the information on eBay
This appears to be a collection of service manuals and more.
“Purchased from an estate sale of a Vietnam veteran that was a mechanic there…as the story goes. This binder is in very good condition for it’s age. No breaks or signs of visual wear. It is packed full, as seen in the last picture, of all different types of service type manuals from the mid 60’s to early 70’s as best as I can tell. There are some Willys, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Renault, Chevrolet, tons of other service information. So much information that would be impossible to list it all. All pages are also in very good condition. Very interesting piece of history!”
View all the information on eBay
Thanks to Pascal for spotting this one.
“You are bidding on a rare original maintenance manual for the Willys MA prototype jeep. It’s a little dirty buy all pages are present. And in good shape. Will consider trading for other prototype parts or manuals for GP or bantam brc. Good luck and happy bidding!”
View all the information on eBay
There’s a bunch of information inside this. I’m not sure how much jeep information there is or not.
“Purchased from an estate sale of a Vietnam veteran that was a mechanic there…as the story goes. This binder is in very good condition for it’s age. No breaks or signs of visual wear. It is packed full, as seen in the last picture, of all different types of service type manuals from the mid 60’s to early 70’s as best as I can tell. There are some Willys, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Renault, Chevrolet, tons of other service information. So much information that would be impossible to list it all. All pages are also in very good condition. Very interesting piece of history!”
View all the information on eBay
Today I received Bill Spear’s new book, WARBABY: The True Story of the Original Jeep. In it Bill explores the history of the first jeep, the Bantam BRC in detail. The book looks beautiful, full of text and photographs. I can’t wait to dive into it; and at 400 pages, there’s plenty to explore!
The first edition printing will be limited to 1,000 copies. The price is $60, but to me, having leafed through it today, this effort appears well worth the cost. Learn more over at Bill’s website: http://warbaby.wmspear.com
While you wait for the book, check out this one hour plus presentation by Bill Spears:
Author Debra Lenser and illustrator Kim Sponaugle based this childrens book on Debra’s son, Jeremy Lenser , and his 1948 CJ-2A. You can find it on Amazon.
Jeremy and Red Jeep are on a road trip when they happen upon Chester, a traveling tortoise, on his way to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Chester is stuck, and it’s up to Jeremy and Red Jeep to set him free.
This is pretty neat set of books. The price is already at $810 with 8 days to go!
“This auction lot consists of one original very, very scarce book called SERVICE SCHOOL FOR U.S. ARMY INSTRUCTORS ON Ford U.S. ARMY VEHICLES 1941 as published by Ford Motor Company of Dearborn, Michigan for instruction schools conducted at the Ford Rouge Plant in Detroit and Ford Traveling Schools conducted on American Army Bases.”
View all the information on eBay
UPDATE: Price dropped to $1800.
(08/09/2016) Has a PTO winch. Runs.
“1947 willys jeep 4wd for sale runs great had motor rebuilt less than 1,000 miles ago, needs new gas tank has rust in it but still can start,gas tank is approx.150 dollars,has rare pto unit power take off.The jeep is very original with flat head four motor.Its a great jeep for finish restoring $2,400 obo.”
http://showlow.craigslist.org/cto/5719751871.html
For M-151 folks this should be an interesting document.
“Here I have a prohibitively RARE
(1 of only 4 Copies Made)
Updated Proposal by Kaiser / Willys Motors
Proposal for the M151 Jeep Government Contract.
Check out the photos and you will note that this books consists of
A Leather Cover containing:
An introductory letter indicating that this was introduced “in Quadruplilcate” notes addressing issues with the original proposal including dates of telegraphs sent in reference to this publication.
This letter has bee added to the original Proposal as the first page in a comb-style binder. This is turn is inserted into the leather cover.
PROPOSAL
TRUCK, UTILITY, ¼ TON, 4×4, M151
IFB AMC-20-113-63-0055(T)
STEP I
KAISER WILLYS MOTORS
WILLYS MOTORS INC OCTOBER 1962
Book is approximately 60 pages.
Leather cover measures about 11 ½ x 9 inches”
View all the information on eBay
I recently ordered a biography called Brandy: Our Man in Acapulco as part of some research into DJs at the Las Brisas Resort in Acapulco. I was surprised to see the cover included a color photo, one I’ve never seen, of nine DJ-5 surrey/galas in Las Brisas. There’s an entire chapter on Las Brisas, so I’m hoping for some good research information.
I’ve only gone through the book briefly, but the book credits Brandsetter with taking over Las Brisas in 1959 and turning it into the world’s top resort by 1972. They also claim Frank instituted the resort’s no tipping policy, but that policy was actually implemented by founder Juan March and existed for more than a year before Brandsetter entered the picture as evidenced in a Feb. 28, 1958 Milwaukee Sentinel article. There is an entire chapter devoted to Brandy and Las Brisas, so hopefully there will be some interesting tidbits and research vectors.
Article from 1958:
Does anyone have information on the crate-to-jeep building races held at Royal Tournament shows during the 1950s (probably earlier as well)? The Olyslager’s The JEEP book references such shows (pg 50 & 51 — see below). I have an old jeep club friend who is trying to find out more information about these to share with a veteran’s group.
A slightly different event also occurred during this time using what were called MALT jeeps, specially built jeeps that could be driven into an arena, taken apart, the parts passed through a hole, and reassembled. I discuss the MALT jeeps a little more here.
The MALT events probably evolved into modern counterparts that have been featured in videos like one below, because the modern contests also feature specially built jeeps.
This book was printed in 1951 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Though the jeep itself isn’t illustrated all that accurately, a Willys pickup appears in the book that is much more accurately drawn. The wheels on the front and back of the book are riveted on so they can spin.
Josh has this rare manual for sale on eBay.
“The book is a FORD factory training program to train U.S. Army instructors on the 1941 military vehicles particularly the Ford GP. It basically has the all the NOS GP manuals including the Maintenance Manual, Parts Price list, and Service Manual; as well as a rare tool list. It also features other ford military vehicle manuals and quite a few of unique documents that not only give insight into the day to day scheduled and objectives of the training program but also goes into some detail into standard and specialized service equipment and suppliers.”
View all the information on eBay
