This article appeared in the Miami News on October 09, 1956. That seemed a late date for an “introductory” announcement. The article highlighted the low operating cost, the 30,000 mile maintenance guarantee, the four body styles, and the wide range of duties the new jeep could perform.
DJ-3A Research Archives
1949 CJ-3A/DJ Baltimore, MD $10,500
Listed as a 1949, this 2WD jeep is probably a DJ-5 with a CJ-3A body on it.
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/d/baltimore-1949-willys-jeep-must-see/7141306361.html
“1949 Willys Jeep – must see, garaged. Runs and looks great for 71 year old vehicle! Titled as a 1965 for this is when it was released to the public. Has mount for machine gun. Also have soft top. Military plates on dash. Have to see to appreciate. New battery. Also comes with soft top. Windshield also folds down. Come with new exhaust system, which was just installed! $10,500 or best offer. Prefer cash deal but also may entertain trades. What do you have? Please come and inspect, you can drive it home! Looks and runs great.
Also, includes a tow bar that mounts to the front bumper…so drive it home or tow it home!!”
January 1956 DJ-3A Jeep Dispatcher Introduction
The article suggests that the Jeep Dispatcher only came in three models, with one listed as a “basic model with or without a top”. The marketing department must have decided that the single model with or without a top was better off as two models distinct models.
On the same page as the Dispatcher article was an ad for multiple jeep dealers in the Pittsburgh area. The new ad included the DJ-3A with the fiberglass-reinforced hardtop.
1962 DJ-3A Juliustown, NJ **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $999.
This parts DJ-3A has quite a bit of rust. But those hubcaps look in great shape. It amazes me that all four are still on the jeep!
“this rare barn find has all the rare parts a dj3a jeep should have correct 3 speed on column/60/40 bench seat/defroster on windshield/correct hard top w/doors/front straight axle w/correct rims w/hub caps/vin tag,comes w/bill of sale,pick up in Pemberton NJ”
1962 DJ-3A Surrey & Parts 2A Kailua, Oahu, HI $3500
This DJ-3A has had a little body work, but looks to formerly be a DJ-3A Surrey given the footman loops on the front fenders.
https://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/pts/d/kailua-1962-willys-jeep-willys/7138331536.html
“1962 Willys 2 wheel drive with rebuilt original 4 cylinder motor
1948 Willys Jeep chassis 4 wheel drive rebuilt v6 Buik motor
$3500 firm for both
Parts only”
1956 Koenig Brochure for the DJ-3A Dispatcher
This was a surprising find. Bulletin 256 by Koenig touted add-ons for the DJ-3A. I can’t imagine many DJ-3A owners purchased a winch. I can’t think of any DJ-3As that I’ve seen with a body extension either.
Year? DJ-3A Bremen, GA $1500
Not sure how much value is here.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2680099778939849/
“1940s Willy DJ3A 2wd dispatcher Jeep. Has engine and transmission. Has column shifter but not hooked up. Body has obvious rust and not currently running.”
1958 DJ-3A Roosevelt, MN $3400
This has a few DJ-3A parts on it. Given the column shift, this could have been a convertible. It’s still 2WD.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/544927796452107/
“1958 Willy’s jeep with a 283 bored 40 over with small cam aluminum intake Holley 600 Vac carb 350 turbo transmission 8inch ford with mini spool 50miles on new motor 2 wheel drive title in hand”
1960 DJ-3A Surrey(?) Fort Worth, TX $5700
Given the windshield handles, this might have been a Surrey.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/626283744631982/
“1960 Jeep Surrey, rare vehicle, only 1420 made between 1960-1965, original 4 cylinder flathead runs great, you have to see in person, it’s a put back to original project but has good bones to build on, a restored one like it sold for $48k, don’t have the time or $ to do it”
August 1962 Article on Hatari Dispatcher/Universal Tonka Toys
As reported in this post, in 1962 the Tonka company launched the jeep models many of us owned as kids (and some of us still own as adults). It didn’t take long for Tonka to introduce specialized packaging as well. The August 1962 issue of Playthings Magazine highlighted three different Dispatcher Tonka Toys, with Hatari-themed boxes, that were for sale in the lobby of movie theaters while Hatari played in theatres.
View all the information on eBay
The article appeared on this page:
1959 DJ-3A Dothan, AL $12,000
UPDATE: Price dropped to $12,000.
(01/17/2020) Has a few updates, but a lot of stock DJ-3A Convertible, including the rare air filter. Note also the Kaiser speedometer (has a big K on it, but I don’t know what model used it). It doesn’t look all that bad (better than a new speedo would).
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/164627788316274/
“Rare Find! 1959 Willys Jeep CJ3
I purchased in 1959,
been in STORAGE!!
ORIGINAL paint..RUST FREE
Always in Alabama
12 volts, Less than 20,000 miles”
1962 DJ-3A Naples, NY **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $12,000.
This is a late model convertible DJ-3A that’s has all its convertible top related parts removed. It’s also missing hubcaps.
“Jeep is like new, Frame off restoration in 2002. Perfect for a resort or campground maintenance vehicle or just to take to your local cruise night. 3 spd Manuel on the Column. You will not be disappointed.”
Year? DJ-3A Carlsbad, NM $600
No pics provided.
https://roswell.craigslist.org/pts/d/whites-city-dj3a-2wd-jeep-rolling/7115202508.html
“No body parts included. Includes motor, transmission, 3rd member, steering, gas tank, small bucket of misc. parts and frame. Was running poorly when I parked it 8 or 10 years ago. Tires are bad.”
1961 DJ-3A Mohave Valley, AZ **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1700.
The seller’s description suggests this was originally a Surrey DJ-3A. There is some pink on the inside. Appears to be a good price.
“This is a rare Willys Model DJ-3A. Originally was pink with pink and white striped interior. Top is a Super rare steel Koenig Iron Works too from the 40’s or 50’s. It has roll up door windows and window sliders on the sides and a hatch back”
1957 CJ-3B & ‘1947’ DJ-3A Charlotte, MI
Seller has two jeeps for sale, but not pics of the “1947” DJ-3A (probably a DJ-3A body on a CJ-2A chassis). Seller also has a CJ-3B project for $4000 as shown below.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/191686408802732/
“Titled 1957 Jeep Willys CJ3B PROJECT, Frame is immaculate..Dauntless v6 engine, all fresh T350 automatic transmission and torque converter, with Novak adapter to twin stick Dana 18 transfer case, updated cj5 axles with disc brakes and s.s. braided brake lines, Brand new in the box B&M shifter that needs to be installed.. headman headers with dual side exit muffler, 3.5in suspension lift, (5) 32×10.50×15 bfg all terrians mchrome CJ7 Laredo wheels with matching center caps, custom spare tire carrier, roll cage, cd player, newer soft top and soft doors.havent gotten this one fired up yet its close.. moving.. no time to finish.. 4000.00 cash.
Several other Jeeps / Rollers / parts available..!! 1946 thru 2006”
1948 CJ-2A/DJ-3A Wadsworth, OH $1500
What may be a 1948 CJ-2A chassis has a DJ-3A body on it.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580068685934206/
“Old WW2 era Jeep! Lots of usable parts! Possible full resotoration? Has engine, transmissions, transfer case, axels etc. working on getting salvage title. Body in rough shape. Hood, grill, dash good shape etc.”
DJ-3A Hardtop Mount Kisco, NY $375
UPDATE: Price dropped to $300. This looks to be the sliding type, based on the additional pic that shows the handle at the front of the door. Technically, this is the DJ-3A version. The CJ-5 version of the top had windows. But, I believe this would fit a CJ-5.
(07/25/2019) There’s some rust on this top, but I can’t tell how deep it is.
https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/pts/d/somers-cj-5-hardtop-and-doors/7095069567.html
“Rare model jeep postal dispatch DJ3a hardtop, windshield, and doors
Windshield glass perfect, drivers door glass pefect… tailgate glass perfect…. passenger door glass missing and the door itself is a bit rough”
1949 CJ-3A/DJ-3A Paradise Hills, CA $6500
UPDATE: Price dropped to $6500.
(02/18/2020) This chassis has a approx 1957 (based on the KS 0-9 speedo) DJ-3A convertible body, windshield, and front clip (or at least the grille) on it.
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/d/santee-willys/7095134936.html
“Willys Jeep restored frame off. Fresh v-6 too very clean 8000 or best offer new tires. Please no emails due to scammers texts are fine. Real nice condition”
Year? DJ-3A Grasonville, MD $1000
Looks like this has a 3B or a replacement windshield. Looks to be a post 1959 given the passenger side air intake. Am I just sleepy or does this have an odd heater setup?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/249721556045204/
“Old Jeep. Needs everything. Delivery possible. In 21625 zip”
1956 DJ-3A Troutville, VA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1700.
Not sure how much value is here. It’s got plenty of rust.
“Flat Head 4 Cyl. Engine
3 Speed Transmission on the column
Seats in good condition
All original condition
Ran when parked
96000 correct miles
Original title
A real barn find!
$1700 OBO”
1947? CJ-2A? Bluemont, VA $2500
UPDATE: Still Available.
(10/16/2019) This looks to have an Szekely APU hood and possibly a DJ-3A body (I can just make out the DJ-3A parking brake hole on the dash).
https://winchester.craigslist.org/pts/d/bluemont-1947-willys-jeep-project/7083676648.html
“1947 Willy’s project
On a 1969 jeep chassis with mounts set up for the 1947 body.
327 Chevy motor
Dana 18 transfer case
1969 jeep axles
A bunch of other new and used parts.
The fenders, hood, body, etc is not bolted to the frame. I just set them on for the pictures.
I was planning on buying a new steel tub for it or you can fix the one it has. It comes with a title.”
FC-150 and Other Jeeps Howell, NJ
UPDATE: **SOLD** No price provided.
Jim spotted these jeeps for sale. They were listed as part of a garage sale last month, but the ad is still up so maybe some or all the jeeps are still there. I’ve included a pic of the FC and of what appears to be a former airport baggage handling DJ-3A.
See how the passenger rear side is flat on top and angles toward the back? Examples: http://www.ewillys.com/2018/03/07/dj-3a-airport-baggage-handler/ & http://www.ewillys.com/2016/11/20/year-dj-3a-albuquerque-nm-1500/
“Have a few jeeps for sale. B/o
Some run some don’t.
Garage sale at 7 pinewood rd Howell nj 07731.
Sat 10-6
Sun 10-6
Lots of other stuff
More stuff
Chevy trucks
E z dumper
Vw bug
Lawn mowers.”
Year? DJ-3A Savannah, GA $1500
Despite it’s wretched shape, there’s some useful parts on this convertible DJ-3A (not $1500 worth though), including remnants of the convertible top, a topic about which we DJ guys would like to know more.
Garage Sale Various Jeeps .. Unclear If Any Are Left
Thanks to Nick for spotting this garage sale. It occurred last weekend, but maybe some jeeps remain. The FC has potential. The yellow DJ-3A appears to have been a cargo loader.
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/for/d/howell-willys-jeeps/7066405763.html
“Have a few jeeps for sale. B/o
Some run some don’t.
Garage sale at 7 pinewood rd Howell nj 07731.
Sat 10-6
Sun 10-6
Lots of other stuff”
1956 DJ-3A San Angelo, TX $800
This has a DJ-3A body and front clip. It may be a DJ-3A chassis, as it appears to have the rear tank in back. So, it may have a DJ-3A that has been converted to 4WD.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/293802601591842/
“Frame s/n 10248 good condition, no title, no motor, front and rear propelled axles with drive propellers, T90 transmission, model 18 transfer case, shift levers damaged, by previous owner, both cases will need to be gone thru for possible repairs. Body has holes in flooring and in hat channels, but can be readily repaired with just a little mig welding skill. 4 good CJ rims, axles roll easily. Also offering a CJ2A early block, s/n 23555 if not wanted, will deduct 200$ from 800$ total! Block has no cracks, face original never resurfaced, no pitting on head gasket surface area.”