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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 March 10, 1948, article in the Toledo Blade reported that the FTC ordered Willys Overland to stop claiming or inferring that it had “either acting alone or in co-operation or collaboration with the United States Army or with any other agency or party, created or designed the automotive vehicle known as the jeep.”
This August 25, 1958, article in the Sydney Morning Herald welcomed jeep manufacturing to Australia. The in-depth articles cover quite a bit of jeep history. The ads are interesting, too. Because the articles, photos, and ads are so interconnected, I’ve included full-page reproductions of the pages rather than try to slice them up to make them web friendly. There is also a useful list of jeep dealers for anyone tracking the history of jeeps in the state of New South Wales.
Here’s a great shot of Joe’s tattoo with his GPW MB in the background. Looks great on you Joe!
This was just sold on eBay. Thanks to Steve for spotting it.
“1943 Press Photo U.S. Navy Jeeps & Planes Aboard Aircraft Carrier, World War II
This is an original press photo. Photo measures 9 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 11-26-1943.”
Our neighbor heard about this on her radio station at work here in Pasco, Washington.
Tom Larsen has donated this CJ-2A to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum with the intention of having it raffled off to support the Museum. The raffle takes place on July 23, 2017. Tickets are $25 each or 5 for $100, and will be on sale early 2016 until the date of the drawing on 7/23/2017.
http://larzanderson.org/events/winawillys/
Nick & his Valentine APU
Nick’s got an update on his APU:
“Last week the stars aligned for the Valentine APU. For months, Tom and Arno have dug through vintage photographs and literature to see what the correct generator was for the NA-4 APU. We finally had it figured out: a Jack and Heintz G32. What would you know, a single G32 was actually for sale on eBay! It was unreal.
The owner purchased the generator from California where it was completely rebuilt. His original plan was to build an electric car with it, but the project was never started. Having original paint was the cherry on top!
This weekend I pulled the PTO system off my Jeep and unseized the shifter. Everything else worked great. The generator slid into the shaft like a glove, and the bolt pattern was perfect. I still can’t believe it.”
I spotted this video on Facebook, but then it disappeared. It took me a couple hours to track it down again, discovering it was called BASIC TRAINING OF GLIDER BORNE TROOPS 78804. It’s a cool 1/2 hour video on loading equipment (first a trailer, then a jeep) aboard a glider. Some good knot techniques, too.
Willys Overland of Canada Limited placed this ad in the October 28, 1947, issue of the Montreal Gazette.
No year for the photo.
“This is thin stock, put out by the Dispatch Photo News Service in New York during World War II. Measures roughly 10 3/4 x 12 1/2. Blank back. Has caption along the bottom telling about the picture. A friend told me this is offset lithography (dot pattern)”
View all the information on eBay
When they call us d-day dodgers -which d-day do you mean old man ?
Caen, France -1944 -Cinston churchill – Montgommery and Lt. Gen Miles Dempsey .
Photographer Sgt. Norman Midgley-Daily Express -Caen, France
Iwo Jima – 5th Marine Division .. VJ Day
Maury spotted this one-off CJ-5 backhoe tractor combo. He wrote, “I was helping my brother in law pick up some car parts this past weekend, and ran across this interesting CJ5-based vehicle. It was made by the guy who owned the business that was selling the car parts, and he told me it was a one-off he created years ago in Michigan in the hope of successfully marketing it.
The CJ5 body was bought new from AMC separately, and installed on the heavy steel frame he created for it. He said the resulting vehicle was the only loader-backhoe he knew of that could go 80 m.p.h.!”
This ad was featured in the Spokane Daily chronicle, August 14, 1946.
I’m sorry to report that Bruce Agan passed away after a short fight with cancer yesterday in Iowa.
We first exchanged emails in 2009. He generously shared a large amount of DJ-related info for eWillys readers. Over the ensuing years he became a go-to-guy for anything DJ-3A, Gala, or Surrey related. In 2012, he started the site http://www.jeepsurreygala.com, which contains a large amount of DJ info. I had hoped to stop by and visit with him during one of our trips, but I hadn’t got the chance.
So, we bid a farewell to our good friend. Perhaps he’s already busy discussing the finer points of the Surrey with Elvis. Here’s the surrey that Bruce restored, one of several jeeps he owned.
Maury shared this rare post-war comic that blends together the war-jeep and the peace-jeep.
No year or caption provided with photo.
“This is a Type I Original News Press Service Photograph. Size is 8 x 10″.”
View all the information on eBay
John and his family sent me this great birthday car! Thanks!
Omix-ADA ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL JEEP HERITAGE EXPO celebrating 75 years of jeep
More than 250 Modern and Historic Jeeps to be on display at July 16 Event, benefiting the American Diabetes Association.
Suwanee, Ga. (June 7, 2016) – Omix-ADA® the world’s largest independent manufacturer and wholesaler of Jeep® parts and accessories, today announced it will hold its inaugural Jeep Heritage Expo, celebrating 75 years of Jeep, at its company headquarters in Suwanee, Georgia on Saturday, July 16, 2016.
During the event, Omix-ADA will open up its doors to the public for the first time ever, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at its 230,000 square feet facility where more than 20,000 Omix-ADA, Rugged Ridge and Alloy USA Jeep parts and accessories are developed and housed. Furthermore, Omix-ADA’s complete vintage and historic Jeep Collection, featuring more than 30 of the world’s rarest Jeeps spanning seven decades, will be on view to the public.
The Jeep Heritage Expo will also feature a Jeep Show & Shine, benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Limited to just 250 vehicles, enthusiasts can pre-register online to enter their own Jeeps – any model, 1941-present – for display and to vie for prizes and awards from Omix-ADA. 100 percent of the Show & Shine vehicle entry fees will be donated to the American Diabetes Association.
In addition, there will be a number of activities for children and families, including remote control Jeep races, carnival games, giveaways and more. Food will be available onsite from the region’s top food trucks.
The inaugural Jeep Heritage Expo will take place at Omix-ADA from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016. Admission to the event is free to the public and will be held at the following address:
Omix-ADA / Rugged Ridge
460 Horizon Drive
Suwanee, GA 30024
For more information on Omix-ADA’s Jeep Heritage Expo, Omix-ADA’s family of brands, or its complete line of high-quality Jeep and off-road parts and accessories, please visit www.Omix-ADA.com or contact Omix-ADA directly at (770) 614-6101.
Don’t forget that this weekend is the Great Willys Picnic & the Bantam Jeep Festival this weekend!
Jason filed this report on the family’s 2016 rally.
“This past weekend we had our 6th Annual Jeep Rally in beautiful Parke County, Indiana. We enjoyed traveling north from Rockville to visit a old family homestead and also meander through the countryside seeing covered bridges, horse drawn Amish carriages, as well as, a few turkey and deer. We also rode go karts like we did last year and ended up stopping for ice cream prior to returning from our nearly 60 mile trip. This year we had 7 jeeps ranging in years from 1946 to 2014 and 23 three attendees. We are already looking forward to next year’s run.”
The list of five items that the jeep is not good for is an interesting one. This was published in the June 16, 1945, issue of the Pittsburgh Press.
Steve spotted this unusual photo.
“1946 Press Photo Radiograph of Jeep displayed at National Metals Congress
This is an original press photo. Photo measures 9 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 02-20-1946.”
View all the information on eBay
Note the description of the “V” theme. This was published in the April 5, 1950, in The Evening Independent.
I traded in four wheels for two feet and a stick and am resting in one of Muddy Creek’s chutes. As you can see, I am sporting the latest in hiking apparel. Despite mid-90s temps and constant sun, I escaped with no burns! My son says I looked like I was an old desert dweller. I think he meant it as a compliment.
I have returned! You might have noticed this already, but I didn’t use my computer for four and a half days. It’s been eleven years since I’ve gone that long without touching a computer. I suppose, technically speaking, I did use my phone for a couple days, but I’m just going to ignore that fact. I still have many emails to get through, so if I haven’t answered yet, either pester me or be patient.
Regular updates will begin tomorrow (Thursday morning). This morning, you get to read about my canyon adventure and why I learned that having to go to the bathroom with horseflies around isn’t much fun.
Our trip began Wednesday with a drive down to Twin Falls, Idaho. On our way, we stopped at the western foot of the Blue Hills for some refreshments. There, Ann insisted she get her photo with Big Foot. We even bought a “Believer” shirt that included a Big Foot illustration.
My beard is a bit thick, maybe she thought that was me??
On Thursday we reached Salt Lake City. Needing to kill some time before dinner, Karson suggested we hang out at Liberty Park, Salt Lake’s version of Central Park. While there, he wanted to show us how to walk a slack line. I quickly learned I lacked slack skills.
My youngest son Colter is laughing at me. I might have stayed up a total of 2 seconds.You can see my “Believer” shirt.
Ann gave it a try. I didn’t dare let her fall off.
We had a good time with Karson and Colter. My mother and Ann’s son Daniel joined us as well.
On Friday, Karson and I headed south for our camping trip. Our goal was to hike some of the chutes on Muddy Creek, a small river that winds through the San Rafael Swell not too far south of I-70. There is no cell-service or any other services. Just another out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-Utah place.
We arrived Friday afternoon. It was a beautiful drive to our starting point, near Tomisch Butte.
Driving West on road 1019.
This April 8, 1943, article argued for a huge post-war demand for jeeps.
