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Happy New Year: 2014!!

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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2013 proved to be a wild ride!

2013 was by far the best year for eWillys yet. In March we embarked on our trip through the Southwest, which included the 2013 FC Roundup, camping, offroading and exploring. We followed that up with a trip to the East Coast and back, also full of rewarding experiences, festivals, and adventures. Especially important, we got to meet so many people with whom I’ve only known virtually. Everyone was kind and wonderful; I especially appreciated how welcome you made Ann feel. So, thanks to everyone!

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The CJ-2Apage forum regulars got together for a group photo at the 2013 Willys Reunion.

For 2014, we plan to do a trip in March through California on our way to the FC Roundup. From there, depending on funds, time and my kids’ schedules, we may head only as far as New Mexico OR we’ll head deep into Texas. Either way, we’ll likely be doing another trip through rarely traveled areas of Utah and Idaho on our way back north.

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Our side trip off the Burr Trail in Utah – March 2013

Part of the California trip is designed to help inspire me with my third book, tentatively titled October Gold. It’s named after a painting completed by my Aunt Emma and display at an art show in 1915 in New York City. The title was so perfect for my subject (Pacific WWII gold) that it seemed tailor made for my book. In the book, the characters travel part of California, so we need to trace some of the characters intended travels (trying not to pay spoiler here).  The book’s a long way from being finished — I’m currently enjoying the research (my favorite part of writing).

I currently anticipate no big upcoming changes to the website. You probably noticed I finally placed a good adsense box at the top of the website, something I was forced to do because of the change by eBay in the way they calculate revenue.

I expect to have Biscuit back on the road by early summer. I haven’t seen any reason to endure the cold garage temperatures at the moment (it’s a better time for reading and book research).

I don’t know if 2014 can top 2013, but I can’t wait to find out. Happy New Year everyone!

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My wife sure is a good sport . . . even when I put her in ‘jail’. I expect there will be plenty of photos in 2014, too.

 
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More on the Crosley “Pup” Jeep

• CATEGORIES: Airborne Lightweight Jeeps, Features, Museums, Old Images • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: The mystery Crosely at the bottom of the post has been identified as a Crosley Bull Pup thanks to L.C. Odin.

For those who haven’t read the article I posted on the lightweight jeeps a few years ago, Crosley built ‘extra-light weight’ four wheel drive vehicles called the CT-3 Pup and marketed to the military in 1942. The Pup had a 2-cylinder 13hp engine air cooled motor and weighed 1125 lbs. What I didn’t know was that a slightly different ‘hi hood’ version of the Crosley Pup was also built.  More about that in a moment.

The issue of the Pup came to my attention yesterday because Marc forwarded me a great photo of a CT-3 Pup being loaded onto US Navy Bomber May 5, 1942, on eBay.

View all the information on ebay

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According to Hemmings thirty-seven Crosley Pups were built before the idea was abandoned, at least in part, due to some weak parts. As in the photo above, here’s another look at the ‘classic’ version which you can view at Mighty Eight Air Force Museum in Pooler, Ga. (more pics of it here) and check out these fantastic detail photos at the Comancheclub.

What makes the Crosley Pup jeep more interesting is that I discovered the following photos taken at the Cincinnati History Museum (Interesting note: the Museum offered a history program on Powel & Lewis Crosley in 2013) of a version of the Crosley that seems to have been ignored.

UPDATE: This has been identified as the Crosley Bull Pup. See L.C. Odin’s comment for more info .(Photos taken by Nicholas Massa)?

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Continue reading

 
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Photo of Ford GPWs in Ford Plant? on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, GPW (Ford MB), Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Nice reprint. The bumper holes would suggest GPWs.

View all the information on eBay

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Photo of Beat Up Jeep Being Towed on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Looks like this jeep might have rolled.

View all the information on eBay

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Ride-em Erector Set from 1960s **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Features, toys This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

I don’t remember these toys in the old Sears Catalogs. The cover has a jeepish sort of vehicle.

“GILBERT RIDE-EM ERECTOR BOXED SET 15x21x5.5 deep box contains complete.From 1965. Box has creases, some missing surface paper.
Still displays Fine. Box lid and instructions show 5 different vehicles to be built including jeep, sports car, 3-wheel scooter, runabout and tractor. Instruction sheet has partially darkened with age

Instructions has been torn, all due to age. and wear and use!! This is an incredible Rare Erector Building set. 47 going on 48 Years OLD !!! SUPER VINTAGE !!! FOR ALL TOY COLLECTORS
This is the Ultimate Building Set, Builds, 5 different vehicles, all PARTS are accounted for. Box, shows wear, as shown on pictures. Please look at all pictures and message me any questions.
Obviously if this was Complete Mint from 1965 it would be worth thousands and thousands, probably not even have a known value. However these are rare and hard to find in any condition.
In 1965 A.C Gilbert Company went bankrupt in 1967, so with the financial issues, they didn’t make a massive run of production on sets before than.”

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1943 Photo of an MB Fire Jeep on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This fire jeep is equipped with a 500 gallon per minute pump and carries 375 feet of fire house. The photo was taken 9/28/1943 at the Willys Overland plant.

View all the information on ebay

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1942 Photo of slat MB on Canadian Highway on Ebay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a slate in some cold April weather on the “New British Columbia Highway to Alaska”.

“This is an original press photo. Photo measures 8.5 x 6.75inches. Photo is dated 04-10-1942.”

View all the information on ebay

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1942 Jeep Story with Photo of Tires on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

There appears to be a full ACME wire story that accompanies this photo (and others based on the text in the 2nd photo). The photo was taken 06/20/1942. The story (Jeepers Creepers) I think I have somewhere . . .

View all the information on ebay

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1943 Troops and Jeep at Oro Bay, New Guinea eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Marc spotted this interesting shot of a Jeep and Troops in New Guinea in 1943.

View all the information on ebay

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German Baier Jeep Lighter Eureka, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $50

Not in perfect condition, but is better priced than others I’ve seen.

“This item is in good vintage condition. Press the handle to make the lighter pop up. Top of the jeep opens to hold cigarettes and the wagon serves as an ashtray.
I have not cleaned it as I don’t want to damage it in any way.
It will need to be fueled up and have a flint installed.”

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James’ and his Brother’s Jeeps

• CATEGORIES: Builds, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I’m taking today off, but here’s one post for everyone.

James Turner from Mississippi emailed me the other day.  A self-described ‘jeep freak’, James and his brother bought their first jeep, a 1947 CJ-2A, in 2008. Out of it they created a nice looking military replica. Since then they’ve added a 1942 GPW they are currently restoring, a 1952 M-38A1 that looks in great shape, a 1951 M-38 that they plan to restore and a 1946 CJ-2A. At this rate they’ll soon have their own private jeep force.

Here’s the 1947 CJ-2A they restored:

1947-cj2a-1This is James’ 1952 M-38A1:

m38a1You can see they have some work  to do on this M-38:

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Always Wanted a Russian Tank or GAZ?

• CATEGORIES: Features, Website This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Steve forwarded this website which specializes in used Eastern European Tanks, Trucks and 4WD vehicles. The Prague based company, MORTAR INVESTMENTS, claims it is “a global dealer in soviet, post-communist, namely Russian, Czechoslovak (Czech and Slovak), Polish and Hungarian military vehiclestanksBMPshowitzers,  trucksjeeps,motorbikes and armaments for civilian purposes and specialist in armoured vehicles repairs,demilitarisationsreconstructionsrestorations and refurbishments.

One example: GAZ-69 Project for $3896

This is a project, but the site does have some suggestions for importing into the USA, including the necessary forms.

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Sarafan Jeep Parts Catalog on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Documents, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s an unusual parts catalog.

View all the information on ebay

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Framed Photo of Man and Jeep on Ebay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a rare framed vintage jeep photo.

View all the information on ebay

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VEEP, VEEPSTERS and the SCAMP

• CATEGORIES: Features, VEEP (VW Jeep), Scamp, Others This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: A builder’s manual for the VEEPSTER has now been posted.

I’ve known about the VEEP Jeep Kit, from Hadley Engineering out of Costa Mesa, California, but I recently learned about two additional VW kit jeeps: The Veepster and the SCAMP. However, I’m still not clear what differentiates a VEEP from a SCAMP or a VEEPSTER.

The SCAMP VW KIT was built and sold out of Redding, California, in the early 70s. I found this ad at the TheSamba.com website

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Here’s a beautiful 1973 SCAMP (lots of pictures), but I couldn’t say if this is entire stock or not:

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The VEEPSTER VW kit car was sold by VEEPSTER, LLC, out of Mesa, Arizona, according to Kit Car Guide. Curiously, a Czech Republic site and thesamba.com site show that a VEEPSTER VW Kit was sold by Sun Valley Autotech out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Here’s a builder’s and assembly manual for the VEEPSTER  by the Sun Valley Autotech company.

The following two pics from this site reportedly show a VEEPSTER.

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E-VEEPSTER: Meanwhile, there is a kit car seller out of Sedona that claimed in 2011 or 2012 to make an E-VEEPSTER. The company appears to have gone out of business. The body of the E-VEEPSTER looks more like a South African Gobex or Badger (especially the windshield) than a VEEP, SCAMP or VEEPSTER.

Here’s an ad from July 10, 2012 that was part of a sustainable business article from the Portland Business Journal:

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You can see a very quick clip of a Veepster on Youtube:

According to Youtube, Venus Motors, Electric Car Options and Go Electric came together to build the e-Veepster. A CJ3A Jeep fiberglass replica with a chassis designed with aftermarket VW suspension and the Venus EV Drive System. Kits are available, assembly is available, who says EV’s aren’t available. Many styles to choose from but in Sedona, AZ this is Red Rock 1

OTHER KNOWN VW JEEP KITS:

The British Jago Geep
The South African Gobex
The South African Badger

 
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DUKW Discovered in Italy’s Lake Garda

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Paul discovered this article from 2012 about the discovery of a DUKW near Mussolini’s lakeside home on Lake Garda, Italy. The article calls the vehicle an amphibious jeep, but it better resembles a DUKW.

Short Excerpt from article:
A 67-year-search for the final resting place of 24 U.S. Servicemen lost in a tragic accident storming Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s refuge during the last days of the Second World War may have finally been discovered.

New video footage released yesterday by the Voluntary Association of Lake Garda shows what appears to be the wreck of an amphibious U.S truck which sunk 600-feet to the bottom of the picturesque lake on April 30th 1945 during the operation.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2246784/Wreckage-US-amphibious-jeep-sank-WWII-discovered-67-years.html

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Jeep’s New ‘Launch’ Button

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

John forwarded this article that highlights a new Jeep button titled ‘LAUNCH’

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/what-does-this-insanely-awesome-button-do–204659286.html

Here’s part of the article:
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is home to perhaps one of the most appropriate buttons we’ve encountered in the What Does This Button Do? series. Mysterious buttons are rarely spelled out as clearly as the Jeep SRT8’s, or as fun to use.

By spelled out, we mean the whole word, “Launch,” appears on the button to designate the 470-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Jeep SRT8’s Launch Mode. There are no acronyms or guessing with this button. What the button does is also made clearer by the awesome depiction of a drag strip’s starting-line lights, aka a “Christmas tree.”

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1954 Mexico City Willys Motors Demo Photo on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s an unusual 1954 press photo found by Marc. The driver is Walter Lorch of Willys Motors. The jeep was one of twelve caravan touring through Latin America.

“You are bidding on an original press photo of Willys Jeep Vertical Driving Demonstration Mexico City. Photo has light waving left edge. Photo measures 7 x 9 inches and is dated 3/30/1954.”

View all the information on ebay

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1946 Factory Photo of VEC Jeeps on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Neat photo! This photo was taken at the end of a steel strike.

View all the information on ebay

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1942 Photo of Crated Jeeps on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Note the square tanks on these early MBs.

“This is an original press photo. Photo measures 9 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 06-20-1942”

View all the information on ebay

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1943 Photo of Bizerte, Tunisia on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Gotta keep the jeeps clean!

“1943- U.S. jeeps and their crews by beached boats and wreckage of waterfront buildings in the harbor at Bizerte, Tunisia.”

View all the information on ebay

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1943 Photo of GIs in India on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I count eleven people in the jeep.

“1943- American soldiers piled high in a jeep take in the sights “somewhere” in India.”

View all the information on ebay

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1942 MB @ Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum

• CATEGORIES: Features, Museums This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bob spotted this MB at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. As he noted, the dents make this look a bit beat up.

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Travelphotobase.com not only had a couple of additional photos of the jeep, but it had a ton of other nice photos from the museum: http://travelphotobase.com/u/OH/OHVHA.HTM

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1941 Ford GP Video from MilitaryVehicleWeb

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, videos This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I happened upon this useful video that shows a restored Ford GP from MilitaryVehicleWeb.com.

 
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1944 MB (Award Winner) Sacramento, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, MB • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $37,000.

(10/17/2013) This MB won 1st place at the MVPA National Convention. Just the MB is for sale, not the MA (Josh notes I mislabeled it a Bantam) next to it. Nice photo!

“1944 WILLYS MB JEEP. THIS JEEP IS FULLY RESTORED CORRECTLY WITH ITS ORIGINAL BODY AND ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN. THIS ORIGINAL JEEP IS RESTORED WITH ALL (NOS) NEW OLD STOCK ORIGINAL PARTS INCLUDING ORIGINAL GLASS , HEADLIGHTS , GAUGES, CAPSTAN WINCH. THE JEEP HAS A 30 CAL GUN MOUNT AND ALL THE ORIGINAL MANUALS. ALSO THE ORIGINAL TOOL KIT AND SPARE PARTS KIT IS INCLUDED. THIS JEEP WON FIRST PLACE AT THE MILITARY VEHICLE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONVENTION. THIS JEEP IS RESTORED IN U.S.M.C. GREEN. I HAVE TEN YEARS OF RESTORATION AND OVER $58,000 IN COST TO COMPLETE. THIS MILITARY JEEP IS FOR THE COLLECTOR WITH AN EYE FOR DETAIL.”

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