Glenn pointed out this unusual 4Wd jeep-like vehicle that was offered for import back in 1972. I can’t imagine too many of them made it to the states.
Features Research Archives
Photo of Soldiers Holding a Long Snake on eBay
UPDATE: This is back on eBay.
Yikes! I think that snake could swallow a jeep!
M-151 Assembly Line Photo on eBay
Craig’s Pic of the Week: Pepsi Surrey Madness
I had no idea there were this many Pepsi Surreys produced. I can’t believe someone didn’t get this photo in color. Eighteen of these were sent to Tulsa. I can’t imagine there aren’t a few stragglers still in the area. This photo is from the March 1960 issue of Jeeps News.
Silent Wings Glider Museum in Lubbock, TX
Dallas Durham recently visited the Silent Wings Glider Museum in Lubbock, TX, and photographed some of the toy jeeps. After searching the internet, I learned that Silent Wings is the official museum of the National World War II Glider Pilots Association. It looks like an interesting place, so when we go through Texas (maybe after the FC-Roundup), we’ll definitely stop there.
Here are a few links related to Silent Wings.
http://www.pointvista.com/WW2GliderPilots/index.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Wings_Museum
http://silentwingsmuseum.org/museum/
They have at least one jeep. I’ve seen a photo of the jeep inside the glider and outside, so I can’t guarantee how it is currently presented. Here are photos published on the Jurgen Chronicles of it outside the glider:
Here are Dallas’ photos of the toys:
Santa Driving a Follow-Me Jeep out of a Glider
This photo was published in the December 1978 issue of the Silent Wings Newsletter. Santa was exiting a Waco CG13. Read more here and look for December 2013.
1947 Photo of American Legion Riding to City Hall on eBay
Marc forwarded this photo. When I first saw it, I thought these guys were doing a German salute. The jeep has an unusual paint job. Is it something specific?
” This is an original press photo. Those calling upon Mayor William O’Dwyer to join are Betty Plunkitt, Jim O’Conner, Nicholas Lanese, Milton Epstein, William H. Barker, & Al Brief.Photo measures 8.25 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 8-26-1947″
Photo of Jeep Getting Towed Out of the Yalu River on eBay
No year provided, but this was taken in the South West Pacific Area of WWII.
“AN ORIGINAL WW2 PRESS PHOTO THAT MEASURES APPROX. 22CM BY 16CM DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE BACK PLEASE CONTACT WITH ANY QUESTIONS WILL BE LISTING SIMILAR ITEMS”
Koenig Tub Extender Frederick, MD **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $350
Wayne spotted this bed extender.
“For Sale an original Koenig Tub Extender for sale. If you’ve ever seen one before, you’re squarely in the minority. You take the tailgate off your CJ 5, plug this piece in its place, then put your tailgate at the end of your tub extender and viola…2 more feet of cargo space. Pictures are as it is. It’s a very simple restoration to match with your classic. Email with any questions or interests! Would like gone asap!”
Photos from WWII Pictoral History Book
Over the holidays I discovered several volumes of a book titled “Pictoral History of the Second World War”. Here’s an example of one of them at archive.org. The series is full of amazing photos, including some vintage jeeps photos. Most of the photos were taken by various news services. I’ll be sharing these on occasion. Here are a couple:
Old Jeep Photos on Flickr
Dan spotted this Flickr thread that shows old photos from the Hemet Jeep Club. There are also multiple photos of a great looking CJ-5 with an unusual bumper setup. You might remember these great LIfe Magazine photos from a 1949 Hemet Jeep Club Anza Calvacade.
Here is a link to view the old photos Dan found (you have to browse between the photos to see all the old jeep pics). I’ve copied a few of the photos to share below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25936876@N02/9451395405/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25936876@N02/9454178552/
1956 Article About Fleet Sales
This April 1956 article from Willys News highlights the importance of fleet sales to an Oklahoma dealer.
Some Photos from Bob
Bob Anderson forwarded some photos and text to start the new year.
He writes, Found an old picture of a Willys I bought in about 1978. It had 12K actual miles on it, and had never been on the road. Was used on a large Asparagus farm in central Ill.
Needed a complete overhaul, as well as most front end parts, but kept it for years when I moved back to WI and bought a small farm.
It did everything I ever asked it to on the farm !! Loved it…
Also here is a picture of my ’52 M38A1 after I moved the seat back. I am 6’5″ and ~350 lbs, and it works great !! I used the common methods described here and elsewhere to move it.
Transmission ID and More at the Crankshaft Coalition
I happened upon this website while looking for some transmission information. As I scrolled through the page I was impressed with the amount and organization of information. I ended up spending time viewing a bunch of other pages. Since it is a Wiki-based website, people can make corrections and add information.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Transmission_identification
20,000 Miles South by Helen and Frank Schreider
UPDATE II: Not only did they publish a book, but they also filmed a documentary in color, called We Made the “Impossible” Tour, that was part of a lecture tour. In addition, their adventure was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post in 1957:
January 12, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour, Part One: How We Motored Through the Jungle
January 19, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour: Part Two: How We Went to Sea in a Jeep
January 26, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour, Part Three: Island-Hopping the Spanish Main
February 2, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour: Part Four: Trigger-Happy Territory
February 9, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour: Conclusion:The Land of Fire – three agonizing miles of travel in southern Argentina.
UPDATE: This same book is published under a different name with some different photos: “La Tortuga an amphibious journey from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego”. I could not find a copy for sale when I last looked.
“20,000 Miles South: A Pan-American Adventure in a Seagoing Jeep from the Arctic Circle” by Helen and Frank Schreider is a great read. In the book they relate their first failed attempt to travel south in a Willys Wagon, which leads to their decision to try it in a SEEP (named La Tortuga). In 1954, they started their journey south, sharing in the book their struggles, successes and failure. At one point they try to drive down a railroad track, but are forced to give up the effort due to the damage the track inflicted on the SEEP. At another point they enter the country of Colombia by water, only to be told when they attempt to exit the country that they didn’t get the proper stamp (because they entered via the water). These are just some of the challenges they face.
I’d have to say this is one of my favorite jeep related books that I have read. After the “20,000 Miles” book they wrote the “Drums of Tonkin“, which is about a trip through Indonesia, and “Exploring the Amazon.” They also joined National Geographic as photographers and authors.
Frank died in 1974 at the age of 70. He suffered a heart attack in the cabin of his sail boat, Sassafras, while anchored off the island of Crete. I suspect that’s the way he would have wanted it. Helen was still alive and living in New Mexico at last report.
La Tortuga was re-discovered in California in 2006 and shipped to Norway. La Tortuga appears to still be for sale.
It appears you can borrow a copy of the book through the open library project. Learn more here. Here are some photos. This is a shot of the inside cover which shows the path they drove/boated:
This photo was taken after the maiden voyage in Balboa Bay, California. Helen is holding onto their dog, Dinah, who could often be found riding on top of the cabin.
Happy New Year: 2014!!
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!
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.
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!
More on the Crosley “Pup” Jeep
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
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)?
Photo of Ford GPWs in Ford Plant? on eBay
Photo of Beat Up Jeep Being Towed on eBay
Ride-em Erector Set from 1960s **SOLD**
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.”
1943 Photo of an MB Fire Jeep on eBay
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.
1942 Photo of slat MB on Canadian Highway on Ebay
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.”
1942 Jeep Story with Photo of Tires on eBay
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 . . .
1943 Troops and Jeep at Oro Bay, New Guinea eBay
Marc spotted this interesting shot of a Jeep and Troops in New Guinea in 1943.
German Baier Jeep Lighter Eureka, CA **SOLD**
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.”