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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 looks real nice. I’m pretty sure those speakers in the back aren’t factory!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFvFWGNr2mE&feature=related
HOG forwarded this. I know very little about older bikes, so it was interesting to see how complex starting one of these old machines was.
While out playing in the snow, Gary took some shots to share with us. Looks beautiful Gary!
UPDATE: Jesse pointed out to me that the militarytrader article is actually a condensed version of a 9 page FC article that appeared in the October, 2001, issue number 87 of Military Vehicles Magazines (which is related to militarytrader.com). He also notes that Fred Williams, who’s FC is pictured below, has long since moved to California and works as an editor for 4 WHEEL & OFFROAD Magazine. So, it appears the editors did a quick editing of the original article and decided not to add any updated links.
However, I still believe that the editors are amiss not to include the FC Connection link in the resources and to point out that this is a condensed version of an original article. I believe their readers would benefit from this information.
Click on the image below to read the recent article:
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $80.
Brett found this unusual (and perhaps commerative) lighter and ashtray. I wanted to make sure and post this before it sold. Note the red FC toy of some kind in the background as well.
“Interesting vintage WWII figural lighter. I believe it is a Willys Jeep pulling a small trailer that is the ashtray. I’m not sure if it’s made from steel or heavy cast aluminum. The tires are rubber and roll. The levers on the side, which look like door handles, make the lighter on the front of the hood pop up. On the top is a large medal that portrays the Berlin Blockade of the allied airlift of 1948-1949. The roof lifts up to reveal a compartment to hold cigarettes .. the short unfiltered type. Inside this compartment is the original paper label from the maker. W Baier ….. Ges. Gesch. The rest is in German, then US D 150078 patent pending. This Jeep is in very good condition, but there is a bit of oxidation on one side. The only piece missing is a small pole that would connect the trailer to the back of the Jeep. This Jeep is just one part of much larger collection. If you would like more information or pictures, feel free to contact me.”
A reader named Ron wrote me the other day. He spotted a great deal on a restorable truck at a great price and now has a website with pics of the early work (I’ve included a couple pics below). Click on the photogallery to see all the pics. Ron already has a 1971 CJ-5 and his son a 84 CJ-8; you can see pics of those vehicles in the photogallery as well. Congrats on the find and good luck with the rebuild!
Ron writes, “We are in the middle of the off frame restoration of the 61 Willys. It was purchased new in 61 by a lady with a farm in Connecticut. She ordered it with a snow plow and a hydraulic dump bed. It only has 22,000 miles. I bought it from her grandson.”
Here’s the truck before restoration. It looks like a good starting point.
Here’s a look at how the rear of the dump bed frame looks.
And here’s a closeup of the dump mechanism.
From Craig’s (from thefcconnection) never ending collection of unusual Jeep images comes this rare shot of the San Juan Scenic Jeep Tour Wagon convertibles. Jesse forwarded this image to me along with a snapshot of an uncompleted transformation of a Wagon the company had partly modified. You can see the earlier San Juan post here.
Technically, it was Dave Beamis who was modifying the wagon. He worked for San Juan Tours years ago. Dave would go on to start Crystal River Tours and his son, Dave Beamis, started and runs Crystal River Lodge with his brother.
Jesse reports, “all of the Scenic and Crystal River Tours FCs and Wagon Jeeps were repowered while in service, because of the altitude and amount of weight of the passengers, they removed the flathead Hurricane 6 and replaced it with the Chevy 250 or 292 inline 6 engines, with an adapter.”
Here’s the picture from Craig:
From Jesse is the image of an in-progress convertible wagon. Jesse notes, “this a picture of another wagon body that I bought. It was there, it was cut, but never hammer welded to be finished, Dennis said that when one was wrecked they would have extra bodies to replace on the running chassis. Notice this was on a 4×2 frame.”
During out last snow storm, Pete got out in his wagon. You can check out the video below (or visit his Old Willys Forum here).
Here’s a great old image of a transport truck Blaine spotted. He saw it at Just-a-car-guys website. I also found another image there as well.
Over the past year and a half Chris (from Mossy Rock, Wa) and I have been trading emails every-so-often as he works his way through his flat fender project. He recently figured out how to work with some bondo; he also tried his hand at using Herculiner. You can see the results below. It’s a bit of a trial and error process for him, but he’s making good progress.
January 1st is his birthday, so have a great birthday Chris and keep the pics coming!
Maggie mentioned to me that she was searching for a Jerry Can Tool Box someone built and displayed on line. With a little searching we tracked it down to Jeepforum.com. I’ve included two pics of it below. You can see all the pics here.
Alex forwarded this picture of a Jeepster in Tahiti taken in 1951. As far as I’m concerned, any excuse to show a picture of Tahiti is a good excuse in my book!
Colin provided a couple updates. He’s got a new top for his Surrey and his son, Lee, got their CJ-2A project running for the first time.
Colin writes, “I had a new top put on the Surrey. Here are a couple of photos of it. I also attached a couple of photos of our project 1952 CJ3A that is nearing completion. It has a CJ2A windshield and is now 12V with upgraded larger 11″ brakes.It still has the L-134 4 banger, but also sports an electric winch, custom built rollbar and custom bikini top. These were taken the first time we fired it up..it ran like a Swiss watch!”
A reader named Stephen is feeling quite Merry about this year’s Christmas after purchasing a CJ-2A project. Good luck and keep us updated!
It seems Santa had to turn to an Orange CJ-2A to complete his duties last night. I’d like to give credit for the brave soul who snuck out and captured this photo; however, the reader(s) didn’t leave their name. (Actually, this photo came in from two different email addresses, neither of which had a name). I guess they were concerned they’d get some coal in their socks?
We’ll just call this wiki-leak-like photo a Santa-Leak!
Originally published in January of 2010″
In the two photos below, photographer Fritz Kaeser captured this Mobile Orientation Unit presentation on June 28, 1945, near Cividale, Italy (at least that’s the assumption as Cividale is scribbled on the back). I did a search on “Mobile Orientation Units”, but didn’t have any success learning more about them. Fritz ran a studio in Wisconsin before World War II and then headed to the Western U.S. after the war, photographing the American Southwest and the Rocky Mountains. These photographs are a part of Denver Library’s Western History Collection.
This photo shows the Tenth Mountain Division Information and Education’s Mobile Orientation Unit’s jeep-top stage parked in the middle of a grassy field during a discussion of the Pacific campaign. Pfc. Bob Wright (left) and Sergeant Ed Curry sit at tables atop the stage. Behind them is a banner with a map of Japan and the slogan: One war, one world. A jeep trailer contains a sound system and two loudspeakers, a third loud speaker is on the other side of the stage. http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00200148+TMD-148
In the photo below, the Tenth Mountain Division Information and Education’s Mobile Orientation Unit holds a discussion of the Pacific campaign and invasion of Japan with soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division’s Quartermaster Battalion. T/4 Theodore “Ted” Lockwood uses a portable microphone amid the audience. http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00200149+TMD-149
A few months ago William shared the story of Buttercup. Well, he now reports that he found Buttercup a new brother. He also reports, definitively, that a CJ-2A will fit into the back of a Toyota Tundra. I think Toyota ought to add that to their tv commercials.
Here is the proof:
Recently, Mike wrote to me about several Willys related ads that appear to be scams out of New Mexico. The ads aren’t all the same, but are similar. Mike identified these common themes:
Here are some links that you might find useful; my goal is to put together a more comprehensive collection of scams that are automobile focused.
From Fraud Guides: http://www.fraudguides.com/internet-craigslist-scams.asp
Craigslist/eBay Car Scam: http://www.simplysoldstore.com/wordpress/index.php/2009/04/19/the-craigslist-ebay-car-scam/comment-page-6/
From Craigslist: http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams
eBay Scams: http://reviews.ebay.com/Scam-Warning-Craigslist-AutoTrader-eBay-Motors-Scams_W0QQugidZ10000000011673463
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Here is an example of a Craigslist Ad we believe is fake. If I am incorrect about this ad being dishonest, PLEASE contact me.
1945 ex army jeep runs good , 4 cylinder engine original threw out, but needs some body work done , not serious some surface rust under the frame and also on top of the front fenders. I used this jeep to get around in the winter time for many years , very dependable old jeep, you can always get your money out of it if you decide to sell later, with more work to be done on it. This jeep will not drive very fast but it sure can climb up trails and mountains, and just in time for the snow here in new mexico, took it hunting deer many year ago, I went out early this morning this place was covered in snow I keep my jeep under my old shed , and it started right up with no problems, it has the 4×4 still working on it, I no longer going to need it because I am moving to t or c where it is a little more warmer, and I am getting somewhat older 78 years young cannot deal with this colder weather so email me to come see , first to come by with cash gets the jeep, please no trades or low offers , I will sell this jeep for my price I will have a better chance if it even snows more,. I just saw one on e ebay sell for much more than this, and the jeep was not even running. The jeep is sold as is no refunds , you buy it it is yours.
Rudolf emailed me from Bali yesterday. He’d spotted this Jeep advertised for sale as a 1962 6×6 Willys Jeep. He wondered if this was a custom project or the real deal. My guess was that this is a one-off custom project, especially since it has a number of civilian elements. Apparently, the seller swears this was in the war (which war?). Unfortunately, the seller has yet to respond to additional questions. Also, below is the only pic provided.
Note the unusual front hubs. I’ve never seen a 6×6 quite like this. Is this possibly some oddball created by a Willys licensed manufacturer?
From September 29, 1952, comes this Ad from Life Magazine, pages 40 and 41, titled “A World Famous Family … Each a Leader in its Field“.
Ok, ignore the “no update” post below. I do have one update. I found this article from Popular Science, August 1945, as part of my search (mentioned below).
Located in Petaluma, California, The Richard Penry Medal of Honor Memorial Military Museum appears to have two Willys. One is well restored (though I have a question) and the Second one is part of a diorama and tipped on its side.
Here’s the first, a Slat Grille MB. These images are from Wikipedia. My question is … isn’t that front cross member from a GPW and not a MB? Or am I missing something?
The back of this MB:
Here’s the tipped over Willys. I couldn’t find a better pic of this.
Blaine spotted this unusual item. This appears to be some kind of 100 year celebration of the Philipines. How the Coke/Jeepney tribute add to this celebration is unclear to me.
I happened upon some Getty Images, so thought I’d do a search on Getty’s website. They have some cool images, though a variety I have seen in other places. Note that some of the descriptions and/or dates aren’t quite right. For example, the “date created” for the Willys MA image below is Jan 1, 1941. However, the Willys MA wasn’t delivered until April of 1941.
Click here to see all the Getty Images with the Search Term of “Willys”
1. This is a Willys MA
Getty Image #50470924 — Two soldiers sitting in Willys jeep parked on grass, fr. take on state the army just before US joined WWII, w. hangar-type bldgs. in bkgrd. (no caps). (Photo by Robert Yarnall Richie//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images).
2. Here’s another Willys MA
Getty Image #104406783 — FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 16: The jeep WILLYS can help the fisherman because it is semi-amphibious. Picture taken on September 16th, 1945. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
3. Here are snow skiers in France
Getty Image #104422238 — UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Patrol Of Skiers With A Jeep Willys Circa 1940 (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
4. This is a color image from the D-day Preperations in England.
Getty Image #106893455 — High angle view of American troops and Ford GPWs (light utility vehicles very similar to Willys MB, both of which are commonly refered to as jeeps) aboard an unidentified landing craft, England, early June, 1944. The vessel is loaded as part of the preparations for invasion of France, the Normandy Landings, which began on June 6, 1944. (Photo by PhotoQuest/Getty Images)
5. A Rare Farm Jeep Photo (note the hood and windshield are inscribed with Jeep rather than Willys). This original photo is of the CJ-2 X26, identified by Fred Coldwell on page 165 of his book PreProduction Civilian Jeeps. He notes that for advertising purposes, a 2nd version of this photo was created, with the grille of the CJ-2 airbrushed to look like a standard CJ-2A grille (the mb grille and brush guard are wiped away).
Getty Image #104422239 — UNSPECIFIED – DECEMBER 16: The Jeep Willys Has Been Constructed For Works In The Usa In 1945. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
Perhaps some of you have heard of this album, or at least the song, but it is new to me. It seems appropriate for the season!
