The Miami Herald published a column by writer Robert C. Ruark On July 28, 1948. Apparently, he wasn’t much of a fan of the civilian jeeps, calling them “ladies”.
1948 Robert Ruark Column on the Jeep Turned Lady
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Features Research Archives
1955 Wagon Trip Around the World
UPDATE: This post was originally published din 2014. Since then, I learned more about Ted, but had spread it out across various posts. Ted’s trips, and his subsequent movies, have been added to this post.
First Published November 2014: In 1955, Theodore Bumiller set out for an around-the-world adventure in a Willys Wagon. He captured his trip in photos and video. I attempted to learn more about his trip, but I only learned that his daughter is now a noted author (maybe someone else will have more luck). I emailed her to learn more about her father’s adventures, but have yet to receive a reply.
Following the trip, Ted made his first film: a 30 minute movie titled “Around The World By Jeep”. He traveled around exhibiting it. The ad below, published in the January 3rd, 1970, edition of the Toledo Blade shows he was still touring and showing his film fifteen years after he’d made his trip.
Anyone ever seen the movie?
In the late 1950s, Ted created a second movie: “The Four Seasons of Scandinavia”, an exploration of the four seasons in Scandinavian countries. As far as I can tell, it doesn’t have anything to do with jeeps.
This article from the April 15, 1959, issue of The Sun (out of Stark County, Ohio) explains more:
Ted’s daughter Elizabeth wrote a book and included an acknowledgement to Ted and his wife Ruth Ann for teaching her how to travel and for inspiring her to explore the world. In it she mentions a third film by Ted, “Eternal India”.
Circa 1948 Photo of CJ-2A & Kids on eBay
This photo shows a CJ-2A with a Worman hardtop.
View all the information on ebay
“5” x 3 1/2″ picture from around 1948. The Willys logo on the jeep is blurry in the picture.”
1958 Article on the Tulare County Four-Wheel Drive Club
June 12, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Old Images Jeeping, Old News Articles • TAGS: Adventure.
This December 06, 1958, article in the Tulare Advance Register highlights the Tulare County Four-Wheel Drive Club with pics and text. It’s not a club that I recognize, but the club was pivotal to the formation of the California Association of Jeeps Clubs in 1959 (later known as the California Four Wheel Drive Association). I tried to find a club logo or sticker, but couldn’t locate any example.
Here’s the 1958 article (spliced for easier viewing):
Just a Couple Updates For Friday
June 11, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Features
Just a couple updates for Friday.
Gary informed me that Lawrence Elliot of North Carolina passed away recently. Lawrence was a long time jeep mechanic, who owned jeeps up until he passed. He also rebuilt bell cranks, installing bearings into them to improve their behavior.
Ann, Maury and I had a chance to spend time with Lawrence and check out his jeeps back in 2018. Below are Lawrence and I posing at the back of his Willys Truck.
2021 Great Willys Picnic Sunday, June 13th
According to Bob Western, it looks like Pennsylvania will allow this year’s Great Willys Picnic to be hosted on Sunday, June 13th.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2371874076451461/
1951 Article on Search & Rescue Jeeps & Planes
This in-depth article on the use of jeeps and planes includes a variety of photos. It appeared in the April 08, 1951, issue of the Nevada State Journal.
CJ-5-Camper-like Campers for Trucks
The CJ-5 Camper, with its own axle, always seems a pretty odd and unique build. But, Blaine found some other camper designs, with their own axle, that make the CJ-5 look practical.
https://www.coastresorts.com/boards/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29713156/print/true.cfm
Here’s one example:
A Jeep Saves the Day at a Newspaper
This article in the October 22, 1944, issue of the Miami Herald explains how, during a hurricane-related power outage, an Army jeep was used to power a printing press, saving the news day.
1960 Photo of “Jeep Racing Form”
This photo and caption shares Carol McDonald’s demonstration of how to hang off a jeep as a counterbalance during the middle of a jeep race.
Barn Find Hunter Views 2 CJ-2As
Mike spotted this just-release Barn Find Hunter video that shows a 1945 VEC CJ-2A that’s been rebuilt and a 1946 CJ-2A with rear PTO with 17,XXX original miles that has not been rebuilt.
The segment begins at around 11:55 and continues to 15:02.
Blue Tank Jeep Model (Electric Motors) on eBay
This Blue Tank model jeep is a kit that includes two electric motors. I guess it runs in a straight line, as I don’t see a remote? It’s currently priced at $23.80 (buy-it-now).
View all the information on eBay
“BLUE TANK model kit. This kit is a U.S. WILLYS JEEP. Box has been opened, parts are sealed in original factory plastic. Kit can be MOTORIZED with MOTORS included.”
1958 CJ-5 Indian Valley, ID $3000
This CJ-5 has an M-38a1 “arctic” top with the wood doors. It seems in reasonably good shape. The side of the body threw me a bit as it appears to lack the “JEEP” stamps on the cowl sides. However, the passenger side looks like it may have had some bondo work, so that may explain why this lacks the stamp (likely either cut and repaired OR bondoed over OR both).
The seller included pics of a text message where some anonymous expert labeled the jeep a “ch3a”[assuming they meant CJ-3A), based on the “one-piece windshield”. The texter continued, writing, “In military lingo I believe it is a m38 … My best guess it is a 47/48 is is definitely military because of the gas cap.”
Hmmm …
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/470642740657768
“1958 Willys Jeep cj5 hard top project in assembly phase. Parts cleaned painted surfaced for gaskets. On most parts. Block still needs to go to machine chop. Transmission ready for assembly T case is intact. PO did axles and hubs. Before purchase so it rolls. PO also gave a manual and a kizer willys mag for parts most the stuff is outlined With some notes from PO.
Lots of work has been done to this already & lots of leg work already done lots of new parts already new brake lines new brakes new U joints diffs serviced hubs are packed I would really like to see this go to a good home to run someday. Sooner than later I just don’t have the time My loss is your gain. In the kizer willys mag I found the tub of this Jeep $4700 Let alone all the new parts. Already purchased countless man hours already done dismantling cleaning resurfacing. Somethings already reassembly I’d say it’s a steal”
1973 Stainless Steel Jeep Las Vegas, NV **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6500.
(03/07/2020) It’s a project. Has curved rather than flat fenders.
“For sale rare 1973 stainless steal jeep style body . Needs to be fully re-stored (was bought for that purpose) Has title to the jeep Asking 6,500.00 or 6,000 Cash Only”
No Updates for June 6th
June 6, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Features
Updates will return on Monday morning.
I’ve added another club patch to my collection, courtesy of my sister who spotted it at a garage sale. Our club members knew the Go-4-All club members well and we joined together on various trips during the early 80s (and likely later). The Go-4-Alls were generally from the South and East Puget Sound (Washington) area, as was our club.
This was one of those trips, probably in 1982, on the Manashtash Ridge Trail in the Cascade Mountains, I think. This is a mix of Wandering Willys and Go-4-All jeeps.
Facebook Marketplace’s ‘Disappearing’ Ads
June 5, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Features
Has anyone else noticed this behavior by FB Marketplace?
Disappearing ADs:
Yesterday, Ann told me about her recent experiences with FB Marketplace. While I have only posted one item to FB Marketplace (a car that sold in a day), she has posted multiple items (furniture from the old house). She said that her listing will appear for a day or two, then seems to disappear to the point that it’s hard to find using FB’s search mechanism. A week or two later, she receives a notice informing her that for $3, she can make her ad more visible.
So, basically, you can list for free, but then you need to pay money to make it easier for potential buyers to spot your ad. (other folks have reported their ads can be difficult to locate, such as here and here and here).
This better explains issues I’ve had with FB Marketplace. While doing searches, I occasionally find jeeps that I see for the first time, but have actually been available on FB for weeks. Knowing that I’d already searched in the region previously, sometimes multiple times, it has puzzled me as to why I haven’t seen some ads on a more timely basis.
Example: I regularly (at least semi-weekly) search FB ads in California, yet sometimes jeeps pop up that have been listed for a couple weeks that I have yet to see.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m not a fan of FB Marketplace (the search function sucks and I don’t like that you have to sign up with FB to view ads), but there are so many jeeps (and jeep groups) on FB that it’s hard to run eWillys and not follow FB. If my wife’s experience is accurate, then FB is manipulating (no surprise) ads far more than I realized.
Users Using Free & $1 ads to get priority:
Additionally, this user claims that ads listed for $1 (but with a price listed within the description) actually get higher billing than a similar ad with the price correctly listed in the price field. I couldn’t find much discussion about this on the internet. It’s worth examining closer.
Video of 1946 CJ-2A Priced at $26,900 (Has Sold)
This 1946 CJ-2A has sold, but I thought the video was worth seeing. The jeep looks in good company surrounded by those classic cars. While it has a few extras (modern soft top and a gas can holder off the PTO bar), it’s still a beautiful looking example of an early 2A.
Here’s the original ad: https://www.schmitt.com/inventory/1946-willys-jeep-cj-2a/
1963 Slide of Hawaii Gala DJ-3A on eBay
This Hawaiian rental DJ-3A Gala looks great shape.
View all the information on eBay
“You are looking at an original Kodachrome slide featuring a young woman posing for a picture with a pink Willys Jeep tour vehicle while on a trip to Hawaii in 1963.”
November 1953 Willys Motors Ad on eBay
This understated 1953 post-Kaiser-purchase ad was published in the November issue of The American City Magazine.
View all the information on ebay
“953 WILLYS MOTORS UTILITY VEHICLES SALES ART AD
AUTHENTIC MAGAZINE ADVERTISING.
OVERALL PRINT AREA IS 7 X 10 INCHES.
IN GOOD CONDITION.”
Early 1960s Anglo-African Trans-World Safari
The March 1963 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine included an article by Brian L. Pinn about the Anglo-African Trans-World Safari, the pics and text of which can be found at The FC Connection.
It turns out there’s a bit more information out there, though not as much as I’d hoped to find, especially given that the group of travelers that made up the trip had access to cameras and film and also given that in January 1963 American Television script-writer John Hicken was supposed to join the group to film the around-the-world adventure.
Without that storehouse of info, or a book, or a movie, we only have the following scraps to better understand the adventure.
South African Derek Linton came up with the idea to travel the world in 1958. At some point, in order to gather equipment, Derek travelled to the United States in 1959. He was photographed at a Ham Radio station in Burlington, Kentucky, a visit later reported in the January issue of Short Wave Magazine:
The 1959 story appears here http://hamgallery.com/gallery/W/w4kvx_shack.htm … and the January 1960 excerpt from Short Wave Magazine appears here.
This map shows the proposed route:
On September 19, 1961, a photo of Derek Linton and Gerald Cubitt (unsure who he is) was taken by Henry Bush. It’s part of the Henry Bush collection at Shutter Stock:
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Henry Bush/ANL/Shutterstock (5693954a)
Anglo-african 1st Expedition Adventurers Derek Linton (left) And Gerald Cubitt. Box 634 413101543 A.jpg.
In the July 27, 1962, issue of the Warren County Observer, a syndicated article appeared by John P. Callahan that shared the news of how the idea for the trip originated and the progress the travelers had made:
Finally, on January 05, 1963, the Evening Standard (London, England) reported that John Hicken was going to join the crew:
In March 1963, the Four Wheeler article appeared.
There is also a mention in a 1963 issue of Business Week about the travelers, but I’ve been unable to determine which issue.
LINKS: Top two excerpts were here and bottom one was here.
After that, I have been unable to learn more about the journey.
Jeep Sign Prices
June 4, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Features
Ann and I have been taking about transforming the two rooms in the shop (one which would have been my office and the other the wood shop) into a large single room that would contain all my jeep stuff, plus an area for a pool table. Essentially, it would be more of an entertaining space where I could host visitors who might drop by for a visit.
With that in mind, I was looking around at some potential jeep-related signage, a couple things that would be focal pieces. I know prices are hefty on signage, but I wasn’t prepared for the price I found on this 94 1/2″ by 46 1/2″ late 1950s sign. It sold in February of 2020 for $20,000 (before shipping and buyers fees)!!
https://www.icollector.com/RARE-JEEP-4-WHEEL-DRIVE-VEHICLES-DEALER-SIGN_i35651345
I guess it’s posters and banners for me! lol.
A Creative Hardtop Made During WWII
David M. Barlow posted this photo of a jeep top his father made while serving in the Pacific on the island of Peleliu during WWII. Now we know where George Barris got the idea for the Model “T” Buggy top, lol.
PHOTO CREDIT: David M. Barlow https://www.facebook.com/groups/171273526715147/permalink/1086718468503977
George Barris’ Model “T” Buggy:
1948 Truck Zimmerman, MN $3300
June 4, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Features
This could be a good find.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/146699050787096
“1948 Willys pickup with an f-head 4 cylinder engine. Not a Jeep, but Willys is not an option. I have too many vehicles and need to clear some things out. I bought the truck last winter and have only driven it around the yard. It’s cooling truck in pretty good shape for its year. It was originally a flatbed model. I have the factory flatbed but it needs new wood and some metal work. The current bed is pretty good though. The truck is not mint/concourse condition. I bought some new mud tires, wiring harness, and all new glass for it but they are not installed. I also have an alternator, 12v coil, and 6v converter so it can be run on 12v if you want.”
Creeper’s Jeep by Hardie Gramatky on eBay
UPDATE: I found this article that highlights the inspiration behind the book Creeper’s Jeep. It was published in the Bridgeport Post on August 22, 1948:
The book is still available on eBay, but they aren’t cheap: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=%22creeper%27s+jeep%22&_sacat=0
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Originally published May 18, 2016: This book was listed on eBay.
“This listing is for a vintage book entitled “Creeper’s Jeep” by Hardie Gramatky. It is a cute story about a guy who owns this jeep that wants to share it with his family. They do not take to the idea at first but after a few incidents decide to give it a try. Great illustrations: see pictures. Former library copy with some of the usual markings.”
Newest Toy: Sahara Recherches Petroliferes
UPDATE: After Joe’s comment I examined what I believe was the dash. It was then I noticed that inside the “engine bay” was printed “Hotul”. Here’s the best pic I could get of that. My assumption is that at least part of this jeep was made from recycled material.
This well-loved toy jeep popped up on eBay. The lettering refers to a French/African oil refining company? I thought it was unique enough that I put a low bid in and one it. Anyone know more about this toy? It’s about 4″ long, so it’s not a large toy.
