Thanks to Joe in Mesa for spotting this truck at an antique store for only $50. Usually these are pretty high priced (none on bay right now), so I was happy he found this in reasonable condition. It lacks the tow package and headlights, but I’ll take it none-the-less.
Features Research Archives
Jeep License Plate Topper Tractor Power **SOLD**
UPDATE II: This sold for $455.
UPDATE: This topper has reached $229.83 with several hours to go. There’s some concern that this plate topper is not really vintage. Read through the comments to see some valid issues with this topper. There are certainly fakes on eBay, indicated by the comments of some buyers of these toppers.
One of my concerns about the topper is that no dealer is mentioned. I would expect a dealer name to be included if this were a dealer-created topper. But, then, if the seller went to all this trouble to create this topper, you’d think they would have added the dealer associated with the ad below.
I spent some time looking at other 1940s era license plate toppers. The shape and design of the one below seems consistent to me with some others shown on Google Images. But, then, are the ones shown on Google also fakes? I just don’t know.
Still, I like the piece. If you purchase it, but then determine it is fake, complain to eBay:
“If the merchandise is fake, report the listing to eBay and let them take action to enforce their policies. … Your purchase is covered by the eBay Guarantee, which entitles you to receive your money back if the item you receive doesn’t match what is listed. The seller has three days to respond”
Since the seller is claiming this topper is vintage, if they lied, they have no recourse. eBay will likely refund your money and not expect you to return the item (Unfortunately, some buyers are scammers themselves and use this very tactic to get free stuff).
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Maury spotted this CJ-2A topper eBay a few days ago. It’s already at $122.50 (and will likely go higher) with just over a day to go (as of this writing). It’s a really neat piece. I expect this will hit several hundred dollars.
The “Truck Utility Plus Tractor Power” wasn’t a tag line that was used very often. In fact, the only documentation that I can find for it was on an ad for Willys-Overland dealer Caver-Wiggens on May 23, 1947. I have found other ads from that dealer from 1947, but can find no evidence that phrase was ever used again. Whether Caver-Wiggens was responsible for the plate topper or not I can’t say for sure, but it is a possibility. Below is the 1947 ad (from this page):
View all the information for the plate topper on eBay
“The Universal Jeep Metal License Plate Topper Sign. Nice topper some wear but great condition overall.”
Here’s the license topper itself. you can see the design is the same that appears in the ad, including the square bolt heads on the windshield.
1997 Wrangler Limo Blue Springs, MO Auction
Need more room for the family? Look no further than this 1997 Jeep Wrangler Limo. It’s currently being auctioned at govplanet.com. Thanks to Bill for sharing it.
https://www.govplanet.com/for-sale/Automobiles-1997-Jeep-Wrangler-4×4-Limousine-Missouri/4525912
“6 Cylinder 4.0L Gasoline Engine, 1997 US EPA Label, 5-Speed Manual Transmission Air Conditioner, Bench Seating, Towing Hitch, LT325/60R20 Tires, Chrome Wheels”
Dreaming About the Post-War Jeep
UPDATE: This article originally appeared in 2016.
This April 21, 1944, article in Canada’s The Maple Leaf theorized how the post-war jeep just might help you warm up together in the “slip trench”!
1951 Truck Forest Service-themed Sells for $28,500 at Auction
Bill pointed out the sale of this truck that was Forest Service-themed. It sold for the crazy auction price of $28,500.
https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1951-willys-pickup-644110
“Now finished as a tribute to the U.S. Forest Service, this 1951 Willys pickup is described as a “longtime farm truck,” owned by one family for its first 70 years, that “underwent considerable mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment to prepare it for sale.” Besides new paint and a bed liner, the Willys is said to have received renewed interior electricals, heater refurbishment, and steering work. According to the selling dealer, the finish is about three months old, and any needed rust repair was completed. Because of its previous farm service, the Willys is also equipped with a power takeoff for running implements.”
1970s Gravelrama Articles
These three articles share info about the Gravelrama. This first one is dated August 23, 1974, from the Cincinnati Enquirer:
This second article was published two years later on September 19, 1976, in the Journal News:
The last article is from August 25, 1980, from the Cincinnati Enquirer:
Jeep-Branded Tool Set
Barney spotted this incomplete Jeep-branded tool set on eBay.
View all the information on eBay
“For sale is a Jeep tool kit to carry in your vehicle. It consists of a hard plastic case and a set of hand tools. There is a small hammer, a screwdriver reversal to hold hex tools, and a set of hex sockets with a hex tool (One of the sockets may be missing). As you can see the kit is missing the pliers, as well as a few other unidentifiable items. The case is in good condition though dirty, and the latch doesn’t hold strongly- the previous owner used tape to keep it closed. The AMC Jeep logo is in good shape.”
Green Army’s Wood Body Reproduction
Here’s a good bit of history on the efforts to create a wood body for the WWII jeep. This group built a wood body replica, which, given the lack of specific info, was a good challenge. Check out the finished body using the link below:
https://www.greenarmyproductions.com/wooden-jeep-body-project/
Various Pics
Roger has shared these pics over the last week.
This former Army Corps of Engineers Wausau Iron Works plow is cool. It was shared on G503. You can see a brochure for the plow here.
Morihisa shared this photo of a Willys MA on Facebook:
Morihisa also shared this one on Facebook:
Willys Wagon or Prius?
Christian Hazel had some fun with this article that appears on moto trend.com about buying a modified Willys wagon. Thanks to Barry for sharing it.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/1957-willys-wagon-vs-toyota-prius/
M-38A1 Toy Jeep Still Made
John’s mother purchased this plastic M-38A1 toy for him in the 1960s for $.79. He was surprised to learn that it was still being made and sold, though the price is now $17.90:
https://timmeeusa.com/products/jl-timmee-big-jeep-olive
You can also buy it on a certain online store. I won’t mention them…they have enough money.
As I recall, I eventually got the gun out and painted it white. It’s just a coincidence that 30 years later I bought a very nice restored stock CJ-5, it was also white.
Anyway, I’ll probably pick one up and give it to the shop that is restoring my A1. If I can find a flexible blue paint, I may even paint one in USAF blue like mine.
1956 Jeepers Jamboree Booklet on eBay
The buy-it-now price is $55. I’m sure it’s a rare one; I’ve never seen another copy. It looks to be around 20 pages(?).
View all the information on eBay
“Up for auction is an incredibly rare very early Jeep collectible: a 1956 Jeepers Jamboree booklet in excellent condition! The booklet talks about the drive through from Lake Tahoe via Georgetown. I’ve looked online and these are extremely rare and I only found a couple other examples and none close to this old. This is truly a one-of-a-kind Jeep item.”
Mile High Jeep Club Buckle and Patch on eBay
These are two separate auctions, both involving the Mile High Jeep Club.
Toledo Stack Brick on eBay
Not too surprising, the cost of shipping ($16.10) is more than the initial bid price ($10).
“Listed is a rare #294 of 1000 Limited edition smoke stack brick from Willys Overland Jeep Chrysler headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. for those that don’t know. Willys Overland was known for their triple smoke stacks. This is number 294 of the 1000 bricks that were kept and auctioned off to help their local boy scout troop years ago when they knocked down the infamous stacks to build a bigger factory to build the new 4 door Jeep Wranglers. It’s a rare item! TY for looking!”
Jeep Pens and Pencils on eBay
Here’s a collection of jeep pens and pencils. There’s one Willys Overland Motors pencil, too.
1948 CJ-2A Test Drive Video
Here’s a video of a drive in a rusted CJ-2A. The driver made a few minor mistakes in describing it. At least he had fun driving it.
Jeep Parts Collection $20,000
Art is selling his parts collection. Below is a taste of what he has. If you are interested, contact him at art.carey @ gmail.com (remove spaces around the @) and he will send a complete list and a link to photos of most of the items. Serious inquiries only please. Price is for everything. Will NOT sell items separately. (Art didn’t include a location with his email, so I’m awaiting that info …).
“Price is for everything. Will NOT sell items separately.
I am selling my collection of jeep parts accumulated over the past 34 years, including several rare items, such as capstan winches and PTO gear. A partial description:
2 capstan winches with complete linkage and running gear and roller fairleads; 2 power takeoffs with intact drums; beautifully rebuilt engine still in its packing crate; engine block; 2 transmissions with levers; 4 transfer cases; 3 starter motors; 3 generators; 2 carburetors; 2 distributors; 4 cylinder heads; 5 Willys heaters, (one NOS, two restored with new cores);; 2 grills; 4 tailgates; 2 CJ-2A windshield frames; 1 CJ-3A windshield frame; driver-side front-seat frame; passenger-side front-seat frame; rear seat frame; 2 gas tanks;; 2 Sparton turn-signal switches; steering rods; steering-knuckle gasket set; bumpers; spare tire mount; several brake drums and brake shoes; several boxes filled with old and new miscellaneous jeep parts, including speedometers and many gauges, too numerous to list.”
Video Covering Restoration of a Bantam BRC-40 Fire Jeep
Shane mentioned the existence of this video about a Bantam Fire Jeep Restoration by Duncan Rolls, who is well known for his other Bantam recreations (such as the original BRC). For some reason, the video won’t appear within the post, so follow the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXbx2MS5GOA
Here is an older photo of a Bantam fire jeep:
29th Annual Spring Willys Reunion May 20-21, 2022
Art let me know that the Spring Willys Reunion is on schedule for May 20-21. This is always a great event.
CycleKart Video
This throwback sport to early racing carts was sent to me by Bill. This ‘large’ turnout of these race carts happens only an hour north of me and, coincidently, is where I bought my racing jeep last spring.
Part 2: Epic Willys Oregon Trail Adventure
Here’s the just-released second video from the Epic Willys Adventure this past summer.
January 22nd Auction w/Jeeps
This auction video was shared by Grant. It includes a CJ-2A trencher jeep and a GPW. Start around the 10:30 mark.
Receiving a Ticket in an M-38
Bill shared this odd story of a jeep owner getting a ticket. The comments are odd/amusing, too. The writer claimed the jeep is a WWII jeep, but it looks like an M-38.
Kaiser SV-102 H Military Audio/Visual Wagoneer on eBay
Bill spotted this highly unusual audio/visual jeep called an SV-102 H.
View all the information on ebay
“Available for you to consider is a 1967 Kaiser Jeep 4×4 6cyl w/3spd manual 3 on the tree. This vehicle has been stored away indoors for years. Engine spins freely and will run you will need a radiator , carb rebuilt, 2) 12 v batteries (24volt system) most likely clean up brakes and will need fuel system flushed with new fuel. This is a very rare unique vehicle. This Jeep was used in Vietnam for Audio Visual. This Jeep is out of Fort Knox. I really know nothing of this particular history of actual usage and very little information to be found on the web.
I understand it was a very low production vehicle with very few left inexistence. What I do know it is a great conversation piece. It really grabs attention. Check underneath pics. Floors, frame all very solid. Floorboards all solid, rust free….The patina is awesome. Has not been touched since back in the day….Rear barn doors… Seat in great shape as well as dash. Just a unique vehicle..”
Anyone Recognize This CJ-5 Toy?
This jeep toy appears at around the 4:30 mark of the video at the bottom of the post. Anyone know what company produced this toy jeep?