Features Research Archives

To Top

1958 Christmas Story of Kaiser’s Pink FC-170

• CATEGORIES: FC150-FC170-M677, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Here’s an article published December 27, 1958, by the Honolulu Advertiser which tells the story of Henry’s gift to his wife.

1958-12-27-honolulu-advertiser-henry-j-kaiser-wife-pink-fc-170-lores

Local writer William Drury poked fun at the Kaisers for their pink obsession in this May 31, 1961, column in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin:

1961-05-31-honolulu-star-bulletin-kaiser-pink-obsession

======================

Originally Published December 24, 2016: In 1958, Henry Kaiser gave his wife Ale a pink FC-170 for Christmas. I tried to find some additional information or photos, but didn’t have any luck.

FC-170 Jeep truck - Xmas gift for Ale Kaiser, 1958

FC-170 Jeep truck – Xmas gift for Ale Kaiser, 1958

A lover of pink, Henry Kaiser also had a colorful boat:
Continue reading

 
To Top

UPDATED: March 1946 U-Drive ‘Jeep Joint’

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

UPDATE: It turns out that the U-Drive business first started right after the war continued into the 1960s, as this article from the June 1960 issue of the Honolulu Star-bulletin points out:

1960-06-26-honolulu-star-bulletin-u-drive-photo-lores

1960-06-26-honolulu-star-bulletin-u-drive-page1-lores

1960-06-26-honolulu-star-bulletin-u-drive-photo2-lores 1960-06-26-honolulu-star-bulletin-u-drive-page2-lores

================

Original Published October 20, 2020: A March 29, 1946, article highlighted a Jeep U-Drive business that opened in Honolulu. The first surplus jeeps sold could only be bought for business use by veterans. Roy L. Mongeon, from Hampton, Massachusetts, who was stationed in Hawaii, decided to purchase twenty jeeps. After a number of soldiers asked to drive his jeeps, he decided to open a jeep rental business.

1946-03-29-honolulu-star-bulletin-jeep-u-drive-hawaii-lores

 
To Top

1960 Truck Ad + Drawing for Trips to Japan

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

I thought this ad was interesting, as it promoted the chance to win two free trips to Japan, an offer that probably had little appeal, other than in Hawaii.It was published in the March 12, 1959, issue of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

1959-03-13-hawaii-tribune-herald-jeep-truck-ad-lores

 

 
To Top

1960 CJ-5 Henry Kaiser’s(?) Paso Robles, CA $12,000

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, Features • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Blaine found this unusual CJ-5. The seller claims it was special ordered by Henry Kaiser, then given to the Boy Scouts. Hopefully, the seller can substantial the claim. Even without that pedigree, this is an awfully stock jeep in very good shape.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/santa-rosa-1960-jeep-cj/7329715935.html

1960-cj5-pink-jeep-kaiser-pasorobles-c2 1960-cj5-pink-jeep-kaiser-pasorobles-c3 1960-cj5-pink-jeep-kaiser-pasorobles-c4 1960-cj5-pink-jeep-kaiser-pasorobles-ca5

“This is a 1960 CJ five with 35,000 original miles. The jeep is from Hawaii. Henry J Kaiser gave this jeep to the Boy Scouts in Hawaii. The Boy Scouts sold raffle tickets as a fundraiser. When the jeep was about a year old. It wound up in Paso Robles. The man owned it past away. I Purchased a jeep 15 years ago. The stoop is always been under cover in store and in storage. It is in great condition. The color of the jeep, is the same colors as the Royal Hawaiian hotel in Hawaii. Which was also owned by Henry J Kaiser. The main body of the jeep which is painted a darker pink is the same as the hotel The light pink that is used on the grill. He’s also the same color as the trim color on the hotel. The color of the seats are the color of the tile roof that is on the hotel. This is also the same colors of used on Kaiser s Sand and gravel trucks. This jeep has an absolutely fabulous history. and I believe that it is the only CJ five. In these colors as it was a special order by Henry J Kaiser and sell.”

 
To Top

1948 Robert Ruark Column on the Jeep Turned Lady

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

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”.

1948-07-28-miami-herald-robert-c-roark

 
To Top

1955 Wagon Trip Around the World

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

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.

1956-06-june-july-willys-news-pg7-ted-bumiller-wagon-adventure-title

1956-06-june-july-willys-news-pg7-ted-bumiller-wagon-adventure-photo2

1956-06-june-july-willys-news-pg7-ted-bumiller-wagon-adventure-text

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?

1970-01-03-toledoblade-ted-bumiller-tour

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:

1959-04-15-the-sun-ohio-ted-bumiller-traveler

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”.

1989-elizabeth-bullimer-book-forward-reference-ted-bullimer

 
To Top

Circa 1948 Photo of CJ-2A & Kids on eBay

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

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.”

1948-circa-kids-cj2a-worman-hardtop

 
To Top

1958 Article on the Tulare County Four-Wheel Drive Club

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

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):

1958-12-06-tulare-advance-register-jeep-club-trip10

1958-12-06-tulare-advance-register-jeep-club-trip9

1958-12-06-tulare-advance-register-jeep-club-trip8

1958-12-06-tulare-advance-register-jeep-club-trip-part2-lores

1958-12-06-tulare-advance-register-jeep-club-trip7

Continue reading

 
To Top

Just a Couple Updates For Friday

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

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.

2018-05-11-lawrence-david2

 
To Top

2021 Great Willys Picnic Sunday, June 13th

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

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/

2021-great-willys-picnic

 
To Top

1951 Article on Search & Rescue Jeeps & Planes

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

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.

1951-04-08-nevada-state-journal-jeeps-planes-rescue1-lores 1951-04-08-nevada-state-journal-jeeps-planes-rescue2-lores

 

 
To Top

CJ-5-Camper-like Campers for Trucks

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

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:

camper-truck-cj5-like

 

 
To Top

A Jeep Saves the Day at a Newspaper

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

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.

1944-10-22-miami-herald-sun-jeep-powers-printing-press2

1944-10-22-miami-herald-sun-jeep-powers-printing-press1

 
To Top

1960 Photo of “Jeep Racing Form”

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

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.

1960-09-02-elpaso-herald-southwest-jeepathon-race

 
To Top

Barn Find Hunter Views 2 CJ-2As

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

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.

 
To Top

Blue Tank Jeep Model (Electric Motors) on eBay

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

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.”

willys-jeep-model-electric1 willys-jeep-model-electric2 willys-jeep-model-electric3

 
To Top

1958 CJ-5 Indian Valley, ID $3000

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

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-cj5-indianvalley-id2 1958-cj5-indianvalley-id3 1958-cj5-indianvalley-id4 1958-cj5-indianvalley-id-text 1958-cj5-indianvalley-id-text2

“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”

 
To Top

1973 Stainless Steel Jeep Las Vegas, NV **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A, Features, stainless/jewels • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

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”

1977-stainless-jeep-lasvegas2 1977-stainless-jeep-lasvegas3 1977-stainless-jeep-lasvegas4 1977-stainless-jeep-lasvegas5

Continue reading

 
To Top

No Updates for June 6th

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

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.

go-4-all-jacket1 go-4-all-jacket2

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.

wwjc_go4alls_trip

 
To Top

Facebook Marketplace’s ‘Disappearing’ Ads

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

fb-marketplace

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.

 

 
To Top

Video of 1946 CJ-2A Priced at $26,900 (Has Sold)

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

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/

1946-Willys-Jeep-CJ-2A-1

 
To Top

1963 Slide of Hawaii Gala DJ-3A on eBay

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

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.”

1963-hawaii-surrey-slide

 
To Top

November 1953 Willys Motors Ad on eBay

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

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.”

1953-11-the-american-city-willys-motors-jeep-ad

 
To Top

Early 1960s Anglo-African Trans-World Safari

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

1963-03-four-wheeler-mag-derek-linton-fc-lores

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:

This map shows the proposed route:

1959-derek-linton-safari-map-burlington-ky

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. Anglo-african 1st Expedition Adventurers Derek Linton (left) And Gerald Cubitt. Box 634 413101543 A.jpg.

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:

1962-07-27-warren-county-observer-derek-linton-safari-lores

Finally, on January 05, 1963, the Evening Standard (London, England) reported that John Hicken was going to join the crew:

1963-01-05-evening-standard-london-derek-linton-trip

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.

After that, I have been unable to learn more about the journey.

 

1959-1960-derek-linton2

 
To Top

Jeep Sign Prices

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

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

jeep-sign

I guess it’s posters and banners for me! lol.