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.
Features Research Archives
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
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
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:
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:
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.
After that, I have been unable to learn more about the journey.
Jeep Sign Prices
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.
George Barris’ Model “T” Buggy:
1948 Truck Zimmerman, MN $3300
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
======================
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.
Dave’s Unknown Seats … FJ-40 Seats
UPDATE: Thanks to folks smarter than me, I believe these are FJ-40 seats, though the hand rails may have been added.
The guy who sold them to Dave claimed they came from off the wheel house of an M-38A1 (also known as the wheel well), but when Dave tried them on his M-38A1, they didn’t fit.
Here’s how well the fit (or didn’t fit) on the M-38A1:
The Meyer’s 1949 Jeep Trip From Panama
In 1949, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Meyer drove in a CJ-2A from the Panama Canal to Decatur, Illinois. The article below provide the only records I could find related to their trip. This first article summarizes the adventure and shows a great photo of “DOPEY”. It was published in the Decatur Review, June 16, 1949:
This second article is a pictorial of the trip that was published June 18, 1949, in Bloomington, Illinois’ “The Pantagraph”:
This is a different summary of the trip, but contains no photos. It was published in the Daily Advertiser (Lafayette, Louisiana) on May 13, 1949:
This last article was published June 17, 1949, in the Herald and Review out of Decatur, Illinois:
Article on the British “X Troop”
Mark spotted this interesting article on a secret group of fighters, all with Jewish backgrounds, that undertook some bold missions. The article included a photo of a jeep that has a roll-bar-like contraption, though maybe it was used to carry stretchers or supplies?
Jeep in the 1963 Episode “I’ll Be Judge — I’ll Be Jury”
Blaine share this brief look at the February 13th, 1963, episode of the Alfred Hitchcock Hour, where in the first 30 seconds of the show, a jeep almost runs over one of the main characters. The jeep has an odd windshield; it looks a little wider than normal.
Here’s the full episode: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7anysc
This clip was taken at the 1:58 mark.
The jeep briefly, and only partially, appears again at the 31:46 mark.
Tom and Jerry Comic Car Sells for $290
This Tom and Jerry Comic Car sold recently for $290! It included the original box. It looks in pristine shape. Thanks to Blaine for spotting it.
Just A Few Updates Tuesday
Just a few updates today. Regular updates resume Tuesday morning.
This poor CJ-3A …
1969 Article on the Jeep Camper
This October 21, 1969, article from the Daily News-Post (Monrovia, California) included some great photos. It’s quite a spread! The review of the unit was very positive, almost a little too positive.
Jeep Camper Ads
Since we are on the topic, here are a few different jeep-camper ads from 1969/1970.
The ad below was published in the May 21, 1969, issue of the Courier Journal out of Louisville, Kentucky. This ad included Jeep’s 2-Car Cars ad campaign:
This third-of-a-page ad appeared in the August 7, 1969, issue of the Napa Valley Register out of California:
This much smaller ad appeared in multiple newspapers across the country. This screen shot is from the August 13, 1969, issue of the The Times Recorder out of Zanesville, Ohio:
Circa mid-1940s Photos of Jeep Dealership **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on Ebay.
Given the lack of other models and the early signage, these early jeep dealership photos were likely taken between 1945 and 1947. At first I thought the dealer has signs in the window, but I think the “signage” is actually window paint images (note the different fonts used for ‘JEEP’ in the window images). There is a nice early OFFICIAL 1946 “J” signage on the front of the building.
“I believe upsate new york, love the mobil oil gargoyle sign as well.”