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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 .
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:
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:
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?
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.
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.
https://bid.bidfastandlast.com/ui/auctions/63215/5374043
Just a few updates today. Regular updates resume Tuesday morning.
This poor CJ-3A …
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.
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:
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.”
The wood grille looks well done.
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/fuo/d/canton-willys-jeep-bar/7323728922.html
“Custom oak and walnut bar with replica of 1953 Willys truck front end. Back cabinet includes black granite counter top. Comes in four pieces and needs some assembly. Can be modified to replicate a different car or truck front end, or none. Wired with GFCI outlet for lights, fridge or microwave. Needs to get out of my shop to make room for my next project. Make me an offer.”
It’s been a crazy couple months. Somewhere along the line I obtained copies of the March 1946 Semi-Annual Willys-Overland Report. I think this came from Barry’s Farmjeep site, but I couldn’t find it yesterday.
This report demonstrates that Willys-Overland was trying to lay the groundwork for two basic product lines: A Utility Line of vehicles and a Passenger Line of vehicles. The company also claimed that the passenger line vehicles would be introduced in 1947.
This video has clips showing captured equipment, surrenders, demolitions, and more. At the end there’s a look at several first aid jeeps bearing four stretchers at a time.
“A look at captured vehicles and weapons. Dark interior shots of German officers. M/S German soldiers and officers outside. M/S tents. M/S bombed street in town, American soldier looks at wrecked tank. Various shots as soldiers and civilians walk along street and talk to each other. M/S soldiers looking at dead body. C/U dead German soldier on ground.
Various shots of parents looking at their new baby in hospital. M/S Germans and Americans. M/S mother and baby in hospital. Germans come out from building with white flag of surrender and hand over their weapons. More soldiers come out with their hands up. Various shots of Americans with German prisoners, they search their uniforms and disarm them. M/S as American soldiers run up road. C/U sign ‘Cherbourg’. C/U’s soldiers firing. Various shots of wounded soldiers. Various shots as Americans march columns of German prisoners up road, including women. Various shots as the German soldiers are disarmed. M/S field hospital. M/S of jeep with injured on stretchers on front and back it drives along. Various shots as injured are carried onto landing craft. The camera pans across them. M/S as one man is handed a cup and takes a drink. C/U of him. C/U men looking at nazi armband. Various shots troops boarding landing craft. “
This is a neat photo of Warren Harber taken under a National Army and Air Force – Expeditionary Forces Institute sign in France: https://cdm17228.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/wwii/id/25
Warren only recently passed away in 2019 at the age of 96. There’s an excerpt about Warren at the Standard Democrat. There’s supposed to be a longer story on the paper’s e-edition, but I couldn’t find it: https://standard-democrat.com/story/2116511.html
UPDATE: This ad published in the Los Angeles Times, June 15, 1962, by the Alaskan Camper Factory, welcomed Dorothy and Louise back into the United States after their trip around the world in an FC-170 (with an Alaskan camper, of course).
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Originally Published October 06, 2012: Highways Across the Horizon was written by Dorothy Rogers, who previous wrote Jeopardy in the Jeep. I received a copy of it in the mail last week. I knew the book was about traveling through Asia, but there were two things I didn’t know. The first think I learned was that she and her travel partner Louise, traveled all the way around the world, starting and ending in New York. The second surprise was their vehicle of choice: a FC-170 with a camper. Craig confirmed today that Dorothy and Louise piloted only the third known FC to make it around the world. I can’t wait to read about their adventure.
Here are FC related pics:
This May 1962 article in Four Wheeler magazine highlighted a few things. First, it’s a really clean build. I wish the pics were in color, as it’s deserving of some great photos.
Second, if I understand correctly, the rear bumper is actually a gas tank. I’m not sure I like that plan so much.
Third, given this jeep is near Colorado Springs, it probably has the Thor Electro-matic hubs, which allow a push button engaging of the front hubs. And, because they are short hubs, the front wheel covers can be placed over them.
Fourth, this has an early vacuum brake assist. Herm carries a newer version of this.
Fifth, the White top on this jeep is beautifully styled in my opinion.
Thanks to Roger Martin for spotting this altoy on eBay.
View all the information on ebay
“Luzon Red 1948 VJ Jeepster. Willy’s dealerships would have these on display in the showrooms. Because the level of detail is so perfect, only 150 are known to have been made.
They were made by a company called Al-Toy in the ’40s, right after WWII. The Jeepster Touring Car is considered the last American touring car, and so it has a following all on its own as a collectible.
This particular toy in this condition is hard to come by. Most have broken or missing parts (front bumper, steering wheel, vent window frames, missing hubcaps). This toy is in great shape with no broken or missing pieces. Hand painted Jeepster decals on the fenders and the painted dash gauges.The hand painted white wall tires finish out the incredible detail that went into this toy.
Jeep measures about 15” long 5” wide and 5 ½” high at the windshield. It weighs a whopping 6 lbs. All four rubber tires move freely.
Also included are 3 dealership service pins (10, 15, and 20 years of service). Ships to the lower 48 states only.”
UPDATE: The October 1962 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine included an ad for the Harris top and doors, along with an article.
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Originally Posted October 07, 2017: Here’s a rare Harris Dura-Door one-page brochure on eBay. This fiberglass half door produced out of Bakersfield, California, for CJ-5s was also advertised in Four Wheel Magazine (see ad at bottom).
This ad appeared in several Four Wheeler issues, including the June 1966 issue. I’d have to guess that by 1966, Harris had dropped its soft top product and focused on the dura-doors for jeeps.
A March 06, 1949, photo in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph highlighted Newgren’s recently introduced bush and bog harrow. The Pittsburgh firm of Buyers Motors was promoting this piece of equipment and others as part of a product exhibition for Willys-Overland Motors dealers.
As part of the development of this uniquely styled rear-engine car, in 1937 Basil (Barney) Oldfield built a prototype he called the “Jeep”. The “Jeep” sold him on the idea of a rear engine vehicle, so he began development of a safer, more dependable vehicle built around the rear engine. Unlike Tucker’s rear-engine auto design, Barney’s “Spirit of Tomorrow”, completed in 1942, did not lead to a manufactured product. But, Barney did achieve his goals, as Ralph Nader approved of his vehicle, claiming it was roomier, safer, and had more visibility.
This September 05, 1967, article form the Victoria Colonist (Victoria, B.C.,) provides some good early history on the vehicle.
The “Spirit of Tomorrow” still runs. This 2018 video interview provides additional information:
https://www.sookenewsmirror.com/community/spirit-of-tomorrow-car-still-turning-heads-after-76-years/
The end of this video shows jeeps unloading, jeeps driving through a town, and a jeep navigating difficult terrain.
“L/Ss of soldiers talking to armed civilians on coastline. Various shots of man ploughing field with two ox. Several shots of war graves. Two men look at bullet holes in the helmet of which rests on grave. Various country scenes. Shots of soldiers looking out to see aided with binoculars. Various shots taken from landing craft approaching coast. L/S of jeeps coming ashore. Shots of jeeps moving through street of town. L/Ss of jeep being driven up steep mountain pass. M/Ss of soldier talking. More shots of jeep.”
UPDATE: Ashley Giordano has published a well-written synopsis of the book Jeopardy and a Jeep for Expedition Portal: https://expeditionportal.com/jeopardy-and-a-jeep-africa-conquered-by-two-women-professors/
She also shared this article from April 27, 1954, that was published in the Cape Argus newspaper out of South Africa:
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Published Feb 28, 2021: According to the November 24, 1957, issue of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, this book was published in November of 1957 (previously, the date hadn’t been clear).
The December 08, 1957, issue of the Birmingham News included an article on Dr. Rogers’ new book. Apparently, Rogers was a former teacher in Alabama.
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Originally Published September 25, 2012:
UPDATE: The September 1962 issue of Four Wheeler included a full page ad for its new hardtop and half-top designs. The magazine included both a full-page ad and a short article. Given this info, it looks like the top redesign was introduced during the summer of 1962.
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Originally Published July 7, 2020: Sometime in the early 1960s, Kelly Manufacturing altered the design of its angular full and half hardtops. The new tops eliminated some of the horizontal bevels and the flat back design for a slightly more elegant design; but, the tops did retain the angled top-side that was so recognizable (As I don’t have much knowledge on any interior changes, this post will stick to the major exterior differences) (See Kelly’s connection to Beck and Kemco and an early Kelly brochure) (Also see CJ-3B page Beck and Kelly histories)
Interestingly enough, Kelly branded the Flatfender tops as 23-series, but not the CJ-5 tops. Here’s a 1962 Kelly brochure that highlights a wide variety of the rear-angled design for both the CJ-5 and the flatfenders, along with the model numbers:
Sere more information here: http://www.ewillys.com/2017/09/19/1962-kelly-hardtop-brochure/
To make the differences more clear, let’s take a look at the early Kelly design (these early hardtops were also marketed by the Berg’s as JeepKing hardtops). Notice the horizontal bevels along the driver’s side rear and on the rear latch. Also note the flat vertical back of the hardtop.
Dave Meyer posted this jeep-themed cardboard display to Facebook. It contained Body Armor, Monster, and other drinks. I believe he spotted this in Florida. Anyone else run across this?
This silent collection of videos sent by John includes footage of a jeep carrying General Eisenhower.
“Several shots of the American soldiers clearing debris in heavily bombed area. Various shots of convoy of jeeps driving through town streets, heavily bombed buildings in background. Jeep stops and General Eisenhower (Ike) gets out of jeep and enters a house. Ike leaving house with several other officers. They stand on doorstep talking. There is a three star General with Ike, possibly General Bradley. Ike puts coat on and lights cigarette, he chats a bit more, gets into jeep and leaves.”
This silent video also contains a number of scenes featuring Eisenhower:
“Various shots of General Dwight D Eisenhower presenting medals to American soldiers. Ike gives them a shot pep talk. Shots of General Eisenhower and other senior officers looking over map.
Ike and others arrive in jeep. Different angle of medal presentation and Ike’s pep talk to the men. Eisenhower climbs into jeep and leaves.
Various shots of Eisenhower talking with American officers.
Various shots of American field artillery being fired.
Shots of Troops advancing behind tanks across field. Tanks move into wooded area, possibly an orchard. Soldiers follow up behind them.
American troops with a bulldozer crush a crashed German Messerschmitt ME 109 plane. CU American star symbol painted over German cross on small tank.
Various shots of building with German abandoned staff cars.
Various shots of the broken remains of German aircraft (possibly wooden mock ups) at captured airfield in France.”
Chris spotted this Kaiser Jeep cafeteria tray on eBay. It’s price at $50, plus $30 shipping.
View all the information on ebay
“Kaiser Motors Jeep Cafeteria Tray Toledo Vintage 1950s
Fiberglass Composite Material. Condition is “Used”
From the employee cafeteria Kaiser Jeep Assembly Plant in Toledo Ohio after the Kaiser & Willys Motors merger in the early 1950s
Unique piece of Auto Memorabilia Both SiLite trays and Jeep memorabilia items are both highly collectible
Marked of back by manufacture of the tray (white lettering hard to see in photo)
SiLite
Chicago Illinois USA
H-10″
