Features Research Archives

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1975 Wolverine Baja New Braunfels, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Features, M-151, Other 4x4s This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8000.

(12/27/2020) I don’t know much about these or what these are worth. Here, it is described as an M-151A2, but I couldn’t verify that the model number was used to identify this. My guess is that it’s built on an M-151 chassis, but that could be wrong, too. It reminds me of the lightweight airborne jeeps.

“Baja Jeep military rebuilt engine needs alternator ,lights ,and tires rare keep Selling don’t have the time to fix it up to many projects message me for more info”

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This appears to be original, or close to original:

 
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2021 Spring Willys Reunion Photos

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

Jonah Hodkins posted a bunch of pics from this year’s Willys Spring Reunion. You can see them all on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1147017852392638&set=pcb.1147020379059052

Here are ten of them.

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Patterson’s in Prosser

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

Patterson arrived yesterday on Steve’s trailer (a big thanks to him), but things didn’t go smoothly at first (I will explain more tomorrow).

For example, some days you have to resort to old school carb techniques to make the jeep roll..

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While at other times, the jeep rolls on it’s own …2021-05-22-renton-patterson-prosser

 

 
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Late 1940s(?) Ad For Lewis Auto Service

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

Mike spotted this ad posted by Andy Fuhrman on Facebook. I’d guess it is a late 1940s ad from a Dansville, Virginia, newspaper.  It seems an odd promotion. Is the wink by “Lewis” supposed to mean that you can bet on the jeep breaking down, so bring it in for service today?

service-plugs-ad.jpg

 
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UPDATE …

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

You may have noticed that regular updates have returned. I hope to keep them going, though I may still need a few more days off than normal.

For example, we discovered yesterday that some of our outlets in the living room didn’t work. Three of them each had their bottom portions of the outlet on a three way switch, but the wiring was never completed. I made them work, but not via the three-ways switches. Whoever wired it, did it oddly, so I bypassed the switches. Because we hope to remodel the living area next year, my fix will do for now.

Our back pasture has three and a half new ‘squatters’ in the form of three cows and a calf. A neighbor offered to managed the back pasture in exchange for keeping his cows there. He rebuilt some sections of the fence and brush-hogged much of the grass. He’s getting a good deal, but, for this summer at least, it’s one less thing I need to manage.

Today I left early for the “west-side” so Steve Carter and I can bring back Patterson. I tried to purchase a cheap electric fuel pump yesterday, as the one on Patterson isn’t working at the moment. I only need it to get Patterson up on the trailer, but neither NAPA nor Autozone was capable of selling me a cheap pump. All the ones they had were 8″ long and $70 or more. That was overkill for what I want. So, I’ll do a simple gravity feed setup.

Progress has slowed on unpacking as Ann hasn’t felt good for a couple days.

We had a few amazing, golden sunsets over the past few days. This place will be a bunch of work for the foreseeable future, but evenings like this make it worth it.

2021-05-20-sunset

 

 
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1945 “Invasion Scenes” Video

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

I can’t remember seeing a spare tire being carried on a wire cutter like the jeep shown early in this video.

“Various shots of American jeep and trailer crossing a river on pontoon type raft. It seems that the raft has motor – it is more like a ferry. More vehicles crossing river. More shots of the ferry travelling across with German prisoners. American soldiers escort prisoners ashore.”

 
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The Huffman Hub Company of Albuquerque, NM

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

UPDATE IV: Well how about this …. There was an early Huffman hub that didn’t have the fancy ‘weapon-looking’ topper (as seen in the pics below). Instead, a cylindrical key was supplied to help select whether the hub was engaged or not. This ad is from the September 1962 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine.

1962-09-four-wheeler-magazine-huffman-hub-lores

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UPDATE III (May 17, 2020): In September of 1964 the Huffman Hub company posted this full-page ad in Four Wheeler Magazine —

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September 1964 Four Wheeler Magazine

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(UPDATE II: Finally got a look at the 1967 article about Floyd Huffman that appeared in the August 20, 1967, issue of the Albuquerque Journal (pg 28):
1967-08-20-albuquerque-journal-huffman-hub-company

Continue reading

 
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1941 Slat Grille Pics

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

These pics featuring the newly designed jeep appeared in the December 05, 1941, issue of the Ithaca Journal, two days before Pearl Harbor. I feel bad for those women having work the line in a dress and high heels.

The blurb below states:

THE JEEP TAKES ITS PLACE IN ARMY AND IN DICTIONARY: Officially designated as “quarter-ton four-by-four trucks,” but known to the U.S. Army as jeeps, the fast little scout cars, being turned out by thousands to serve as liaison between advanced mechanized units and infantry follow-ups, now are recognized as among the most important contributions of modern American assembly-line methods to the service. Powered with a 63-horsepower, four-cylinder engines, the jeep has a four-wheel drive, can carry three men and a machine gun, and can tow a heavy-calibre anti-tank gun. The pictures, illustration jeep production and testing, were made at the Willys-Overland plant in Toledo, Ohio. Left (in our case top): Women employees at work on a jeep assembly line. In the rear is an assembly line of civilian cars. Center: The cars being tested on the proving-ground. At right (in our case at the bottom): Negotiating an open field choke with heavy brush.

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UK Video Featuring an MB and GPW

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

This video that Mike spotted includes a hood that was used in German as part of a ceiling (several hoods were used, then later auctioned on eBay). You can see this hood, along with other hoods, in this post.

 
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1951 Restored Truck Sold for $38,500

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

Bill spotted this article about a 1951 Truck that was later sold for $38,500 through Sothebys.

The Article ==> https://silodrome.com/willys-4×4-pickup-truck/

The Auction ==> https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0221/open-roads–february/lots/r0013-1951-willys-4-73-4-wheel-drive-pickup/1036426#/

1951-truck-sothebys-38500

 
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1949 Trip Into Escalante from National Geographic

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

UPDATE: Many folks probably haven’t seen this older post …

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UPDATED January 20, 2014: Here’s a jeep trip in 1955 that was undertaken after one of the trip’s members read the below article in National Geographic.

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Originally Posted October 23, 2013: 

Scan10027-cj2a-at-colorado-river

This spot is now a couple hundred feet under water. Learn more about the Crossing of the Fathers here: http://www.onlineutah.com/crossinghistory.shtml

In 1949 a joint expedition between the National Geographic Society and New York Explorers Club decided to be the first explorers, by vehicle, to enter the Escalante area of Utah. Accompanying the explorers were two jeeps and, fortunately for us, cameras. Their story, “The First Motor Sortie into Escalante Land”, appeared in the September 1949 issue (pages 169-204).

You can find a variety of inexpensive issues of the September 1949 National Geographic Magazine on eBay. If you are a fan of Southern Utah, this is a neat article.

For the first part of the trip, which began in Cannonville, Utah, the explorers traveled along part of the Cottonwood Road route we drove this past March. Their first big find was the arch we now know as the Grovesnor Arch, which the explorers officially named after the President of the National Geographic Society. What surprised me was that there are pictures showing the group on top of the arch with flags as if they’d conquered the moon. To be fair, I imagine it was a pretty challenging climb.

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Note the explorers at the top of the Grosvenor arch.

From there, the party headed south as far as the Colorado River to an area now flooded by Lake Powell. So, some of the areas in the photos are no longer possible to see.

Below are only the photos that include the red and yellow CJ-2As that accompanied the explorers:

Scan10004-lineup-of-cars-lores Scan10013-jeep-in-river-lores

Continue reading

 
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1944 Video of European Invasion

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

This video documents destroyed vehicles and dead soldiers. At one point a soldier riding a horse passing by some destroyed vehicles. It’s a jarring contrast. A few jeeps appear here and there.

“Invasion Scenes Europe (1944)
Allied invasion of occupied Europe – France?

Captured German officer being driven off in jeep. Various shots wounded German prisoners being brought through British front line and put into trucks, a captured German medic appears to be attending to them. Various shots destroyed enemy artillery and vehicles. Various gruesome shots of dead soldiers lying on tank abandoned in road. Various shots corpses in street (not clear in civilian or military casualties). Shots of burnt out Tiger tank, soldier on horseback passes. Various shots American and British troops advancing through town reduced to rubble. More shots of burnt out military vehicles and equipment. More shots captured Germans being brought from front line.”

 
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Article About the Purchase of a 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

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

Bill shared this article about one author’s experience with buying a 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It’s a good read, though I don’t think the writer actually answers the question of the headline, “What I Wish I Knew Before I Bought a Jeep Grand Wagoneer”. I suspect the editor of the website where the article was posted created the mis-matched headline.

The author didn’t have much luck hunting through classifieds, so he decided to place a “jeep wanted” ad in Kijiji. That resulted in him finding a rust free Wagoneer. He eventually upgraded the powertrain to a Vortec engine and is very happy with that decision.

https://www.insidehook.com/article/vehicles/wish-knew-jeep-grand-wagoneer

jeep-grand-wagoneer-rear

 
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2021 Willys Rally Day #2

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

Steve shared these images from day two’s ‘Top of the World’ jeep trip.

Steve wrote, “On Sunday, Casey led a group of 12 vintage Jeeps and four modern iron up the Top Of The World trail. Two Jeeps had a mechanical breakdown. All the Willys with factory Jeep engines made it to the top without a problem. Breakdowns included a radiator vs. fan, and a broken steering rag joint. No one was left stranded. The group took care of each other and no one was left behind.”\

Sunrise on the last day of the event:

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All lined-up for Sunday’s trail ride:

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Continue reading

 
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1943 Article on Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond, CA

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

This July 8th, 1943, article in the Oakland Tribune shares information and pics on the Ford assembly plant in Richmond, California. Note the rationing table at the top of the page.

1943-07-08-oakland-tribune-ford-plant-lores

 

 
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1964 Australian Jeep Ad on ebay

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

I thought the doors on the CJ-6 were interesting in this August 12, 1964, jeep ad. I’ve not seen those doors anywhere else, so maybe they were artistic license?

View all the information on eBay

1964-08-12-adelaide-aust-ad

 
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1970 M-718A2 Upland, CA **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: Features, M-151 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $15,000.

(01/12/2021) “Selling a rare military AM General M718a1 Ambulance. Same as M151a2 just setup in the ambulance configuration. Clean Ca title on planned non-op. Pre-smog. Runs and drives great. New nos carburetor and fuel lines. Clean tub never been cut, wrecked, or rolled. Soft top is in decent shape, no rips or tears. tires all have decent tread. Extremely rare Jeep in this configuration and condition. Asking $15,000 no trades.”
1970-m718a1-upland-ca0 1970-m718a1-upland-ca1 1970-m718a1-upland-ca2

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2021 Willys Rally in Moab Pics

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

Steve Elkins shared these pics he took at this year’s Willys Rally. He and Blaine attended the Rally for the first time. He counted over 40 Willys and a few more modern iron participating in the event, but didn’t have a head count.

He felt the Red Cliffs Lodge was the perfect venue for such large event. He wrote that the beautiful setting on the Colorado River was an oasis in the desert. The facilities were well maintained and the staff was awesome! He plans to “definitely return to this destination in the future”.

Steve noted that just about every Willys was represented, including Flatfenders, Pickups, Stations Wagons, a Parkway, and one FC. Non-Willys included wranglers and one Jeepster Commando. There was mostly modified Jeeps in attendance, but still there were an impressive representation of Jeeps equipped with an original Power Train. Those with beautiful paint jobs aren’t afraid of getting them dirty.

IMG_6310-2021-willys-rally IMG_6301-2021-willys-rally IMG_6305-2021-willys-rally IMG_6307-2021-willys-rally IMG_6308-2021-willys-rally

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1952 “Jeeplechase” Video

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

This video include Ridge Runner footage we’ve seen before, but I’ve never seen it called their exploits a “Jeeplechase”.

“Yakima, Washington, United States of America.

Various shots of Jeeps climbing a steep hill.

Various shots of Jeeps going over rough ground.

SV. Jeep leaping off ground as it breast hillock.

MV. Jeep emerging from brush.

SV. Jeeps going through line of fire.

Shots of Jeeps going through muddy pool – one jeep splashes driver of broken down vehicle.

LV. Three jeeps going through pool together.

SCU. Mud spattered drivers. They take off caps, centre one reveals white bald patch.

N.B. This is some kind of driver training exercise for part of the American defence plan. The drivers are know as Ridge Runners.”

 
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1951 “Jeep Chasing Is New Sport” Video

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

Here’s another Yakima Ridge Runner’s video with narration that murders the name of “Yakima”.

“LV. Jeeps racing over rough country. CU. Jeeps flashing past camera. SV. Jeeps racing around tight corner. CU. Jeeps flashing past camera. SV. Angle shot, jeeps climbing steep hill against skyline, & LV. SCU. Jeeps bumping over rough country. SV. Jeep bumping in air, & SV. SV. Towards, jeep jumping through air. SV. Jeep jumping through air. Tarpaulin falls off back. Jeeps bucking – several shots. Passenger nearly loses seat. MV. Jeep racing past camera. MV. Line of jeeps going down hill. SV. Jeeps racing through water. MV. Jeeps driving through mud splashing over drivers, & SV. & MV.”

 
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1951 “Jeeps While You Wait” Video

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

This is another example of a “jeep-assembly” demonstration.

“Jeeps While You Wait (1951)
Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

LV. Elevated, officers watching demonstration in jeep assembly, four men with RCEME SCHOOL written on backs ready to assemble jeep. CU. Officer firing gun to start demonstration. SV. Demonstration team jack up frame and fit in engine. CU. Jack being put onto chassis. CU. Soldiers putting on wheels. CU. Soldier doing up wheel nuts. CU. One of demonstration team. SV. Two members of team putting back axle into position. SV. Team fixing on back axle. LV. Elevated body being put on completed chassis. CU. Body being put into position. CU. Clock. SV. Team fixing on bonnet. CU. Soldier looking on . LV. Team piling into jeep. SV. They drive off.”

 
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1967 Article on Fruit Harvester Mounted to a CJ-5

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

An article from February 10, 1967, in the Fort Myers’ News Press highlighted the creation of a Fruit Harvester by local inventor Robert Wehr. The device could be mounted to a variety of vehicles, but in this case is pictured mounted on a CJ-5. I was unable to find another other articles about this invention.

1967-02-10-news-press-fort-meyers-fruit-harvester-lores 1967-02-10-news-press-fort-meyers-fruit-harvester-pic

Here’s in the related patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US3413786

1967-fruit-harvester-robert-wehr1

Continue reading

 
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1954 Photo of Women Marine Reservists

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

This photo from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science shows Denver’s female Marine Reservists piled onto an M-38. The women were in their second week of training in San Diego.

https://dmns.lunaimaging.com/luna/servlet/detail/DMNSDMS~4~4~170428~121051

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PHOTO CREDIT: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, July 16, 1954.

“A jeep load of Denver’s Woman Marine Reservists arrive at a San Diego beach to enjoy some swimmin’ and sunnin’ as a part of their two weeks of summer training here at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. They represent the Woman Marine Disbursing Platoon, 1st 155 Millimeter Gun Battalion of Denver. The unit has just begun their second week.”

 
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1941 Video Footage of Edsel Ford and the Ford GP

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Features, videos This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This video was part of the press release information by Ford that introduced the new Ford GP. We’ve seen much of this footage previously.

“This black and white 1941 demonstration film, produced by Ford Motion Picture Laboratories and narrated by Michigan sportscaster Harry Wismer, shows U.S. Army Truck, ¼ ton 4×4 Command Reconnaissance vehicles in action at and around the Ford River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan (TRT 0:23).

Opening titles (0:07). Dedication: “This film is respectfully dedicated to the officers and men of the United States Army in the name of American Industry…” (0:27).

A trio of Ford 4×4 Reconnaissance Cars or GPW “Jeeps” exit a Ford River Rouge Plant garage in single file. Edsel Ford, president of the Ford Motor Company delivers the initial order of 1,500 U.S. Army cars to then-Brigadier General Charles H. Bonesteel III, speaking into a WXYZ radio microphone (0:45).
Continue reading

 
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Year? Photo of a M-38 Fire/Brush Jeep on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This m-38 fire/brush jeep has some unusual mods.

View all the information on eBay

m38-brush-jeep-photo

“You are bidding on (1) 35mm Fire Apparatus Slide of Burrilville RI Brush 1 1952 Willy’s Jeep X-US Army

Slide is in excellent condition. If image appears to be cut off it is from my scanner. Actual image is fine in slide mount.

Original photographer retains the copyright on the image.”