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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 .
This seems a strange item, especially marketed in conjunction with the Civic Opera House in Chicago.
View all the information on eBay
“1954 KAISER WILLY’S BRAND- POCKET NOTE PAD – CHICAGO CIVIC OPERA HOUSE SPONSORED… BLANK NOTEPAD”
Tracy shared pics of his grandfather’s WW2 jeep that was customized at some point, either motor-pool modified or post-war modified. He’s hoping someone might have more information about it.
“This Willys came to me by way of my grandfather, a WW2 veteran of Normandy where, D-Day+1 his unit was shelled by 88’s and he lost his leg.
I have no idea when he, himself, acquired it as I never even knew it existed until I was called to remove it. Since my father never mentioned it to me, it is likely he didnt know either.
I can only assume he had visions of restoring it. Now, that falls to me, and I gladly accept that.
My plan is to do more of a “restification” on it than an all out restoration.
You see, the modifications that have been made are completely, and thoroughly welded in place. As it looks to have been this way since, at least, the era that it was acquired as surplus, if not before, it has really become part of the vehicle’s story and it will remain. The workmanship is very well done and, whoever did these modifications was a very skilled welder/fabricator as all welds, fit, and finish are top notch.
So, I share it here in hopes that I may find information on that history.”
This press photo shows a good shot of a CJ-2A that was likely commandeered by the Chinese Nationalists for use in the defense of Shanghai. The photo is dated May 14, 1949.
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Jeeps’ Commandeered For Defense of Shangai: Shanghai, China ………..
Here are some of the 300 jeeps commandeered by the Nationalists in Shanghai from civilian business to be used in the defense of the city. Owners not only had to part with their treasured vehicles, but were ordered to supply drivers, tools and spare tire. The jeeps and more than 400 other trucks are now pooled in Chung Cheng Park awaiting assignment orders. Reports this morning said that the sound of big guns could be heard on the outskirts of Shanghai.
This June 18, 1941, article in the Los Angeles Times discusses how a “trapped jeep” uses a dust cloud to a escape the ‘enemy’.
This Times Record (Troy, New York) article on December 14, 1961, shares the news that the Rensselaer County Sheriff just received a new jeep (FC-150) and boat.
Blaine shared this ‘toy’ jeep he saw on Collectors Weekly. Neither of us had seen it before, but a commenter on that site said it was an “Art Decor piece likely sold at Hobby Lobby.”
“It’s a vintage Jeep Tin Toy that I recently bought. The writing on the hood is “U.S.A. 252678548”. It measures about 11 1/2 inches long, about 4 inches tall, and about 5 inches wide. On the bottom, it has “52” stamped on it. On the hood, it has a star.”
In the May 25, 1941, issue of the Des Moines Register, Iowan reporter Donald Grant describes his first ride in a jeep (Ford GP). Also included is a short article about three Iowan kids who died tragically during the previous weekend.
This combo sold on eBay for $62.89. It features what appears to be a Leddy Willys MA model jeep + a built Ford GPA (possibly a Leddy model also). I was about to make a $110 bid to buy both just before the auction ended, but then I noticed the model box had no top. I thought that hurt the value, so declined to bid. I may regret that as the chances of finding another Leddy MA model probably isn’t very good.
UPDATE: Thanks for everyone’s quick input, we’ve solved this mystery. This particular grille is a 1969-1971 grille (see more in the comments).
Darin posted on Facebook this grille with tear-drop shaped parking light holes.
The catalog number for this Warn Hub document is 2-55, which might mean February of 1955. It shows the WL-2 Locking model on one side and the WA-1 Automatic model on the other.
UPDATE: I found this 18-page Warn Selective Drive Hub Service and Repair Manual on eBay last week. This appears to be an earlier version (February of 1955?) than the PDF version linked to at the very bottom of this post (which covers WL-2 and WO-1 hubs). It covers the WA-1 Automatic Hub and the WL-2 hub. This is document No. WD-255.
This looks to be a Willys-Overland produced matchbook that allowed dealers to add their names. In this case, Ike’s Haugland Motor Company out of Wheaten, Minnesota, added its brand to this matchbook. The interior of the matchbook was the biggest surprise to me, as it listed the 9 reasons why the jeep can do all it does.
These are interesting, but seem pretty high priced at $360. One photo reportedly includes Delmar Roos.
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“This is a 1950 Willys Overland press release. It has five pictures in the folder with an explanation of each picture stapled to the back. The folder is not in perfect shape, please see pics. One photos has a crease in it”
I wonder where this jeep is.
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“You are bidding on a 35mm slide of
Paden City (WV) Willys Jeep Brush Truck/Forestry Unit
Credit to the original photographer, who retains any copyright
Shipping and Handling – $2.00”
Roger Martin spotted this GEE-I Jeep with its display box. Shipping is only $10.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/159410239058143
“VINTAGE 1940’s THE BRAMD NEW GEE-I JEEP PUSH BUTTON CONTROL ,SOLID RUBBER WHEELS,FORWARD REVERSE NOT TESTED DONT NO IF IT WORKS. VIBRO-ROLL PRODUCTS MANUFACTURE OF QUALITY TOYS PITTSBURGH PA. WITH ORIGINAL BOX WITH SOME SHELF WARE”
This is a 1976 372-page manual (reprint) that includes information on the rare (non-postal) DJ-5s and DJ-6s.
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/d/roseville-jeep-universal-cj-dj-factory/7253156744.html
“1966 – 1971 Jeep Universal CJ / DJ – JEEP Factory Shop Repair and Service Manual – SM-1046 / High-quality, 1975 reproduction 372-page manual which was written and first published by the experts at the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Jeep Corporation, for use by their dealership mechanics. Now, this great service manual can be yours!
MODELS COVERED:
1966 Jeep CJ3
1966 – 1971 Jeep CJ5
1966 – 1968 Jeep CJ5A
1966 – 1971 Jeep CJ6
1966 – 1968 Jeep CJ6A
1966 – 1971 Jeep DJ5
1966 – 1968 Jeep DJ6
1966 – 1967 Jeep Universal
Has wear as seen in the pictures, a little dirty on the outside but, all the pages are in excellent condition – Leave your nice books at home and keep this one in your Jeep!”
This series of 5″x7″ photos were taken at the Esslingen Germany shop where jeeps were reconditioned. It’s not clear if these are reprints, but still a rare bit of history.
1. This image shows recondition jeeps parked and ready:
2 . This image shows more recondition jeeps parked and ready:
3. This jeep is hanging from a hoist as part of its rebuild:
On July 30, 1953, newspapers across the country ran full-page or nearly-full-page ads announcing the combination of Kaiser Frazer and Willys-Overland into Kaiser-Willys. Maury spotted an actual ad, though not full-page, from the Minnesota Morning Tribune that is for sale on eBay: View all the information on eBay
Here’s an example of a full-page ad below that was published in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
This undated photo shows a line up Ford GPA Seeps ready for action.
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“World War II Photo Stockpile of Amphibious Jeeps or Ford GPA Seep, 8″x10″”
This ad appeared in the October 30, 1962, issue of the Indiana Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania). Like other newspaper ads I found, no jeeps were placed within the movie ad itself. I know lots of other literature showed jeeps, such as movie posters. However, I was surprised to see no jeeps in any newspaper ads. Apparently, Ruffners, a jeep dealer in Indiana, Pennsylvania, didn’t like this either, so the company placed their ad within a Hatari Ad.
UPDATE: This post originated with an 8×10 glossy photo at the very bottom. Now, there is a small photo (from a personal camera?) version of the same photo for sale on eBay. It almost seems a reprint?
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“Good vintage condition; some corner and edge wear, 3.5″ X 3.5″ and 4.5″ X 3, glossy. Please see the photos for more details. Smoke free home.”
Compare this vintage photo with the larger one at the bottom. Coincidence that they look the same?
I thought I’ve also seen this image around as well, but I can’t find another example at the moment.
==============
Original Post March 2, 2020: Since I posted this, Barney has determined that this is likely a 1963 Tux Park III CJ-5. He reports the following:
“I went to my library and W-1155 particulars for the Mk III show it CJ5 only. The one for the Mk IV printed in 1964 W-1175 show availability as a 5a and 6a.”
“Here’s a classic & very scarce 8″ tall by 10” wide B&W glossy photo from a Chattanooga, Tennessee Jeep dealer advertising the John Wayne movie “Hatari” back in 1962 -Photo features a real photo image of a man (presumably a local radio DJ from WKDA radio named Eddie Kilroy) dressed in safari gear with a pith helmet and rifle seated in an open jeep with signs all over the outside of the vehicle reading: “See and Drive the new Jeep Tornado OHC Powered Bob Pearsall Motors”… “Kilroy is Here! to see Hatari! Starring John Wayne NOW Tennessee Theatre.”… “See and Drive the new Tornado OHC Powered Jeep at Bob Pearsall Motors”… “I’m Eddie Kilroy the great game player from WKDA 1240 on the dial. Follow me to Hatari! at the beautiful Tennessee Theatre”… “See Hatari! Tennessee Theatre. See Jeep Vehicles in Action! Bob Pearsall Motors”
The vehicle is parked in a downtown lot with other billboard signs all around too-The photo has some wear with a minor center crease, but still a neat dual collectible item that will display nicely! How many of these throwaway items survived? This is an ORIGINAL item, NOT A REPRODUCTION item!
Here’s a 7″x9″ photo that includes a Slat Grille MB.
View all the information on eBay
“WWI
Army
Willys Jeep
Springfield Rifle
Photo #1
Size: 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches
Condition: Good condition”
In 1963, the city of Tucson, Arizona, was looking to save money on garbage costs. That summer an experiment was tried whereby a CJ-5 towing three garbage trailers was used to cut garbage transportation costs. I could not find any information on how long the experiment lasted.
This first photo showing the jeep, trailers and how a trailer was dumped into a larger truck, was published in the Tucson Citizen May 24, 1963:
This article from May 22, 1963, published in the Arizona Daily Star, provides more information on the experiment:
Roger Martin shared this Canadian Jeep Junkee photo of a CJ-5 that (I think) has been transformed into a train engine. I tried to learn more, but had no luck. It’s unclear to me where this might be located.
In a June 11, 1941, article in the Austin American-Statesman, William T. Rives describes his first “blitz buggy, jeep or jitterbug, as it is variously called” ride while visiting Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas.
