Unusual Research Archives

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Russian Amphibian ATV Virginia Beach, Va eBay

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Dave spotted this unusual vehicle; This might be the ultimate hunter … It creeps, it floats, it works on natural gas.

“This auction is for Russian army creeper all-terrain vehicle – amphibious GAZ-61-S.
Represents the floating all-terrain vehicle combining the cabin of the driver and awning cargo-and-passenger cabin. Was made in 1968 at the secret Gorkiy military plant and is created for exploitation in especially difficult road climatic conditions, for the delivery of the polar explorers and cargoes, to make surveys in such places as taiga, tundra, to deliver shift services on the objects of work, for the delivery of the supply and various goods.”

View all the pics on eBay

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FN4hP4azJc

 
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Year? CJ-2A Jamul, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $600. **SOLD**

“Willys Jeep. 49-51 Willys Jeep CJ-l. Customer fiberglass cab. Local San Diego Truc, 4cly, 4SP, P.T.O- 4WD. All there, Black plates, Not running. Project, lots of potential. Former Glass Truck. RARE- No paperwork. $600 OBO.”

 
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A Willys of Frankenstinian Proportions $1500 (OD)

• CATEGORIES: Features, GPW (Ford MB), Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500.

On a trip to Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho, Dan discovered this unusual project.   Underneath all the modifications is a 1943 GPW.  What’s amazing to me is that, all things considered, it doesn’t look all that bad.  Someone certainly cobbled together a variety of vehicles, along with a healthy supply of diamond plating to keep this vehicle on the road.  No doubt it was better than sporting a soft top in cold weather.

 
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Paul finds a MB with an unusual Ford Cab Mod

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

Paul writes that the days are getting longer and the temperatures warmer, allowing him to check in on friends across Alaska.  While looking over one collection recently, he spotted this unusually well done transformation. Those terra tires sure looking in good condition, too! Paul, be sure to thank your friend for sharing this with us!

Paul writes, “I’ll try to remember what he told me concerning the construction / modification of this Jeep but it appears a Ford pickup cab was grafted onto the Jeep body, the four cylinder engine was replaced with a V8, Scout axles replaced the original axles and I think he said the transmission was replaced with a T90 along with numerous other modifications but you can see for yourself when you check out the pictures.  With the power of the V8 this little Jeep can quickly dig holes with the tires while in low range and gassing it just about makes the Jeep jump in high range…”

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1982 CJ-3B Mitsubishi Oklahoma **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B, Unusual • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8688

“They are right hand drive. (Can be converted) Other than that all other parts interchange. We carry a full line of replacement parts. This Jeep is equipped with a 2″ lift, 32″ tires, aluminum mag wheels, bucket wrap around contour seats, It has High/Low 4×4 & 4×2 Tranny & Transfer case. Soft Top & Doors. We have been completely thru this Jeep & found it to be in excellent mechanical condition.  With No Rust. The engine will out perform even a 6 cylinder & even  V-8’S in most any terrain. It has a throttle set for climbing the steepest grades with ease & no bouncing accelerator pedal. Diesel engine means long life, depenability &  excellant braking desending the steepest of grades…..”

1982_mitsubishi_cj3b_oklahoma

 
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1942 GPW Vacaville, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: GPW (Ford MB), Sedan-jeep, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.

This is an odd build.  I wonder just how that top is attached.

‘hello i have a 1942 ford jeep, has its orig gpw motor , run and drives , have pink slip in hand , is non opt .. call me at ”

 
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CJ-2A BBQ Fort Worth, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was  Make Offer.

Now, this is cool!  Mark spotted this beauty.

“im selling or trading this jeep grill i need a running jeep or a nice four wheeler for trade or if you are intrested shoot me a pic and a offer. it does not have a motor, title, front wheels this is a custom made jeep whillys 1952 and lights work and everything is legal call but (ONLY IF YOU ARE SERIOUS) and make yur offer thanks. by the way if you see it i still have it thanks.”

 
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1948 Swamp Buggy Avon Park, Fl **Status Unknown**

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

UPDATE: Was $2500. Status Unknown

“1948 willys jeep turned platform swamp buggy on 38″ ground hawgs. pistons need rings.. it smokes but runs good. Wiring going from starter to battery needs to be replaced and 3 out of 4 axles need to be swapped (they are 48$ each and can be swapped without taking of the rim/tire.. 8 easy bolts). I don’t have time or money to play with it. I paid 3800 as is and have driven it around the property.. it does run good besides the smoke.”

 
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1969 Sand Toy Marcellus, In **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Engine, Other 4x4s, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was Make Offer.

This engine sounds interesting, though it’s seized with rust. I’d sure like to tear it apart and check it out.

“DANA 44 IN REAR WITH 513 GEARS MARK WILLIAMS AXLES AND LOCKER 40 IN FRONT WITH LOCKER HAS CLUTCH TURBO 400 VERY WICKED TRANS HAS LADDER BARS 5 POINT HARNESS HAS NICE PADDLES AND FRONT TIRES HAS 231 BUICK BUILT TO GILLS WITH NOS CRANE ALUM SHAFT MOUNT ROCKERS DOUBLE VALVE SPRINGS 194 VALVES VERY LARGE SOLID CAM FORGED PISTONS POLISHED H BEAM RODS STEEL CRANK WEIAND SMOKIE YUNICK INTAKE MALLORY DIST AFB 750 CARB ENGINE SAT AND SEIZED DUE TO RUST IN CYLS NEEDS BORED OR CHANGE BLOCK REALLY DONT WANT TO SELL ENGINE JUST GET RID OF EVERYTHING ELSE BUT FOR RIGHT DEAL WELL YA KNOW”

 
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1947 ‘Willys’ish Dolores, CO **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8000

Here’s a wild rig.

“1947 Willys jeep 4×4 , inline 2 seater, custom body with lots of diamond plate, Chevy feul injected v6, winch , good tires, modified suspension for a smoother ride. Asking $8000 OBo.”

 
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Mitsubishi J-52 Jacksonville, NC **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: International, Other 4x4s, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $9500 **SOLD**

This is an interesting jeep.  I am not familiar with the J-52, though I haven’t researched the early history of Mitsubishi.  The seller of this has been doing research of his own on this jeep for several years, as a post on the Willys M Jeeps forums as early as 2006 notes his search efforts.  The photos of this jeep are worth reviewing as it is a combination of some unusual features.  A quick search did reveal the J-53/54.  Finally, I found this table that shows the J-52 had the KE47 engine.

“Before I can get into the specifics of this little jeep, I feel I need to explain a little about it because there is very little information about the Mitsubishi J52 on the internet, and there are no photographs I can find depicting the body style like the one you see here. I found this one at a little jeep lot on Okinawa around 2006.  The dealer said it had come with a shipment of used jeeps from Tokyo.  I bought it and restored it there on the island, and the Government shipped it to the US as part of my household goods when my family and I returned from overseas.  I have had it since then and it has enjoyed local acclaim, appearing in several parades and winning “Best All Around” at a local car show.  All guys — and all little kids — absolutely love it!

It is my OPINION that this was one of the original Mitsubishi/Willys collaboration after WWII.  It’s a very early model J52, serial number “J52-00261”, and from this I believe the production number to be #261, or that this jeep was number 261 off the production line.  Because there are radio mount holes and radio table holes in the right rear fender, and because of the rifle mount racks present on the windshield frame, I believe this jeep to have been actually used and maintained by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces after the US stopped occupation in the early 1950’s.  It is also my opinion that they continued to use this jeep until 1973, when it was sold to the civilian market.  I believe this for two reasons:  first, the title says it’s a 1973 model; second, I can’t find a photograph of a 1973 Mitsubishi J52 that looks like this one.  (I also can’t prove a bit of this!)

This jeep was fully restored in 2006, everything was taken off the vehicle and repaired/restored/repainted; however, we did not take the tub off the frame.  I wish we had, because the channels are beginning to rust, and there are a few rust spots beginning to show around the door seams on the tub.  There is also some rust on the inner windshield frame where water collected underneath the glass and rusted it from the inside.  Other than those, there are a few very small bubbles beginning to appear, which I can point out to a serious bidder.  There is no rust on the floor pans or in the bed, the footpads are solid, the frame is undercoated and protected.  This is a solid jeep.

The engine is a Mitsubishi KE-47 gasoline powered four-cyliner.  It runs like a top and purrs like a kitten.  There are no oil leaks, compression is great.  Manual choke.  Transmission shifts great, three-speed with reverse.  Four-wheel drive and high/low transfer cases all work.  All lights work, although it has recently developed a dislike of high-beam headlights – sometimes they won’t come on and lows will have to do.  Front blackout lights work!  Fender-mounted blackout light is not connected.  Vacuum-powered wipers.

Canvas top was made on Okinawa by Mr. Shima, who used the old torn-up one as a pattern.  Seat pads are cordura and were made by Mr. Scott of Texas.

This jeep has been either carported or garaged since it’s been in the States.  Being in the military means moving a lot and sometimes it has had to do its “military share” by spending some time in the elements, but we have taken care of this jeep and it has meant a lot to our family.  We are headed back to Okinawa for another three years, and I think it’s time to send it on its way to another owner who will value and care for it.  If that’s you, you’re getting a good one and you can count on truthful answers to any questions you might have.”

 
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Overland Train North Pole, Ak **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $15,000.

Mark spotted this unusual find when it was still available early on Sunday.  However, it sold during the course of the day for $15,000.  I’d love to know where it lands as it is something very unusual and rather fantastical.

“In 1962, the Army tested a machine known as The Overland Train at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. It was designed to carry equipment and supplies over both on- and off-road terrains. The train consisted of the control car, ten self tracking cargo cars, and two power generating cars. It was 565 feet long and could haul 150 tons of cargo. The control car also contained living quarters for a crew of six, complete with sleeping, eating and sanitation facilities.

The enclosed pictures are of a sister unit here in Alaska. It’s important to note this is one of the last existing units of this type anywhere. This unit consists of the control car and 3 trailers (mostly aluminum). All the units have tires and we also have a large amount of extra tires & wheels. This unit does not run and is not operable however according to Le Tourneau, the manufacturer most if not all parts are still available and or re-buildable. Would also make a terrific static display for museum. This unit is for sale as is FOB North Pole, Alaska, to the highest bidder above the reserve set by the estate.”

 
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1951 CJ-3A Springfield, Oh $4000

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A, Jeep Rods, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Well, I can tell it is different, but from this one pic I can’t tell how different.

“1951 willys jeep rat rod call 330-285-5066”

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/1715422549.html

 
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CJ-5ish custom build Cheney, Wa $12000

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

This would be a fun jeep to check out.

“Every thing about this jeep is custom. Built 350 chevy motor, turbo 400 trans, detroit lockers, 456 gears, five 38″ boggers on and on.  ONLY REPLY IF YOU ARE SERIOUS.  I WILL NOT PART A THING OUT ON THIS JEEP, ALL OR NOTHING.”

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/1707462967.html

 
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1956 Truck Backhoe Pine City, MN $5000

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.

Here’s an unusual find.

“How about this boys! A 1956 Willys with backhoe. Someone said it is a factory military, is it? I don’t know, you tell me. Flat head 6 cylinder, 3 speed trans., 4 wheel drive. It runs and drives BUT has no brakes. I have a rebuilt master cylinder for it. The backhoe works great. Need to replace some hydrolic lines but it works the way it is. She is a rare one boys! Bring $5000 cash please-NOTHING LESS-and a trailer and she’s yours! ”

 
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Hobart Welder Gunlock, Ut $500

• CATEGORIES: Industrial-Welder-Generator, Machinery, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Brett spotted this Welder.  These are usually priced between $800 – $1200, so this appears to be a good price (if the fix is easy).

“Hobart Welder. 250 Amp 40 Volt. Willys engine. Welder was not making power when machine was parked. But the Willys jeep engine still ran. no emails. Please call 435-632-2415”

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=218&ad=10401670&cat=&lpid=

 
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A ‘Police’ Wagon from the Movie Plumm Summer Bozeman, Mt $4800

• CATEGORIES: Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Unusual, Willys Wagons • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4800.

After some searching, I found a movie trailer that shows a short clip of the Police Wagon (shown below).  You can see the entire trailer from this 2008 movie here.

“1960 willys jeep for sale. great condition. 4×4. Flathead Hurricane 6 original motor, ~100,000 miles. Was in the movie, “A Plumm Summer.” Painted like a sheriff vehicle. runs great, and always starts, may need to have the piston rings replaces, but all the seals were just redone. cheep to insure, and a great vehicle, some custom work was done to the back seats to turn them into side benches. this jeep has all original parts, except for 1 missing rear seat, but i have the replacement in storage.”

Plumm Summer Movie Willys Wagon

 
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Hobart Welder with Willys Engine Alstead, Nh $850

• CATEGORIES: Engine, Industrial-Welder-Generator, Machinery, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

These pop up everyone once in a while.

“Mounted on trailer ,good tires, ball coupler hitch, has Leads 250 Amp. with 110 volt Dc outlet. Lifting ring. Good sheet metal nice older machine working order. Willeys 4 cylinder gas motor. Complete unit ready to go ! Asking $850. or best offer Call Tom Konan for more info 603-352-5131 NO EMAIL DO – NOT – EMAIL ! Thank You”

http://nh.craigslist.org/grd/1689798363.html

 
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CJ-5 on Tractor Tires Sebring, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8000.

This jeep would be handy if you wanted to keep your flattie out of the rain;  just park the flattie underneath it.

“1950-60 WILLY’S JEEP BODY LONGER THAN NORMAL ON A INTERNATIONAL SCOUT 2 FRAME WITH THE ORIGINAL 345 MOTOR AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. HAS A ROCKWELL INDEPENDENT TRANSFER CASE AND 3/4 TON CHEVROLET RUNNING GEAR WITH 4.10’S FRONT AND REAR. IT SITS REAL HIGH, HOOD IS AT ABOUT 7 FOOT. TRACTOR TIRES ARE R1 11.2 X 38 AND LOOK NEW. I HAVE THE WINDOW FRAME AND HEADLIGHTS JUST NO TIME TO PUT IN. ALSO INCLUDES A DOUBLE AXLE 18 FOOT TRAILER CUSTOM MADE FOR THIS JEEP. ASKING $8000 FOR ALL INCLUDING SPARE PARTS. WILL CONSIDER TRADE FOR A NICE 4WD DIESEL TRUCK”

 

 
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Hot Dog Vendor Setup for a DJ-3A Surrey Howell, NJ **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: DJ-3A, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay

Bruce spotted this unusual jeep utility addition.  The seller notes they scrapped the jeep, but then says he was just kidding and is keeping the jeep (in other words, jeep is not for sale). Anyway, the hotdog vendor unit is certainly an unusual feature!

“Up for sale is a hot dog cooking insert for a willys jeep. Scrapped the jeep(was a little rusty) but thought the hot dog unit was worth saving. Has lots of places to cook stuff and it fits like a glove. Check out the pics. some modification to the wheel well on the drivers side to accomodate what looks to be a sink.probably could remove this piece so no cutting wheel well.Has all the valves and burners I think never tried it out. could use some nobs for the temp control. from the front of the jeep you can not tell this is in the back, and from the back you can not tell its  a jeep. from the side it looks like it should be there. happy bidding ! Only kidding about scraping the jeep, the jeep does not go with it. pickup in howell nj only. Pay in full and will hold inside as long as needed. this thing would be the hot diggity dog of the trail rides. good luck! Bill”

 
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Believe it or not, this is home made … Colfax, Wi **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $800

It’s $800 and runs .. what do you want?

“Willys jeep four wheel drive with low and high range. Runs good 4 speed tranny any quests”

 
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‘Willys’ Golf Cart Taberg, Ny $1800

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1800

I’m not sure if this is a brand of golf cart or a custom build.

“1991-1992 EZ-GO electric golf cart that was made to look like a Willys Jeep. Very good condition I am selling for my Father and am asking $1800.00 or best offer. For any honest responses, Thank you, for any of you idiot spammers out there I don`t have time for your B.S. SO DO NOT EVEN THINK OF SPAMMING ME. I WILL REPORT YOU TO CRAIGSLIST.”

 
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I don’t know what this is …. Azuza, Ca $12,000

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

UPDATE:  Please See Bill’s comment.  He went to check this one out.

I don’t know what this is, but it looks like someone has spent some money on it.

“UP FOR SALE IS EXTENDED JEEP WILLY/MAIL MAN JEEP…. MANY MANY FFEATURES….. 383 STROKER MOTOR-600 HP AND 500HP NITROUS TWO TANK SETUP FOGGER SYSTEM.  BRODET ALUM HEADS TI VALVES.  PISTONS CHILD AND ALBERTS
CARRILLOS RODS.  KEITH BLACK CRANKSHAFT. 2 SPEED POWERGLIDE TRANS/WITH TRANS BRAKE. 1350 DOMITOR HOLLEY CARB. MSD IGNITION. 4 NOS TANKS. FORD 9″ INCH REAR END. STREET/STRIP AXLES. SPOOL REAR END SOLID/POISE TRACTION. SO…… SO…. MANY THNGS TO LIST INVESTED OVER 70 GRAND.. HERE ARE SOME PICTURES IF INTRESTED CALL ME UP AT 626-213-8182 JAVIER OR 909-975-9329 RUDY..  ASKUNG 12,OOO OR BEST OFFER. NEED SOME MONEY TIMES ARE TOUGH…..”

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/rvs/1628684406.html

 
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An Ensign 100 Lyman, WY **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.

Brett spotted this rare Ensign 100 that’s in great condition.

“This is a Ensign mine mantrip that was purchased by my dad from a local mine in our area. It is a very well built outfit complete with 3\4 ton axels with disc brakes all the way around. It is powered by a 3.9 liter cummins 4 cylinder diesel with a chevy turbo 400 tranny. It is very low geared and tops out at about 30-35 mph. It runs and drives great. It has plenty of ground clearence even though it is only 2 wheel drive. With a little work I think it would be easy to make it a 4 wheel drive. It seats 2 up front with seats over the wheel wells. It has been here at my house since it was purchased and the kids and I have enjoyed driving it around our place. It would be great around a ranch or to use as a cruiser or to build a crawler out of it. Please feel free to call or email.”

 
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1949 Jeep Rod Palm Beach, FL **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, Jeep Rods, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  Was on eBay.  **SOLD**

(03/17/2010) If you are gonna build a jeep rod, go all the way.  This builder went farther than that.  How about the hood ornament or the cutout star on the hood.  Pretty unusual!

“This is a 1949 Willys CJ2-A that features- New frame and body from Willys Acres (Canada), Rebuild 134 Willys Jeep Motor & transmission, New brakes, starter, carb, alternator, clutch & drive shaft. Front 700 x 16 firestone military tires, new 16 x 4 wheels from coker tires, rear 820 x 15 firestone, 15 x 7.5 smoothy wheels from coker tires. wheels are powder coated red, chrome 30 Cal. Browning machine gun, 1957 chevy steering box”