Unusual Research Archives

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WWI Four Wheel Drive Star — Nash Quad

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

It was one of those days where I was searching for one thing and found another:  The Nash Quad Truck (the truck to the right is a 1919 Nash Quad, Owned by Bruce and Melanie Rice #8880).  These are 4wD with four wheel steering.  (see the video below to see a quad and its steering in action)

It turns out, these were a big hit during World War I.  In the Story of the Jeep, Patrick Foster writes that the Quad ” … dramatically proved it’s worth … and proved the value of four wheel drive …”

Here’s a brief history from the Pioneer Flight Museum:

The Nash Quad was first manufactured in 1914 by the Thomas B. Jeffrey Company, which was located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It became quite popular during World War I and was used by the armed forces of not only the United States, but also Russia, France and Britain. One of the first motor vehicles to offer four-wheel drive, the Quad proved very suitable to the rough, unpaved roads of the time. In 1916, Jeffrey sold the production rights to the Nash company. Because of its popularity, it was produced in large numbers, including license production by Hudson, National, and Paige-Detroit. Exact numbers aren’t known, but apparently over 11,000 were produced in 1918 alone.

Here’s a video of a Nash Quad being started and driven:

 
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Austin 7 — Grandfather of the Jeep?

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

So, I’m doing my best to avoid going out to my parents very cold, damp garage to finish fixing my mom’s car.  Of course, the internet is one of the best avoidance tools ever invented.

FLAT FENDER BABES:
On a lark, I typed in ‘Flat Fender Babes’ into google just to see if anything came up.  While most of the links were garbage, one link lead me to a list of significant production automobiles, created by Angry Stan at AngryStan’s blog.  Naturally, one of the vehicles listed was the Willys MB.  What was interesting about the MB’s inclusion was Stan’s comment that the MB was “very loosely based on the Austin 7”.

Whoa .. news to me.  What you talkin’ ’bout Stan?

Continue reading

 
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Builds – Half Tracks, The T-28, T-29 & T-29 E1

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

t28_half_trackI’ve never investigated the Half-Tracks and didn’t know much about them.  So, when Brian sent me the link to the Milweb.net website, it was great surprise.  The page is a combination historical overview and successful treasure hunt.  Here’s how the author starts.

“After America had entered the war, one of the most important military bases was the Aleutians in Alaska, since a Japanese attack on the Aleutians. So Alaska became a primary military zone of importance. But with bad weather and a lot of snow, the need for tracked vehicles was important. So the US Army Air Corps got in touch with the Canadian Bombardier Company with the idea to develop a series of tracked vehicles using rubber wheels of large diameter driving a wide, flexible track with metal cross bars. Also the intense aviation activity created enormous difficulties for personnel confronted with a cold climate and bad weather for most part of the year….. ”

You can visit this page to read the entire story.  It’s quite extensive.  The information on how the rebuild was done on the T-28 is equally interesting, including the use of a model A rim.

 
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1941 Ford GP United Kingdom **SOLD**

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

1941_ford_gpUPDATE: **SOLD** Was $24,500.

This rare Ford GP is listed at £17,500, which currently converts to $24,500.  It was listed back in June of 2008 on the Willysjeep.com site, which is a UK based jeep site. I assume it’s still for sale as it’s still listed on their website for sale.  There are also a GPW, some MBs and some Hotchkiss jeeps for sale there as well.

“A very Rare Pre-Production Ford GP Jeep (1941). This is one of only a handfull that remain in the UK today. Restored to a high level. For more information, please call today on 01694 731373. This Ford GP, was imported to Europe some years ago, this Jeep was restored some years ago and has been recently freshened up and it has many nice original features and looks great. However certain detail parts are not original, e.g fitted with a more moderm carb/air filter. The Jeep can either be detailed or used as is. And is well priced to allow for final detailing/ finishing touches at £17,500 including full new beechwood canvas kit.”

 
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Flat Fender Monster Truck Marengo, Oh $44,000

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

willys_monstertruck_marengoI don’t know what these are worth, but you don’t see these everyday.

“TOO MANY FEATURES TO MENTION, PICS ARE BEFORE CUSTOM PAINT JOB, ALSO HAVE LARGER MUD TIRES W/ CUSTOM RIMS, EVEN HAS CUSTOM PTO FOR PROPELLOR IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE IT INTO WATER, NEED TO SELL ASAP $44,000 not a misprint, It’s a full size toy for men! CALL MONTY 419-253-8631”

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1060914213.html

 
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1946 CJ-2A Independance, Mo eBay

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

1946_cj2a_independanceHere’s a very usual jeep.

“No title, strickly trail rig, Motor trans and transfer case all work good. dana 44 front and dana60 in rear with 488 gears. four link rear 3link front. Full hydraulic steering no sterring box.5 point harness x2 in front. winch mount, 700r4 trans, lockouts, axles are welded, needs brake booster or master cylinder. I will need a $500.00 deposit within 24 hours of end of auction.”

View all the pics on eBay

 
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1947 Frankenstinian Monster – Manchester, Ct **SOLD**

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

1947_cj2athingUPDATE:  This sold for $698

An eWillys reader somehow found this in the ‘other makes’ section of ebay Motors.  It made me laugh, so I have posted this for your Sunday amusement.  Even though the starting bid is only $99, there are no bids.

“… The complete, unaltered 4WD drivetrain from that 1947 Willys Jeep: engine, tranny, transfer case, front & rear drive, suspension, steering, cooling system, etc. was installed on a homemade (C channel) frame. Most of the body, tilt bed & plow were also homemade. I must say, while “strange”, (owner is a carpenter), everthing is “well built”….. “

 
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1942 Jeepney Sultan, Wa eBay

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

1942_jeepney_sultanUPDATE:  It’s back …..

While I’ve managed not to finish my treatise on jeepneys — the draft form of which includes what a person needs to do to import a jeepney and the prices of some older ones — I really don’t believe this is a 1942 Jeepney.  Even if there are parts leftover from said 1942 jeep, most of the rest of the jeepney looks more like a later model jeepney (though it is not like the latest models).   Here’s a little more about Jeepneys.  If the seller reads this and wishes to correct me, please contact me.

“1942 jeepney ,vietnam era Philippines taxi,this is a unrestored original,it has a great running willy four cyl flat head motor,warn high low with over drive,this jeepney is in good running driving condition,overall condition is good some of the chrome needs to be replated it has a dent on back corner of roof, paint is in great condition has all original parts,my family purchased it in around 1974 had it sent to Sarao Motors to add lettering to personalize it and then had it shipped to Seattle it has alway been garaged and has been hidden in our barn since 1984. One of only a handful left in the world, most have found their way into museums. The Jeepney were constructed from US military jeep left over from World War II, This jeepney was constructed by a company named Sarao Motors,the sarao motor company lengthened wheel base added roofs,side curtains,fender skirts and more, they also painted them in vibrant colors and covered them with bright chrome ornaments,”

View all the pics on eBay

 
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1947 Empire Tractor (uses Willys drive train) Drexel, Mo **SOLD**

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

1947_empiretractor_drexelUPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.

Empire Tractors were built from parts that are also used by Willys, such as the transfercase (spicer 18), transmission (t-90), differential (spicer 25) and more.  You can learn more about the specs for these tractors here.  Note that the seller claims these were built out of surplus WWII jeeps, however the t-90 was a CJ-2A tranny, so it seems more likely to me that they shared parts with the CJ-2A rather than built from the MB.

“HERE WE HAVE A RARE 1947 EMPIRE TRACTOR. MODEL 88-90 MADE IN 11-47 SERAIL NUMBER 6352 IT WAS RESTORED ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO AND HAS BEEN KEPT INSIDE ALL IT’S LIFE. THIS HAS WILLYS JEEP ENGINE AND TRANS,AND ALOT OF OTHER JEEP PARTS IN IT,THAT ARE ORGINAL TO THE TRACTOR. THESE TRACTORS WERE BUILT AFTER WWII OUT OF SURPLUS ARMY JEEPS. THE PAINT SHOWS SOME WEAR . THE TIRES ON BACK ARE ORGINAL AND FRONTS HAVE BEEN REPALCED. COMES WITH ORGINAL LIGHTS AND GENERATOR IN A BOX. IT HAS HAD ONLY 3 OWNERS AND RUNS AND DRIVES LIKE IT SHOULD, READY TO USE OR SHOW. THIS COMES WITH A BELLY SICKLE MOWER,THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED IN 20 YEARS. 3500 FIRM. MY NUMBER IS 660-267-3282 THANKS FOR LOOKING”

http://www.empiretractor.net/spec.html

 
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M-151 Mutt Engine/Tranny Portland, Or $950

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

m151_engine_tranny_portlandI have no idea what these are worth, but I suspect they aren’t common?  M-151 website

“151 powertrain 12000 mi. has run at my shop on pallet. kept in barn for years. you pick up I have forklift/loader AM general 1973 engine is what tag says has starter, generator, radiator, 24volt system. $900 obo, we’ll talk. I don,t email so call 541 974 4501 Eric from 8am to 9pm”

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pts/967675736.html

 
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Volkswagen Jeep Kit Sun Valley, Ca eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Unusual, VEEP (VW Jeep), Scamp, Others This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  This sold for $810 on Jan 1 2009

Maybe there are more of these VW kits than I realized.  This is the fourth I’ve seen for sale this year.  While the seller claims this is a 1942 body, all the kits, including this one, appear to me to use a version of the M-38 body (or replica body).

“YOU ARE BIDDING ON A 1942 WILLYS JEEP BODY ON A VOLKSWAGEN DRIVE TRAIN / CHASSIS. THIS CAR HAS A 1600 ENGINE WITH A VW MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE EXTERIOR COLOR IS RED AND RED INTERIOR WITH BROWN BUCKET SEATS. THE TIRES ARE IN FAIR CONDITION AND BRAKES ARE GOOD ALSO. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN STORAGE AND HAS NOT BEEN STARED FOR 7 YEARS BUT THE MOTOR TURNS OVER….”

View all the pics on eBay

 
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Book Review: The Jeep (book) by the Olyslager Organisation

• CATEGORIES: Bantam-FordGP-WillysMA-EarlyJPs, Books, Features, Unique Jeeps, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I don’t know when or where it came from, but at some point my parents obtained a book simply titled “The Jeep“.  It was mostly a picture book, which as a young kid was perfectly fine with me.  I open and looked through it many, many times. Ok, I still open it ….

However, it wasn’t just a book with a few pics of jeeps you see everyday.  Instead, it’s a slim book full of a wide range of pictures.  Of course, there’s the standard bantam, mb, seep, gpw, etc. But, there’s also, for example, 3 images of the Willys/Nuffied modified airborne jeep, seen to the right (though not from the book — it’s from a russian site — the book images of the Willys/Nuffield are at the bottom of this post).

I bring this up, as I ran across a copy of the book at the Boise Library today.  So, I snapped a few images of the pictures with my digital camera (hence the poor quality – purchase the book to see them sharply) and will post a some of them.

I haven’t asked for permission to post them (I TRIED to, but can’t find the contact info for them), so I’ll add this pitch for the book.  This book is a must for any jeep nut.  While it’s a fairly small book with only 64 pages, the collectors prices (at amazon) were hovering around $45. It’s a perfect size for your kids.  The organization responsible for publishing the book is the Olyslager Foundation (link?), which has published a number of other cool books listed at the Open Library Project.

Now for some cool, but poor quality pics to wet your appetite…

One of my favorite sections of the book show how quickly a crate jeep can be put together.  The book documents this particular group only took 3 minutes and 31 seconds to put it togther.

Check out the rest of the pics …..

Continue reading

 
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Volkswagen Jeep Kit Leo, IN **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Unusual, VEEP (VW Jeep), Scamp, Others This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2995.

I’ve never seen pics of this jeep kit for the volkswagen.  I’ve only seen ads for two other vw jeeps, both didnt’ have pics.  An interesting collectors vehicle.

“WILLYS CJ3A-Hadley Veep Kit from Costa Mesa, Cal. 1980 with 1971 Beetle Drivetrain, Flat Fenders, Low Hood, Rides Great and Handles like a Go Kart with New Disc Brakes/System, American Racing Wheels Professionally Polished, New Fulda 195/60/15 Radial Tires,KYB-GR2-Shocks,New Front Axle- Adjustable, New Ball Joints,Tie-Rods…”

 
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Year? 2 M-715s Federal Way, Wa No Price

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

No price is listed for these two M-715s.  I have no idea what these are worth, but I don’t often run across them.  The seller is clearing out his garage of tools and his field of vehicles.  No specifics listed.

“2 M715 1 ¼ ton Military Jeep projects”

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/936041256.html

 
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USMC MightyMite Sultan, Wa **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.

These don’t pop up for sale often.

“Very good condition USMC MightyMite Jeep. $3500 – buyer picks up.”

 
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1977 Russian UAZ 469-B San Diego, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay

For that 4×4 collector that has almost everything?

“You are bidding on a very hard to find 1977 UAZ 469-B, 4X4, Ex- Russian Military Jeep VIN# 203815. The 2.5 L gasoline motor with only 40,000 KM runs very good. It has a 4-speed manual transmission with a high, neutral and low range transfer case. These trucks are rugged and simple 4X4’s, very popular in the Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.”

 
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Old FC 150? Portland, Or $2495

• CATEGORIES: FC150-FC170-M677, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

My guess is that this is a modified FC 150?   No doubt it’s rare! Maybe It’s the perfect vehicle for that FC collector who has it all.  It sounds as if it runs, but the owner doesn’t have a key?

“Unique vehicle. May be custom built. was told that the running gear was from a 1953 Willys. The seats are from a Volkswagen. The front windshield is movable. Has tow bar attached to the front. 6 volt battery system. Has a swivel arm on the back. 2 front seats. 4 wheel drive. Purchased it with my property and don’t know if it runs. Has never been registered. don’t have a key. The original owner was a hunter and did use this vehicle. Price $ 2495.00 or best offer.”

 
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Wrangler Baja Race Jeep — Arizona **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $14,000

“Wrangler built to race in the desert. This Jeep has a long winning history but used very little the last 10 years.
Built to be Score legal. Race built AMC 401. Art Carr AMC 400 Turbo Automatic transmission. Dana 60 rear end, 456 gears, & Summers full floating axles. Mastercraft seats, 5 point harness. Flame-out fire ext. system. 32 gallon JAZ fuel cell. 5 brand new Pro Comp 35 X 12.50 X 15 tires.Comes with spare AMC 401 motor, spare raditator, tires & wheels, spare shocks, several sets of leaf springs, drive shafts, and another 4 boxes full of spare parts. $14000, OR TRADE FOR ??????”

 

 
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The Austin Gipsy

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

Expanding from the previous post about Austin Champs, the Austin Gipsy was a chance for Austin Champ designers to start from scratch using what they had learned from the Champ.

One of the most interesting features was an independent suspension design as seen in the drawing to the right.

Austin Gipsy Links:

 
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1961 CJ-3B Fire Truck Connecticut eBay

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

UPDATE:  CJ-3B back on eBay in new auction

This is strange .. it appears this is the same CJ-3B that was for sale on eBay in Ohio a few months ago.

“1961 Willys CJ3B Fire Truck 4×4. Original condition. No rust. Only 4729 original miles. 4 cylinder gas engine. 3 speed manual transmission. Brass self priming water pump, approx. 60 GPM @ up to 200 psi, works fine, can also pump and roll. 160 gallon water tank, redone in 2002, no leaks. 2 ground sweep nozzles, 2 hose reels with 5/8″ hose and nozzles. 4 stainless steel indian tanks, 2 axes side mounted. 2 full purple K powder extinguishers. 300′ 1.5″ forestry hose. PTO driven Ramsey winch. Set up to look like the Tonka fire jeep. Spare axles, carb, grille screen, and original service records included.”

View all the pics on eBay

 
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1958 Flatfender Rockclimber Spanaway, Wa $6000

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

UPDATE:  Price is now $6000.

Looks like there’s been some time and money put into this rock climbing flatfender.

“58 willys flatfender it has a chevy 350,sm420 tranny, dana 44 axles with 538 gearing and detroit lockers,38″ bogger tires,4wheel disc brakes,8000lb warn winch,propane injection fuel system, custom roll cage,raceing bucket seats…comes with double axle car trailer…6,000 obo call ted @ 253-832-0728 ”

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/841818231.html

 
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Stainless Steel on Suzuki Chassis **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: Was on eBay.

“JEWELS SEMI STAINLESS WILLYS.  JEEP IS SET ON 1987 SUZUKI CHASSIS HAS 4 CYL MOTOR, 5 SPEED TRANI, AND IS FOUR WHEEL DRIVE.EVERY THING WORKS AND MOTOR RUNS VERY GOOD. BODY HAS STAINLESS TAILGATE (VERY RARE),STAINLESS ROLL BAR,TIRE CARRIER. TOP IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION ALSO HAS SIDE DOORS. HAS SPRAY IN LINER INSIDE OF TUB.ODOMETER READS 883 MILES I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS CORRECT OR NOT BUT BY THE CONDITION I WOULD SAY ITS GOTTA BE FAIRLY CLOSE.”

 
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SCAMP Jeep Batavia, OH **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Unusual, VEEP (VW Jeep), Scamp, Others This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD* Was $5000.

“made by hadley engineering in costa mesa california it is a 48-52 cj3/m38 built on 60s vwfront beam and rear torsion.has vw swingaxle with 1200cc engine runs and street legal.titled as vw”

 
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1946 CJ-2A Conway, Mass No Price

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

The ad for this jeep is pretty funny.  Note the comment "No Rot".  Now, look at the pic — somewhere along the line there must have been some rot (unless that wooden box seat was a rare factory option)! 

"1946 willys jeep cj2a original 4 cylinder, twin stick transfer case, some sort of wood body from previous owner, runs strong, no rot call with any offer 413-231-4677"

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/car/752836470.html 

 
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1961 CJ-3B (fire engine) Ohio ebay

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

Obviously, these aren't available every day, especially with less than 5k miles.  A great collector piece!

"1961 Willys jeep, 4270 original mileage ( no misprint) original 4cylinder engine, 4 wheel drive; 3 speed manual transmission; 5 ton front -pto driven winch ( original equipment) very good tires; 160 gallon water tank that is easily removable; siren and lights.Maintainance records will be provided. This Willys can be put back into original state easiliy. Always garaged; This vehicle was used as a brush fire vehicle by fire department. Buyer will receive extra rear axle and original tire and rim. must sell as per Federal Grant requirements."

View more pics on eBay