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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: Still Available.
(01/24/2021) Another unusual JeepRod build.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3436258699817372
“Custom 59 Jeep Pickup rat rod, 430 Buick motor, automatic Trans, with quick change heavy duty rear, fuel cell, new battery, huge wide 5 tires and rims, electric fan, custom air cleaner, Wildwood front brake assembly, all new tires, must be seen.OR OFFER thanks Paul. OR TRADE. RAT ROD”
UPDATE: Price is now $9000.
(10/16/2020) What a crazy contraption. “El Burrito”‘s got style. It even has a mural on the back. I’m not quite sure how the rear extends, but it looks like someone would be safe from bugs.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/379875466485663
“A Prospector’s Dream or a mini RV!
A unique vehicle for the right individual. A fold out six foot bed behind the seats, and a “kitchen” underneath. Email me for videos showing the set ups. A 1944 WWII surplus jeep purchased in 1954. It is a Willy’s 4 cylinder. I think it might be a CJ 6.
Needs new gas tank (has 2 tanks, if you want to replace both) Seals and belts are dry, but should absorb fluids back when added. It was started, but turned off to avoid running bad gas through the carburetor. All the mini-van modifications can be removed to restore to original jeep without too much conversion.
If interested E-mail phone number to pungoriver@live.com and I will call you for further information. If you like make a bid.
It has been garaged.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500.
The frame isn’t 2A or 3A and the front clip appears have truck/wagon. The back appears to be a home brew.
“1946 willy’s, will trade or make offer.”
UPDATE: Joe-in-Mesa shared this pic of Ronald Reagan driving Mikhail Gorbachev around his ranch in his beloved Jeep Scrambler. The image was part of a Calendar his parents had.
Four Wheeler Magazine has a collection of photos showing both his CJ-6 and his CJ-8 Scrambler. Not shown in the Four Wheeler pics, but shown at the bottom, is the M-38A1 purchased by the Secret Service.
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Originally Posted November 12, 2020: The CJ-3B
A recent post highlighted Presidents and Jeeps. Included was a stock photo showing Ronald Reagan in his late model CJ-3B:
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Originally Posted March 30, 2016: The CJ-6
Former President Ronald Reagan’s CJ-6 was awarded national historic status in 2016 when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Vehicles. You can learn more here: https://www.hagerty.com/drivers-club/my-garage/78598943/national-historic-vehicle-register/a5c43c08-c897-4387-9edd-a9ffe6df3180
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Originally Posted May 10, 2013: This M-38A1 was for sale for $50,000 in 2010.
Well, if you are looking for a special Jeep for your collection and you love Presidential Stuff, then this is the jeep for you. Ronald Reagan’s personal M-38A1 which he owned from 1982 – 1996, before donating it. It’s now in the hands of a collector who wishes to sell it.
I’m less confident in the price than the seller (a dealer) is, but the real reason I posted this was for that unusual spare tire cover.
View all the information on eBay
“You are looking at a 1949 Willys Jeepster Overland Convertible! Solid vehicle with manual transmission and a flat 4. Just got it running and it is getting a new top and a brake job! Give me a call so we can talk about how we can make my car yours. I feel that my price of $12,000 is very realistic for a collector car like this one with the potential that this vehicle has.”
Roger Martin spotted this unique build, an M-38A1 transformed into a wood splitter. No description provided.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1611210942413745
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.
This is an odd, apparently purpose-built(?) four-wheel-drive utility vehicle.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3844599268896416
“50s jeep running gear and a body tob straight 6”
Here’s an unusual build on a 1953 chassis.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2793191420952248
“1953 Willis frame w/86 cj7 glass tub and one piece glass front end. Steel doors. Chevy 350 w/ aluminum heads nice cam aluminum intake and Holley 750. Turbo 400 trans w: ultra bell housing, dana300 transfer case. Model 20 rear axel , Dana front axel. Nice interior, am/fm/cd with amp and subwoofer. 39/18.5×15 Mickey Thomson Baja’s on aluminum wheels. This is not a show truck, it is super clean and built to drive. If it is listed it is still available. Will not respond to is it available”
(Originally Posted October 21, 2010): It’s easy to forget about the logistical challenges faced by the military to cover simple needs of the military. Showering in the field is one such example. A New Zealand-focused site has a page on the history of mobile laundry and baths from 1914-1990. Canada also had similar mobile services. How frequently such services actually appeared in the field is less clear to me, especially given the lack of photos of this equipment.
Back in 2010 I came upon the model below, which appeared on a new defunct website. The site showed how the builder created the model mobile bath.
The builder, Dave, had based his model on the picture below. In his post, he notes that the Jeep “was stationed in Germany in 1945 with the 2nd Battalion, The Kensingtons, 49th Division, Transport Centre, Iserlohn, Ruhr“.
This 1954 example out of France shows a mobile laundry unit of some type. This photo (page from book?) is for sale on eBay. The auction title is “Jeep transport laundry collective”.
This is an odd one.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/pts/d/panorama-city-1971-dj-jeep-on-x4-gm-ton/7227933049.html
“This is a 1971 Jeep (Postal Jeep) running on top of a 1993 Suburban 4×4 Big Block drivetrain… This is an unfinished project that I’m not going to have time to finish… The mechanicals are done and it runs and drives… Strong 454ci engine with TBI fuel injection and custom stand alone computer and engine wiring… Heavy duty 4L80E Trans… Dual exhausts… Power steering… Hydroboost brake system…
The Suburban drivetrain was from the limited edition version with the 1-Ton suspension and was low mileage… The whole thing is covered in Aluminum attached with hundreds of rivets… I have full pictures of it being built including pics the the removal/installation of the Suburban and Jeep bodies… Title is clean and registered on a non-op as a 1971 Jeep (so no smog)… This thing has had lots of hand fabrication work done to it that for the price I’m asking I will never get back!… If you’re looking for a completely unique project that is cheap and had most of the hard stuff done then my loss is your gain… There is a lot more done to it than you see in the pictures! Continue reading
UPDATE II: If you thought this was the only vehicle to be built in a muffler shape, think again. One Art Car website has pics of a variety of muffler-themed vehicles:
http://artcarcentral.com/muffler-mobiles-and-the-muffler-shops-that-made-them/
That site also had an additional photo of the yellow muffler mobile built on a CJ-2A body, which had been posted to Flickr:
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Originally posted September 03, 2012: Like the Oscar Meyer Mobile (on a FC), this is built on a jeep platform (CJ-2A). This sold on eBay in 2012.
“The Mufflermobile! What is The Mufflermobile? It’s a fully-functional four wheel drive 1948 Willys Jeep CJ2A that’s licensed for the road. The body has been replaced with a custom made wood framed, aluminum skinned replica of a muffler that’s 8 feet high and 11 feet long. This is the most unique advertising vehicle since the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile!
Purchase The Mufflermobile, wrap it with your company’s advertising message, park it around town or show it off at different events, and people will come to your business just to tell you that they saw it! They’ll tell their friends about it; they’ll post pictures of it on facebook and twitter. They will promote your business for you! You can’t buy advertising like that! Oh wait, yes you can! Bid to win or Buy It Now!
The Mufflermobile is located in the Fredericton, NB area and is being sold as-is, where-is, no warranty expressed or implied. It is, after all, a 64 year old muffler.”
UPDATE: Now priced at $2000 and located in Nampa.
(1030/2019) It appears to be a 2A body, give the ignition switch holes.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/814911889295291/
“4 wheel drive motor runs need fuel system flushed. Really cool project. Original motor.”
Older text and pics: Continue reading
UPDATE: Still Available.
(09/12/2020) Here’s an unusual one.
https://billings.craigslist.org/bar/d/billings-52-willys/7191971457.html
“52 willy’s small block chevy 410 gears locker stretched and widened runs great street legal lots of fun let me know what you’ve got”
UPDATE III: Robert’s RLT Husky
UPDATE II: Ray sent some pics of a Husky he built in 1992. (Also, if you are in the UK, I know of a Husky kit jeep for sale in Jersey)
Ray built this RLT Husky R.V. atop a Ford Escort MK2 chassis. It took Ray 2 years to build his rig. He combined the kit with original parts. As you can see, it is one of the more authentic looking Husky-jeeps built from the kit. Ray sold his RLT Husky in 1995.
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Originally posted August of 2013:
Sometimes called the Husky R.V. or the R.L.T. Husky, this Jeep Kit was sold out of the UK and used atop a Ford Taurus or Ford Escort Mark IV (and other cars?). It was available for an unknown period during the 1980s and 1990s.
“R.V. – Rugged and Versatile aptly describes these tough, reliable and inexpensive all-weather vehicles. The unique exterior MDF body combines great strength with structural rigidity and will not rust, crack, craze or splinter, yet is easy to repair.
The sturdy steel chassis, with substantial (de)fenders front & rear, is built for long life, stability and to cope with rugged conditions. Seating can vary from 2 fronts with a rear load space, which can be fitted with forward, rearward or inward facing rear seats, accessed via a ‘walk-thru’ from the front can be accommodated by simple modification to the cutting and assembly process, or the rear zip up rear hood window, with or without the optional opening tailgate
Fold-flat windscreen. Ford front engine/RWD ensures safe predictable handling, amazing traction and reliable mechanics. Nimble as an Escort, the HUSKY turns tighter than a London Taxi and yet provides a comfortable ride even over rough terrain. Safety options include a hefty Roll Bar, front Nudge Bar and chassis mounted Side Impact bars/steps”
Some pictures:
Roger and Blaine both sent me this oddity. At least it has a title 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3512934198728894/
“1952 willys with honda body Needs little work to get back on road. Super cool and built right. One of a kind. Not a red kneck back yard build. Its done right Motor runs great. I have it hooked to lawn mower can until tank is cleaned. Clear title.”
UPDATE: Still Available.
(07/29/2020) This project has some unusual mods.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/640380323492773/
“I have a 1946 jeep Willy’s that I hate to sell but I don’t have a good spot for storage. I had big plans for it that I couldn’t make happen. It’s definitely something you don’t see everyday. It’s got all original Willy’s badges. I believe it’s on a s10 frame on air bags I know they do have a leak. Possible trades ( looking for 20×12 8x 6.5 wheels )or throw me an offer. I have registration and it was on the road last year. It’s going to need a good amount of work To get going 100% again. I did have the motor running last summer. Trans is slipping”
Another odd one. Any value here other than scrap?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/216897779626903/
“Custom Willys Jeep $2,000”
I wonder what this is like to drive from the top deck?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2448104305499453
“Jeep Wrangler CJ5 double decker hunting Jeep. Top deck can be removed.”
This custom build is a little different.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/301274604531502/
“86 Stainless steel Willis jeep 9 inc Ford Rear end 4 speed transmission 350 motor bord 30 over with a 280 comp cam”
UPDATE: Still Available.
(07/16/2020) Not sure how much value is here.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/906909283053138/
“1942 Jeep Willys Custom truck. Chevy 350 engine not currently running but I’m sure it wouldn’t take much to get going. Message me any questions. Got something to trade? Send it to me ”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5500.
If you are looking for an oddball project, maybe this one is it.
“I HAVE TITLE! I really wanted to finish this but I dont have enough time ( delivery available) it’s a 1977 cj7 4 door!! A very solid project with 4 brand new racing seats ( with mounts and slides) I have a sbc350 and a 6.2 diesel and transmission either can go with it the jeeps already set up for the motor and trans just have to be dropped in! I was going to bed liner the inside throw the seats and a bunch of speakers on the roll bar but no time! Come get it may trade offer what you have!”
UPDATE: Jerry contacted me about a locomotive jeep he would like to restore (see near bottom). He noted that it was used at Tinkertown and found this older post while hoping to learn more. So, this post is a complete redo of an early post that focused just on photos in a January 1950 issue of Popular Mechanics.
It is probably no surprise that the Los Angeles metroplitan area was a hotbed of theme parks and carnivals following World War II. In particular, there was Beverly Park, which is claimed to be the park that stimulated Disney’s interests in theme parks.
One of those carnivals was a traveling kiddie carnival called Tinkertown. Articles show it existed at least from 1950 through 1952, operating in Monrovia, Wilmington, Los Angeles, and other LA area towns.
December 06, 1951, Wilmington Daily Press, Wilmington, California. Tinkertown Kiddie Carnival announcement.
Tinkertown appears to have owned, at one time or another, at least four unusual jeeps. One was a fire jeep made from a CJ-2A, shown below in red.
A second jeep appeared to have been a stretched (probably surplus) WWII jeep made into some kind of fire jeep used to tow a small Ferris wheel.
The article above refers to the jeep as a “fire engine”; perhaps it was modified during WWII? Here’s a better image:
A third jeep-related setup was a train possibly made from a jeep (or jeep-engine-powered at the very least). It is pictured here:
The fourth known jeep was a jeep turned into a locomotive. It’s the one Jerry now owns (along with two of the tram cars), one he’d like to restore. It’s in surprisingly complete condition. He’s hoping to learn more about the manufacturer and/or Tinkertown. Here’s a photo of his train:
Here’s how it looked in 1950:
UPDATE: Still Available.
(06/13/2020) This vehicle still runs and plows. It has at least some Jeep DNA, possibly from a CJ-3B or M-38A1 based on the year.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/287655079061006/
“1953 government Jeep. Leo had used it for plowing snow. Runs great. Has snow plow .”
UPDATE II: Marc noted the the rear of the vehicle is based on a Renault Juvaquatre. It just so happens this car is somewhat based on the German Opel, which Wally King used to create his Jeepster-like vehicle in Germany following WWII.
PHOTO CREDIT: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Juvaquatre#/media/File:Renault_Juvaquatre_photographed_in_1984_in_central_France.jpg
UPDATE: UndiscoveredClassics.com had some additional insights into this vehicle. I tried to learn more about Captain Richard C. Fitch of the Second Regiment Mechanized Cavalry Reserve, Los Angeles, but didn’t have much luck. I did learn he was a design engineer for the Army and was responsible for the MT Tug design (see below post). Below is a photo of how it looked in a newspaper.
March 18, 1942, issue of the Sacramento Bee, page 14.
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Originally published March 2014: I wonder what ever happened to this prototype? Marc spotted this unusual photo. The vehicle doesn’t seem very jeep-like, except in its compact design and front clip similarity. It doesn’t appear it was four wheel drive.
The image was picked up and published by a couple newspapers. Below are links to Newspaper.com that show a small image of the page. The caption vary slightly:
1. The Amarillo Globe (Amarillo, Texas) March 18th, 1942, on Page 2
2. The Statesville Record and Landmark (Statesville, NC) March 16th, 1942, Page 4
