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March 1962 Articles on the Introduction of Tonka Jeeps

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

In March 1962, two different articles highlighted the introduction of the Jeep line of Tonka Toys.

1. Toys and Novelties Magazine: The article in this magazine noted that part of the reason the Tonka company had the financial and physical capacity to produce a wide variety of toy jeeps was that it had recently gone public.

View all the information on eBay

1962-03-toys-and-novelties-tonka-jeep-lores

2. Playthings Magazine: Given this article is very similar to the top article, I’d guess both were written from press releases.

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1962-03-playthings-tonka-jeep-lores

 

You can also learn more about Tonka jeeps at the CJ-3B Page.

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August 1962 Article on Hatari Dispatcher/Universal Tonka Toys

• CATEGORIES: DJ-3A, Features, Magazine, Old News Articles, toys • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

As reported in this post, in 1962 the Tonka company launched the jeep models many of us owned as kids (and some of us still own as adults). It didn’t take long for Tonka to introduce specialized packaging as well. The August 1962 issue of Playthings Magazine highlighted three different Dispatcher Tonka Toys, with Hatari-themed boxes, that were for sale in the lobby of movie theaters while Hatari played in theatres.

View all the information on eBay

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The article appeared on this page:

1962-08-playthings-magazine-tonka-jeep-ad-hatari-full-page-lores

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January 1960 Willys News

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

In the ‘sometimes it’s better to be lucky’ department, eBay blessed me with a huge win the other day: 10 Willys News issues from 1960 and 1961 for only $20 (and free shipping)! Here’s the first one. It includes a lot of DJ-3A Surrey articles, a note about future President Lyndon Johnson checking out a Willys truck for his ranch, and more. The 1/4 ton jeeps (CJ-5s and CJ-3Bs) take a back seat to the FCs, Wagons, and DJs in this issue. There’s also articles demonstrating how dealers felt TV shows were helping to drive sales, which is likely why Willys Motors moved forward with other TV show and movie tie-ins.

Photos Photos Photos Photos Photos

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1968 & 1969 DJ-5 Gala Ads

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, DJ-5 & DJ-6, Features, Old Images, Old News Articles • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

During the late 1960s, a couple different Jeep dealers in Hawaii offered DJ-5 Jeep Galas for sale. There were at least two different styles of ads published. The Gala was a Surrey that was sold by the export arm of the company.

In 1967, a Kaiser-Jeep dealership owned by Von Hamm-Young Mercantile, flew the 1968 model of the DJ-5 Gala Jeep to Hawaii. From the story below, it would seem that this may have been the first example of a DJ-5 Gala Jeep arriving in Hawaii. Note that the photo’s caption only describes this jeep as a Gala.

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Over the next two years, the dealer published ads hoping to spur sales. We’ll likely never know how successful sales were, but I’d suspect not too many were sold.

1) The first ad appeared between April and September of 1968. The example shown below was published in the May 30, 1968, issue of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. There are a variety of things that struck me with this ad. First, it’s the first ad I’ve seen for a DJ-5 Surrey/Gala. Second, it is advertised as a “Surrey Gala”, rather than one or the other. Third, it came in six different color schemes. Fourth, later in the year (specifically September 24th in the Hawaii Tribune Herald), Big Island Rambler was the dealer name at the bottom of the ad, with no specific link made to Von Hamm-Young.

Apart from all those points, it’s generally just an odd ad for a vehicle!

1968-05-30-honolulu-star-bulletin-dj5-surrey-ad-lores

2) This ad appeared multiple times, but only during April of 1969 (I could find no other ads for any other month in 1969), isn’t quite as odd as the 1968 campaign. The ad also doesn’t mention the multiple package options. This particular example was published in the April 4th, 1969, issue of the Honolulu Advertiser.

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1961 DJ-3A Mohave Valley, AZ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1700.

The seller’s description suggests this was originally a Surrey DJ-3A. There is some pink on the inside. Appears to be a good price.

“This is a rare Willys Model DJ-3A. Originally was pink with pink and white striped interior. Top is a Super rare steel Koenig Iron Works too from the 40’s or 50’s. It has roll up door windows and window sliders on the sides and a hatch back”

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1951 M-38 Jeep and M-100 Trailer Des Moines, IA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $18,000.

(09/23/2019) You can read the full story on the M-38 and trailer here: http://cj3b.info/Siblings/SurreyAgan.html

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“Fully restored MC M38 Korean War era military Jeep and 1952 D-K M100 US Army trailer. 12 volt 4 wd. Has been garaged and not been started or driven since my late husband passed. Serious buyers only, not desperate to sell. Looking for someone who loves and appreciates these older treasures as much as we do and can provide the care needed to own this type of vehicle. Two tops included along with side curtains not shown, and extras.”

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Early 1950s: The W Logo

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

(This is an extension of the hubcap post above, but also covers how the angular W was used in other ways)

In 1952, Willys-Overland introduced the Aero line of cars. They sported a new hubcap that featured only the W, along with a W on the front of the car and Willys script along the side.

The hubcap would be used throughout the Aero car line for the next four years.

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Note that this May 03, 1952, ad from the Evening post includes the Jeep logo and the new angled W logo for marketing purposes. The anglular W logo would end up on the front of Aeros, on the covers of a variety of documents as well, such as parts catalogs.

The 1952 Mechanic’s Manual below shows how the W logo was used on covers.

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1952 Manual with the W logo on it.

This page is from a 1952 owner’s manual; it demonstrates that the Willys-Overland Export Company had already been formed by 1952, so it was a pre-Kaiser creation.

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Here’s a good shot of the angular W on the grille on they 1952 Aero Ace. Note the Willys script logo along the passenger side fender.

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In 1954, I’m sure just to make my life documenting hubcap history more difficult, Willys introduced a new hubcap with a circle around the W on the Willys Aero Ace. What other models may have sported this hubcap I couldn’t say:

1954-willys-aero-ace-hubcap

Also, in 1954, Willys offered a dual concentric circle hubcap, a design used later on the  Surreys (Galas) starting in 1959. However, these were all red. The one below looks like it could have been an aero cap:

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1954 Aero Eagle

In 1955, Willys Motors introduced the Willys Bermuda, which sported a brand new hubcap design:

1955-willys-bermuda-hubcap

The Aero cars were discontinued in 1955, with some (or all) tooling eventually shipped to Brazil. The angular W logo would mostly disappear after 1955, but a few ripples remained. For example, the plain W re-appeared on the DJ-3A hub caps starting in 1956,

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Close up of an early DJ-3A hubcap.

Sometime after 1959, with the introduction of the DJ-3A Surreys (and Gala’s for export), Willys re-introduced the concentric circle W hubcap design:

willys-surrey-hubcap

I doubt that this is a complete list of Willys-related hubcaps or of the angular W, so I welcome corrections for those that know more about this than I do!

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1962 CJ-5 Des Moines, IA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6000.

This was Bruce Agan’s plow jeep. It hasn’t moved since he passed.

“Jeep used for snow plowing in the past years. Runs but hasn’t been used in past 3 yrs since my late husband used it for plowing our drive. He parked it at end season 2016, has not been moved since that day. Jeep has been parked in a garage protected from the elements. Comes with a 6ft blade and hard top. For a view of my late husbands work and collection view this link: https://cj3b.info/Siblings/SurreyAgan.html

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Hong Kong ‘Jeep’ Poster on eBay

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

This very unusual item is priced at $39. Here’s more information about the Hong Kong TV series / ‘Jeep’ partnership.

View all the information on eBay

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There was a mention of both Maverick and Hong Kong TV series at the very end of this Jeep Commercial. This is one of at least three commercials Buster Keaton did for jeep.

 

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1944 MB Traverse City, MI $34,900

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

This surrey-like mb is painted pink as a tribute to the builder’s wife’s victory over breast cancer. Though labeled a 1942, it’s actually a 1944.

View all the information on eBay

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“Many of us know the history and some more than others, however this vehicle is special as it was built by a husband for his wife after she battled breast cancer and won. He had a highly detailed restoration on this Jeep completed. One thing to note is that it says “1942 Willys” on the side of the hood, however it is actually a 1944. This was a slight mistake done at time of restoration.

This particular Willys is in fantastic condition both physically and mechanically. This Jeep has been driven and it starts, shifts, brakes and goes down the road as you would imagine with all the lights in working order as well. This would be a great piece to add to your collection of eclectic autos, use in parades or do a repaint back to original as there would be no metal work to complete. This is a turn key Willys that is looking for a new home.”

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1963 DJ-3A Bayview, CA $12,900

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(09/07/2019) This jeep is listed as a Surrey, but I see no evidence of it being a Surrey. Being this late of model, it should have the heater intake vent on the passenger side. But, it seems to lack that.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/d/san-francisco-1963-willys-surry/6986414565.html

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“For sale 1963 Willys Jeep DJ3. Has been completely disassembled, cleaned, painted, rebuilt and restored in 2013. Everything is new top side and bottom side. The original 4 cylinder 2.2l engine, 3 speed manual transmission and rear end are still in the Jeep. It runs and drives great!! Plenty of power, smooth thru the gears and a blast to drive.

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2019 Toledo JeepFest Videos and Images

• CATEGORIES: Event, Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Jerry Huber is pictured on the right. He’s one of the key reasons the Toledo Jeep Fest is what it is. View more videos and pics on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jerry.huber.790

Based on the reports I’ve heard, the expanded Toledo JeepFest was a big hit this year. Kudos to Jerry Huber and the rest of the crew for making it a great time! Here’s a report on the event in the Toledo Blade: https://www.toledoblade.com/news/2019/08/10/Jeep-enthusiasts/stories/20190810112

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Brooks Sutherland took this photo and posted it to twitter of Jason Perry and Chris Rutherford. You might remember when we visited with Chris in 2018.

Here are a few shots of Chris’ vendor spot:

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Here’s a video from JP Magazine of the Gladiator Exhibit:

And, a video of the seemingly endless brochures thanks to Chris Rutherford:

Here’s Bob Christy with his Empire Tractor:

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Chris also took these photos:

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Metamet and Garden Parties

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Metamet employees driving jeeps for a Garden Party

Thanks to Anita Long for these images and for introducing me to Garden Parties. I had no idea such events had taken place. It was at one of these events that her parents met.

She wrote, “As a teenager my Mum was an avid film goer and her main interest was writing to movie stars and studios for autographs. In the summer time she would attend the Sunday Pictorial Garden Parties at Morden Hall Park in Surrey to see more film stars and hopefully ‘get’ their autographs.

The staff at Metamet would drive to the Movie Stars hotels and take them to the Garden Parties. I don’t think they drove them around at the park as my photo shows them at the temporary fencing where they parked them. The jeeps were the best way to chauffeur the stars to all their scheduled meet and greets for the fans on the day. Everyone got to see them as there were definitely no open top limos in those days! The boys at Metamet must have really enjoyed those days and I thank fate for the opportunity given to my Dad. If he hadn’t met my Mum there then I wouldn’t be here now!”

Anita shared this video from Youtube. At the 40sec mark you’ll see a couple jeeps behind Bette Davis:

Here are some photos:

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You can learn more about Garden Parties and see some more jeeps here:

https://alondoninheritance.com/eventsandceremonies/the-sunday-pictorial-film-garden-party/

The site includes this photo, which gives a good look at the side of the 5-in-1 Jeep. It has a little bit of a Holden Ambulance look.

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CJ-5s & M-38A1s

• CATEGORIES: CJ5, M-38A1 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

CJ-5s:

  1. Year? cJ-5 Salem, OR $2500: https://salem.craigslist.org/cto/d/salem-1952-willys-jeep-cj-4a/6895678165.html
  2. 1960 CJ-5 Superior, MT June 1 Auction: https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d/paradise-wills-jeep/6894225448.html
  3. 1962 CJ-5 Chicago, IL $3500: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2236780516414454/
  4. 1964 CJ-5 Eagle, CO $1500: https://rockies.craigslist.org/cto/d/eagle-1964-jeep-willy-4×4-hard-top/6892001987.html
  5. 1959 CJ-5 Prescott, AZ $2500: https://prescott.craigslist.org/cto/d/prescott-jeep-willys/6892507887.html
  6. 1974 CJ-5 Pleasant Grove, CA $2500: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/d/pleasant-grove-74-jeep-willies/6895053920.html
  7. 1956 or ’57 CJ-5 Antelope Valley, CA $3000: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/clt/d/bakersfield-1948-willys-jeep/6895008609.html

M-38A1s: 

  1. 1953 M-38A1 Cary, NC $11,200 on eBay
  2. Year? M-38A1 Athol, ID $200: https://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/d/athol-m38a1-jeep-cj5/6894495998.html
  3. 1952 M-38A1 Kalispell, MT $4500: https://kalispell.craigslist.org/snw/d/kalispell-a1-korean-war-willys-jeep/6890045790.html
  4. 1953 M-38A1 Soulsbyville, CA $4500: https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/d/soulsbyville-1953-m38a1/6890713773.html
  5. 1959 M-38A1 Body Hockinson, WA $1500: https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/d/brush-prairie-59-willys-jeep-m38a-body/6891597265.html
  6. 1957 M-38A1 Blaine, WA $4800: https://bellingham.craigslist.org/cto/d/surrey-1957-jeep/6890324533.html
  7. 1953 M-38A1 San Rafael, CA $3200: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/pts/d/san-rafael-1953-willys-jeep-3200-obo/6896070275.html
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1960? DJ-5 Rockaway, NJ **Sold**

• CATEGORIES: DJ-5 & DJ-6 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **Sold** was $2900. See Bob’s comment regarding Benny.

(03/30/2019) Now I’m hungry for a hot dog. My favorite “hot dog” jeep was this surrey with a hot dog setup, also out of New Jersey.

“Benny’s got dog truck great Little business or event truck”

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1960 Wagon Four Door Dayton, VA **Status Unknown**

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

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was on ebay

(last listed on ebay in Jan 2015) “This is a custom, one-off Willy’s Jeep. It was made for Henry Kaiser, when he retired to Hawaii and became involved in tourism and land development. He had the custom pink long-wheelbase Willys wagon built for exploring the island. Kaiser’s wife loved pink and all of his construction equipment was painted pink, so that seems to be where the pink color for the Jeep came from. This can all be seen on the following web page, along with a photo (which is the black and white photo provided in the photos of the vehicle) of the Jeep in Hawaii : http://cj3b.info/Siblings/SurreyHawaii.html

We also have documentation from the Kaiser Jeep Corporation stating that this Jeep is an authentic one of a kind Jeep. Please only serious inquiries only and please do not try to convince us that we are wrong about it being a one of a kind, this is most definitely not a railroad Jeep. We know what we have and are willing to answer questions of those with serious inquiries about this vehicle.”

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The seller claims to have documentation to prove that this is the only four door limo-like wagon made. to Willys Country this wagon was once used as a limo for an airport. Whether there was only one built or remains an undocumented issue at this point. Is the wagon above the same one that’s in the photo below? Hard to say for sure.

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1959? Vehicles Doing World’s Work Brochure

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

Thanks to Ted for letting me borrow and scan this brochure. It will be the basis of the next poster, though I will be making some changes to it. I *think* this is a 1959ish brochure, as the truck/wagon windshields are still two piece, yet there is no DJ-3A Surrey.

1959-vehicles-doing-worlds-work-brochure-lores1 1959-vehicles-doing-worlds-work-brochure-lores2 1959-vehicles-doing-worlds-work-brochure-lores3 1959-vehicles-doing-worlds-work-brochure-lores4 1959-vehicles-doing-worlds-work-brochure-lores5

 

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2018 Southeast Willys Get Together October 6th

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

The Southeast Willys Get Together is only a month away.

2018SoutheastWillysJeepGetTogether-lores

1) Our special guest will be Carol Mowry’s 1960 Willys Surrey. Think of Elvis Presley in the movies driving a tropical coral-mist canvas-top Willys.

2) Our “Lunch ‘n Learn” speaker is David James of Ironman Restoration. His family members were among the first to tricked-out jeeps and their business is still going strong today.

3) We’ve got a new T-shirt design. Please order your T-shirt order by September 6 so we’ll have yours ready, at the sign-in table, on October 6.

4) We’ll have some new sponsors in your Goodie Bag, and a few big donations. I won’t tell you what or who just yet. You will have to show up to be as surprised and excited as I am!

5) Local lodging and accommodations can be found on the website at http://www.southeastwillysjeepgettogether.com/accommodations2.html. Book early, it’s leaf season.

6) Visit http://www.southeastwillysjeepgettogether.com to pre-register for lunch, T-shirts (orders due by 9/6/18), tickets, exhibitor and swap-meet space.

7) Same location as in the past: Grace Arts Center; 496 Cardinal Road; Mills River, NC 28759 (3 miles SW of the Asheville, NC Airport)

⏱️ Register today at http://www.southeastwillysjeepgettogether.com. I hope to see you in 31 days.

P.S. Trophies are awarded to the “Top Vote Getter” in each Willys category.

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2 Flatties Edna, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, CJ-3A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000/each.

It’s not a Surrey, but that pink color sure is similar to the Surrey pink.

“Two Willys jeeps. Pink is late 40’s. Green is early 50’s. Pink has original flat 4 and sounds like a tractor. Green has a Chevy V8 and sounds like a hot rod. Both have started within the last three months. $1000 each.”

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