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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: **SOLD** Was Make Offer
“this is a 1956 English jeep project
right hand drive
texas title
engine and running gear intact
I was going to pull the body and drop it on something else…it’s now being used as field art, a conversation piece while beer drinking and a photo prop for red necks”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8500
(08/23/2012) This might not be a bad price. One of these looks in pretty good shape.
“Very rare Jeep, 4×4 or 2×4, Austin Champ, 24Volts, everything water proof, four independent wheels heavy duty, 4 cylinder in line Rolls Royce. I have two ready to be restore, unfortunately I have no place and time to work on it. Both are in great shape, both engines are free, and one of them did runs.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000
This Austin Champ is rough.
“I have a austin champ. Very rare vehicle, only 15000 made total
They were made in the uk so there is only a handfull in the us
It has a rolls royce 4 cyl mk2
And a 5 speed transmission
5 forward gears and 5 reverse gears, goes same speed in reverse as driving
This is a pretty rough unit, but does have great potential
It has flat tires
Does not run but motor is free, it has a 24v system
Has gun holsters, shovel bracket, pick ax bracket
You wont find to many of these around here
Not in any hurry to sell, the value is going up daily on this item
Restored ones can bring up to 50k”
This Champion Spark Plug ad includes a description of an around-the-world trip in an FC-170. I would think there is an english version of this somewhere, too?
“Original Vintage Ad from an old magazine year 1963 in SPANISH from CHILE
You are bidding is an ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENT from a MAGAZINE, not a reproduction.
Perfect for framing. Once framed it will make an excellent addition to your home or office.
View all the information on eBay
Ad in FINE CONDITION, NEAR MINT.
DOUBLE PAGE: 20 x 13.5 inches
each page: 10 x 13.5 inches approach”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $29000
As a former owner of three of these, I can attest to their lack of value.
“Austin was commissioned to build the Champ to replace WWII Willys Jeeps in the British Military service. It is powered by a modular Rolls-Royce engine that produces 80 horsepower. The engine is linked to a 5 speed synchromesh transmission that has no integral reverse gear, drive being taken by the propshaft to a rear transaxle which incorporated a reverse mechanism that acted on all five ratios and is controlled by a separate lever. The suspension is fully independent double wishbones with a longitudinal torsion bar and telescopic hydraulic damper at all four wheels.
Recently, over $8,000 was spent replacing all the axle seals and gaskets for the front and rear differentials. The front and rear shocks were also replaced and the entire undercarriage and suspension was cleaned, undercoated, and detailed.]”
Gerald forwarded this story of the Jeeper Vineyards, the full text of which is on Autoblog. The story is from spring 2011.
“To help commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jeep, vineyard Jeeper has teamed up with Delta 4×4, a company well-known in Europe for aftermarket wheels, tires and other offroad accessories, to produce a limited-edition champagne.”
Visit the Jeeper Champagne website here.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
(03/03/2011) This is the nicest Champ I’ve ever seen.
“UP4AUCTION hosted by Discover Classic Cars is very pleased to offer you this 1963 AUSTIN CHAMP JEEP! This a rather rare vehicle, these were the civilian versions of the British combat vehicles. This has 12,130 ACTUAL miles and will definitely cause heads to turn wherever you show up in it. This is not a daily driver and is not built for highway driving. Normal speed is roughly 30mph and its maximum speed is 60mph at 3,700rpm. This Champ will also ford to a depth of 1 foot 6 inches.
The temperature gauge is in-op presently, Red main indicator light is burned out and the hand brake is in need of an adjustment.
Finished in Maroon with Blue fenders, the exterior of this Austin shows well. There are a few blemishes in the paint, please view the photographs below or call us for additional details. The White vinyl removable soft top and doors are in very good condition. The Maroon vinyl seats are in good condition, there is minor wear present and a tear on the inside of the passenger seat. The carpeting also shows minor wear just so you’re aware. Please view all of the photographs below or call us for details….”
A reader named Blaine couldn’t resist getting a shot with this Champ. You probably remember it from this post. Apparently, it’s still available. They do sort of grow on you ….
Blaine writes, “Here is the restored Champ in Scottsdale, AZ with me standing next to it. My son wanted to show me a car lot with collector cars ,and lo and behold, here is the Champ. I’m in Phoenix for the FC Roundup right now.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.
Well, I do have some experience buying and selling these .. lol.
“I have a 1967 Austin Champ British Military Jeep that I wanted to restore, but I can’t seem to find the time or money! It has a 4 cylinder Rolls Royce engine, and is a left hand drive 4 wheel drive. It would make a great Christmas gift to someone who could restore it. I’m asking $2500 or best offer. Call me with questions:”
Well, I wont’ be sending my kids to college with all my earnings from the sale of the 3 Champs, but I made a little money on the deal and did a good deed for the Champ community.
I have to say that getting a chance to poke around them, seeing how they were built, etc, was an interesting experience. And, with more time and money, I think they would have been a fun rebuild; however, I am quite pleased to be rid of them!
This truly deserves a longer story, but the coffee shop will close soon and I need to eat & to get back on the road to Boise. A Big THANKS to Josh for alerting me to this opportunity!
Yes, tonight I bought 3 Austin Champs. It turns out one of them is a Royal Marines RN Champ. There are only 3 of these know in existence (it’s the gray one). You can see some big pics here.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1700
“1942/46 Willys(.no body),fenders,hoods,wind screens,transmission,rolling chassis..1700 or best offer.have more photos available.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000
It doesn’t have the original drive train, but still cool.
“THIS IS FOR A REAL NEAT 4X4 IT IS RIGHT HAND STEERING. IT IS PAINTE O D GREEN. ENGINE AND TRANS HAS BEEN SWAPED FOR A PINTO SETUP BUT IS STILL 4 WHEEL DRIVE.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000
As I discussed in this post, the original jeep was possibly based on the Austin 7. Here’s a later model Austin, of which I’ve only seen one other for sale in two years. A spare Austin Champ is also available.
“1953 Austin Champ Runs and drives. Mechanically sound and ready for cosmetic restoration this is serial #10515. Does contain the Rolls-Royce engine. For those interested please look at http://www.austinchamp.com/ for more info and specs. Also available for increased $$ is parts spare that is cosmetically better but not running.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000
Brian forwarded this ad to me. I’ve never knew these existed. According to Wikipedia, these were built from 1951 – 1956 and were excellent cross country vehicles, apparently surpassing the capabilities of the Land Rover. However, though the Land Rover could only do 80% of what the Champ could do, the Land Rover cost much less to produce, so the Champ contract was eventually cancelled. Interestingly, the Champ had a 5 speed synchromesh tranny with reverse adapted to the rear drive line apart from the tranny, so that the Champ could do 5 speeds backwards as well. Finally, the Champ had no transfercase, instead the driveline went to the rear differential and then there was a takeoff to the front differential (which had a clutch to control 2wd/4wd mode). These would make a very interesting project.”
These are hard to find vehicles. Not sure if they are easier or harder to get parts for than the Austin Champs. Thanks to TJ for sharing.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/806488888171902
“I have 2 Autumn Gipsy’s that I was going to use to make 1 nice one. They are both projects, one has a pretty good body and ran when I put them away, the other has a hard top, and a lot of good parts and pieces the the other one needs. Both are independent suspension. This is just a project that I’m not going to get to. If the ad is up, they are still available. Let’s not waste each other’s time.”
Adam posted this rare 1958 Yakima Ridgerunners World Championship Jeep Roadeo Program to Facebook. You can view the Facebook post here.
Looks solid. It appears to have some body liner texture on the pedals.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1091903745461927
“This was my “Covid Lockdown” project. Purchased partially restored from an estate. It was built with parts from a ’46 and ’48 and is registered and licensed as a “48. The engine is the L-134 “Go Devil”, and the engine serial number indicates a manufacture date of 1944. The engine appears to be a recent rebuild that runs strong, with no leaks or smoke. I had the transmission and transfer case professionally rebuilt. I replaced the springs and shocks and went back to “military style” tires. Exhaust system, radiator, carburetor, fuel pump and fuel tank are all new. New paint inside and out. New weatherstrip around windshield and frame. Added electric wipers and seat belts. The top is in good condition, and comes with a brand new, still in the box replacement canvas. Brakes and clutch are in good condition. All receipts available for inspection. I took this up into the Colorado Rockies for a test run and it ran like a champ. Now that the project is done, I’m ready to let someone else enjoy this classic Jeep.”
Looks in reasonable shape.
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/cedar-glen-willys-jeep-cj-2a/7675970245.html
“Very cool Willys , runs like champ ! New trans, fuel pump, shocks, manifold, carburetor, wheels, tires, battery, 12 volt system.”
The driver’s step has seen some work. I suspect the passenger step is the same.
https://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/d/airway-heights-1946-willys-jeep/7653021946.html
“1946 willys jeep motor ben gone threw runs like. A champ. $300 dallors on front tires comes with army box two fuel cans top speed is 45mph had sand blasted the whole thing threw some green pait on it i drive this jeep aroumd my place and to the store runs good needs alot of body work rust evey were cant find thease jeeps anywere its a blast to drive”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $13,000.
Greg shared this recently rebuilt CJ-2A with a Kubota diesel swap.
“‘46 CJ2A, Overland Diesel turbo kubota kit, champion aluminum radiator, electric fan, Rancho 2.5 lift with shocks and springs, new tub, custom fuel tank & extended seats back for more room, new wheels/tires, GM disc conversion, wilwood master cylinders and hydraulic slave for clutch, all braided stainless lines and AN fittings, raptor lined inside tub, wilwood swing pedals, autometer gauges, rebuilt T90/Dana 18 with proper fluids, knuckles gone through with proper grease, stock axles had bearings/seals replaced, stock rear drums, stock steering box with fluid changed and changed tie rod setup to more common setup in place of y-link setup, much more predictable steering. Body is painted with matte clear. Have extra old T84 and other MB axles if wanted. Need rebuilding.
Still needs seat covers, windshield frame, brake lights, and speedometer but would negotiate including those in sale for right price. Since building this has sat in my cabin garage and only put maybe 20 test miles.”
UPDATE: Still Available.
(06/20/2023) Seems worth a look. It includes a Sears Deluxe hardtop.
https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/915471539547932/
“This Willys CJ2A is in pretty solid shape with good floors, tub and frame. I haven’t found any severe rust that I’d worry about. The paint is peeling up, but the panels are quite straight and ready for a new coat. It has a soft top under the hard top, a spare tire carrier and all the glass. This little champ ran and drove when I got it, the previous owner had put an industrial l134 under the hood. It had a head gasket leak and enough water got into the crankcase that is developed a knock. I shut it off immediately, so that motor is definitely rebuildable. I put the original motor back in it, an l134 that was recently rebuilt before seizing from sitting. I got the pistons free but one of the valves is still stuck, I’ll continue trying to break it loose. No title. I’m looking to sell it for the 3k I have in it, since I don’t time for it anymore or the facilities. Ask me anything else you want to know!”
UPDATE: I haven’t recycled this point since 2009, so many might not have seen it.
=====================
Originally posted Feb 26, 2009: This is another set of excerpts from an episode of Exploration Northwest called ‘Mud Race’. As I reported in the post about the Meeker, aka Naches, Trail post, Linda McCune from the Don McCune Library kindly has given me permission to provide some clips from the Jeeping1 DVD, a collection of 3 episodes of Exploration Northwest related to pacific northwest jeeping. To order this DVD, you can contact Linda McCune at 206 726-2650 and ask for the Jeeping1 DVD. It costs $24.95. I encourage you to purchase is as she has the video for a Jeeping2 DVD, but has not created it yet.
The race was sponsored by the Yakima Jeep Jockeys, a club formed in 1963. They began their 4×4 Championship Racing series in 1971.
The Mud Bowl episode was shown in 1977. Mostly, it follows Jim Merritt as he prepares for the race, discussing a little about how they silicone various items to keep out water. Plenty of video showing different stages of the race. It’s a bit reminiscent of the Florida swamp races, though the water holes aren’t quite as deep or long (If you have never heard of it, you can read about the Florida swamp races at four wheeler’s online magazine and here’s a you tube video from a 1996 race).
From the Mud Race episode, I selected two clips. Clip one shows Jim getting ready to race and shows the driver’s pre-race meeting. The second clip shows the final race with Bill Smith from Tacoma taking the win.
Here’s Clip One:
Here’s Clip Two:
A big thanks to Tom for buying me a Willys Rally shirt while attending the Hueston Woods event, along with a few other swaggy items. He even picked up a set of gardening gloves so Ann wouldn’t feel left out (turns out she needed a set of gloves, so that worked out great!).
It sounds like this year’s Rally was well attended, with more jeeps than ever. Here’s a message from Rick about the event:
“The Willys Jeep Rally for 2023 was a great success. Mike Mee did a splendid job of overseeing the event. Barb and Bill Marshal were well organized and had plenty of help so they could enjoy the show.
Mary Kindburg prepared a delicious picnic on Friday evening with pulled pork and turkey sandwiches and loads of fruits and vegetables. Both trail rides had large numbers, and nobody broke down!
There were more Jeeps than ever involved in the demonstrations, and we even had a plow champion who showed the boys how a professional does the job. All the demonstrations had larger attendances than ever.
The weather all weekend was gorgeous with high heat but low humidity. We had about 10 vendors with the Jeepster Man joining us with large donations of gift certificates and merchandise. The banquet food was delicious as usual. Barney’s presentation was a story of his journey from his first Jeep to where he stands now. I think everyone could share in some of Barney’s insights and memories.
We are already planning for the 2024 Willys Jeep Rally. Hope to see everyone at Hueston Woods next year.”
Valerio sent me some updates from Italy. He was able to get his 1975 CJ-5 vm 2.5L diesel racer into good enough shape to compete in a regional trial championship. He’s only got this one photo, but will share more if he receives more.
Let month Valerio and his friend Fabio trailers home two FCs. One is an FC-150 and the other is a Zanzi. They plan on restoring both vehicles. Those look like some good projects!
