This June 03,1942, photo shows some men taking a ‘peep’ at the Will Rogers theatre to see if it suited their needs for a show. Whether the writer of the cutesy headline was aware that some folks were calling jeeps ‘peeps’ isn’t clear.
Former Kamikaze Yukimasa Nishiyama Goes to College
While doing research on Maynard Roberts I happened upon the story of the first Japanese citizen who attended college after WWII. There’s no jeeps involved in this story, but I thought it was an interesting story and an unusual, gutsy move by the family of Robert Johnstone.
Yukimasa Nishiyama was a former Kamikaze pilot who won a scholarship from a family in Pennsylvania, a scholarship funded by the death of their son, Robert Johnstone, during WWII in the Pacific. It was the family’s way to honor their son by using the insurance money paid to them to fund the scholarship for a Japanese citizen to attend Lafayette College. They wanted to bridge the divide between the two countries.
His story made the news when he first arrived. In 1948 his story made the October 4th issue of Life Magazine, complete with photos. This story about Yukimasa was published in 1950:
After college, Nishiyama went on to work for AMP, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, company for three decades before retiring. You can read more about his life and experiences in this 1989 article.
I could not find any more information about his life following 1989.
NOS(?) Willys Stencil Kit Part NO 953049 **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
Chris spotted this cool but pricey Willys stencil kit. Given a couple of these have been used, it doesn’t quite seem like it is an “NOS” kit, but still a rare find.
“NOS WILLYS JEEP STENCIL SET PART # 953049 9 STENCILS FOR TRUCK, WAGON,JEEPSTER AND FORWARD CONTROL TWO STENCILS USED ONCE BUT ALL SERVICABLE AS NEW VERY RARE ITEM!”
Ice Racer “Dirty George” (not for sale)
This image was included as part of the sale of a CJ-6 axle (pumpkin removed). It’s an ice-racer with an extended body and a mustang convertible top (reminiscent of the DJ-3A convertible top). It’s sort of an art-car ice-racer. Nice to see folks just having fun with their rigs.
According to the seller of the axle, “I used the [CJ-6] tub and frame to extend a CJ3B to add a Mustang convertible top.”
Jeep ‘Toys’ in Ohio for Sale
Terry spotted these for toys for sale on the Ohio Craigslist. The first jeep is $30 and the second one is $25 per toy (the second seller also has a couple military vehicle toys for sale). I have not followed the values of these toys.
- Beetle Bailey Jeep $30: https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/clt/d/addyston-beetle-bailey-jeep/7184926910.html
- Golden Wheel die cast jeep Amelia, OH $25 (this seller has two other military toys for sale): https://cincinnati.craigslist.org/clt/d/amelia-wwii-army-toe-truck-ambulance/7181506374.html
1942 MB Salt Lake City, UT **SOLD**
UPDATE **SOLD** on eBay for $19,600.
Dan shared this Slat MB for auction on eBay. This is a remanufactured jeep, completed by the Moore Corporation (data plate on dash).
“The Willys Slat Grille jeep was produced only for several years 1941,1942 at the very beginning of WWII. There are many distinguishing differences between the Slat Grill and the MB which followed in production, the main one being the different looking “Slat Grill”, and the letters “WILLYS” stamped in the tailgate on the left side under the gas tank. There are many other differences which separate this early model and the MB which followed. Very few of the Slat grills have survived to today.
This jeep is one of a large collection of early Willys jeeps which was put into storage 50 years ago.
it was running and drivable when stored, however it has not been started for many years.
This jeep is unrestored and completely original. It has its original body which is solid with no rust or dents. It has the original 6 volt electrical system, 4 cylinder (4-134 L head) engine, 3 speed trans, and 4×4 high-low transfer case. It has it’s original sand tan paint and combat wheels. There’s only 19709 miles on the odometer. This one was delivered 1/20/1942.”
Year? CJ-3A? Mt. Pleasant, AR $5500
This may be a CJ-2A or 3A with a CJ-3B body on it.
https://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/d/mount-pleasant-jeep-willys-overland-cj/7196943401.html
“JEEP WILLYS, All original, 4-134 L 4 cylinders, 4 WD, Runs great, Hunting jeep will never get stuck, I bought in 1989 hunting out of it, many deer on the front bumper.”
1946 CJ-2A Pipe Creek, TX **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3800.
Runs and drives.
“First year civilian jeep post WWII. Good condition.
Runs & drives. Original engine & transmission. Use for hunting or restore for parades.
Serious inquiries only.
Located in Pipe Creek, TX”
Willys Powered Generator Kensett, IA **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $350.
Sounds like it still runs.
“Military generator. 120/240 single phase or 120/208 three phase. Name plate is difficult to read but I believe it to be either 13.8 or 15.8kw. Has a flathead 4 Willys engine,antifreeze good to -40, Gasoline. Uses 2 12 volt batteries for start and generator field. Very reliable,but we havent used it in several years so it needs new batteries . Like all military equipment, very heavy.”
Jeep Trailer Sedalia, CO **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $800.
Looks solid.
“Army jeep trailer for sale. 4-ft x 6 ft x 17 in deep. It has great axle clearance at 16 in. It has new lights and wiring. And a new trailer jack.”
1950 CJ-3A Park Rapids, MN $8000
UPDATE: Still Available.
(09/03/2020) Looks solid.
https://brainerd.craigslist.org/cto/d/menahga-1950-jeep-willys-cj3/7187281912.html
“Collector! Excellent condition. 8K OBO”
CJ-5 and CJ-3A Projects Waco, TX $1100
These are probably just parts vehicles at this point.
https://waco.craigslist.org/pts/d/waco-2-willys-jeep-project-vehicles/7199969390.html
“2 Willys Jeeps project vehicles. Use one for parts to build the other. One has complete original flathead 4 cyl engine. Both have front and rear axles. 1 complete transmission with transfer case. Drive Shafts, Dash and numerus other parts.
Reason for sale, just have too many projects going on. Started diss-assembly, but pictures show what it looked like prior. Both vehicles $1,100.00 obo. One is 1951 other 1954/56”
1947 CJ-2A Austin, TX $2500
UPDATE: Price dropped to $2500.
(09/17/2020) It’s a project.
https://austin.craigslist.org/pts/d/austin-1947-jeep-cj2a/7191801606.html
“1947 Jeep cj2a. motor runs,but needs fuel tank. No brakes. Trade for fishing boat or car hauler.”
Willys Truck/Wagon/Flattie Parts Organ, NM **Status Unknown**
UPDATE: Status Unknown. Craigslist links no longer work.
(09/13/2020) There’s some wagon and truck parts, a split flat fender body, and some random parts.
“Willy parts, Ford parts, Chevy parts boat parts, motorcycle parts, tools you name it we hope we have it for sale.”
1966 CJ-6 Blessing, TX $5000
UPDATE: Still Available.
(08/23/2020) Has some mods.
https://victoriatx.craigslist.org/cto/d/blessing-hunting-jeep/7180352470.html
“Starts and runs. New carburetor, steering gear, fuel pump and gas tank. 4wd does work. Good tires. New exhaust.”
CJ-2A/MB Project Lowville, NY $1850
Jacob spotted this project for sale. Looks like there’s some value here.
https://watertown.craigslist.org/cto/d/martinsburg-willys-cj2a-jeep/7202131797.html
“1948 Willys CJ2A Jeep that I have been working on for some time to use as a camp jeep. Prior to my purchase the previous owner had completely disassembled it and then cleaned and painted the frame, transmission, transfer case, and the front & rear ends (inside and out). He also replaced the brakes and brake lines.
I mounted a WW2 military body onto the frame which is very solid and has a new floor. The engine is supposed to run and spins freely but I haven’t tried to get it running yet. It was converted to 12volt for easier starting and has an alternator, new gauges and new battery. I have just run out of time to finish it and need the space in my garage for winter. Included with the jeep are a tailgate, windshield frame, steering column, driver and passenger seat, new steering bellcrank repair kit, clutch and brake pedals and other misc. items. It will need a gas tank and muffler, windshield glass and no doubt some other items to finish it up.”
Vac-U-Cast Plastic Bantam BRC Model
Here is a rare model of the Bantam BRC I bought a couple months ago on eBay; It is quarter-sized (1/76th scale) produced by Vac-U-Cast Plastics, Inc. On the one hand, I’d really like to assemble it; on the other, I like it’s original condition the way it is. The model number is VS-106 Bantam Jeep Prototype I.
1957 FC-150 Demonstration Drive Salesforce Brochure
Anyone have one of these FC-150 Demonstration Drive Salesforce contest brochures? I can’t remember where I saw/found these pics.
1953 CJ-3B San Diego, CA $11,000
It looks nice. Given the glove box, this might have a replacement body.
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/d/chula-vista-1953-jeep-willys-cj3b/7198014546.html
“Selling this fully restored 1953 Jeep willys Cj3b. Completely original, 6 volt electrical system, fully operational mechanical winch, tow bar. More questions inbox. $11,000 OBO.”
1948 CJ-2A Payson, AZ $15,000
This has some old school pin-striping. Has a rear PTO.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/d/payson-super-rare-1948-willys-jeep-4wd/7198152044.html
“Hard to find & rare 48′ Willys Jeep,
“Go Devil” L4 134 CID 60HP / 105 Ft-lb.
T90 3 speed manual transmission, 4 wheel drive,
Rear Power Take Off unit (PTO),
Previous owner has had it for over 30+ years in Arizona,
Will need engine freshened up,”
1951 Truck JeepRod Salt Lake City, UT $9000
1954 CJ-3B Garden Valley, ID $6000
UPDATE: Still Available.
(08/26/2020) This might be a good price.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/602622887291390/
“1954 willys cj3b high hood. Jeep runs and drives. Powered by 69’ 327 sbc bolted to a Muncie m22 (rock crusher) transmission. I have a soft top and doors top has a few holes. I drove frequently until I had a kid. I’d love to se her go to a good home. Asking 6000 obo”
1947 CJ-2A Billings, MT $15,000
Looks in good shape.
https://billings.craigslist.org/cto/d/billings-1947-willys-jeep/7199350100.html
“This 73 year old beauty needs a new home –
– Original Go devil L134 4 cylinder engine that still runs great.
– 3 speed manual transmission
– Converted from 6 volt to 12 volt electrical system
– All gauges work except the fuel gauge ( have not had the time but is a simple fix )
– Odometer tracks miles but there is really no way to verify correct mileage
– Handmade canvas top with enclosure to cover the back section
– Custom mounts for Axe / Shovel / Compressor box
– Has gun mount for dash as well as tow bar for the front
– 255/75R17 BFG MT tires on steel rims with less than 1000 miles on the tires
– Have original tires and wheels
– Brand new front disc brake conversion
$15000. Make me a reasonable offer. Everything is pretty solid on this Jeep and it is rust free. A lot of time and money has been put into this war dog. Garage kept and serviced regularly as I drive it a lot in the summer. Feel free to contact me with any questions.”
1947 CJ-2a Las Vegas, NV $3500(?)
Seller listes $3500 as the trade value, but does not specify a price.
https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bar/d/las-vegas-1947-kaiser-willys-cj2-jeep/7198357119.html
“Starts, runs and drives but brakes need attention. Lots of professional work done – drive lines, transfer case, tranny with receipts. Original 4 cylinder Hammerhead motor. Great project but needs abit more for a daily driver.
Willing to trade for a full size Chevy/GMC pickup 4×4 that is a turn key daily driver and passes smog. Minimum trade value $3500.”
1942 MB? Eureka, MT $6500
No pics provided.
https://kalispell.craigslist.org/pts/d/fortine-1942-mb1a-willys-jeep/7200599228.html
“A farmer purchased it from the Fort Irwin Army Logistics Base just outside Barstow California in 1966. We got it from him in 1996. It has been under a roof ever since.
The farmer put a Willys F head engine in it along with larger drum brakes. The hood was cut for the carburetor. Carburetor has been replaced so hood will clear when corrected. He also swapped out the windshield to a latter / taller version. An electric Ramsey winch was also installed by the farmer.
Very little rust in easy to get at area. Runs and drives nicely.
It is still available if you see this add. I won’t negotiate without you seeing it.”