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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 .
This undated, 32-page introduction to the Universal ‘Jeep’ is a 8.5″ x 11″ booklet I didn’t have and can’t remember seeing previously. I managed to buy it off ebay for $7. Now, that’s a score!
Note that the final photo shows an early dash, along with JEEP illustrated on the windshield rather than WILLYS.
UPDATE: I have updated the post to include the entire newspaper.
First published Jan 22, 2014: The photo below shows the cover of a rare edition of The Willys War Newspaper. Published on September 28, 1945, this appears to be both the last issue of The Willys War News and the first issue of The Willys News. I base this on three facts: 1) the word ‘war’ is scratched at the top, 2) the small explanation at the bottom of the front page and 3) the publishing date.
Searches of “The Willys War News” yielded the following:
The Willys War News, Vol. 3, No. 3, May 19, 1945 http://www.utoledo.edu/library/canaday/HTML_findingaids/MSS-072.html
The Willys War News, Vol. 1, No. 10 in 1943 (8 pages) http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-1943-jeep-willys-overland-war-238396381
Based on those clues, I would estimate that there were were at least 24 editions IF there were 10 issues in 1943 and 10 issues in 1944 and at least 4 issues in 1945. Anyone know of other examples of this? This seems as rare as the Globe Trotter Magazine.
Though I created this two-page scan from the July 30, 1945, issue of Life Magazine ten years ago, but somehow it never got posted. You may have seen it other places, such as Barry’s Farm Jeep page.
Rob’s looking for a Meyer Half or Full Hardtop for a CJ-5 he just completed. If you have one in decent or better shape, email him at rob @ humblerootslandscaping.com (remove spaces around the @).
Here is an example of a Meyer hardtop in case you are unsure:
Tom spotted these OEM Jeep Seat Belts. They ship for $13.50.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/306502398757190
“Nos willys jeep optional seat belts 250”
This looks like a good price. The steps have been patched. Note it has a bed extender, half-cab, Koenig half-cab, and a middle seat (most likely a Dumas seat).
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/793880785870219
“1954 Jeep CJ3B Runs and drives great. Steel cab with roll-up glass windows. Rare box extension. Working factory heater. Carb and distributor are new. Fuel pump is also new along with all rubber fuel and oil lines. All gauges and lights work. Optional jump seat. Repainted in the late 70’s. Been in the family for over 40 years. Both footwells have been replaced. 605-359-0967”
This has one of the odder front bumpers I’ve seen. The jeep appears to be solid with a Beck or Kelly hardtop. Note what may be a King Seeley 0-8 speedo.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1513028636155381
“Very nice 1955 Jeep cj5 with the original F head engine 3 speed manual and aftermarket locking front hubs. Shifts smooth and runs great all gueges seem to work and have done a partial rebuild on the engine, with 2 new pistons and new head gasket along with a new valve cover gasket electric wiper and fuel pump installed. Let me know if you have any questions, and I am open to offers, just let me know.”
Not sure if the price is serious, but looks like a neat truck.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/332154835886850
“CUTTER CARR FLYING SERVICE, this truck was owned by the sid cutter family at their airport in 1948”
I can’t remember who shared this, but it sure is an odd item. The seller thinks they “have a good idea want it go’s for” and is sure it is a Cushman jeep. If it is a Cushman jeep, it is something I’ve never documented nor can I find anything using Google about it.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1681869702280556/
“Not sure the age just know it’s old Cushman jeep it runs make a reasonable offer I have a good idea want it go’s for so don’t try and low ball me”
No powertrain.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3566431737018105/
“1946 willys no motor trans and transfer case are in tact very solid project clear title in hand”
A parts jeep that might be worth a look.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/245500894721821/
“1949 CJ3A body, frame, axles. Nice patina. Some extra parts included. No title. Price is firm.”
This looks to be a 1970 body or later given the rear fuel inlet. Are those summer hubs? I can’t tell for sure.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/280820534880262
“Late 60’s CJ5 PROJECT for sale. Very fixable tub with a great frame that has been cleaned and painted. New aluminum radiator, new soft touch clutch, timing set, rear main seal as well as oil pan gasket. Have swing pedals and power steering setup that will go with it as well as gas tank and heater. Also have the side glass for top.”
Unclear if there is much value, but appears to have an early head.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/986019492482178
“195? Willys CJ3a non running project jeep. Missing data plate will come with bill of sale. Located Auburn,AL”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $2850.
(05/25/2023) Doesn’t run at the moment.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/350376067339175
“Complete. All parts are here. Was turning the flywheel to tighten bolts and it got stuck. Not sure what the problem is but there was no impact, just a slow turn by hand. Should be an easy fix. The previous owner told me that the engine had been rebuilt. I never got far enough to find out. It rolls and stops. The 12 volt battery is good. I bought a new regulator and stater for 12 volts. About $400 for those. Running would b worth over $5,000. I am thinking $3,000 or the best offer close to that. Clear title. Kept indoors.”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $900.
(09/11/2023) Unclear how much value is here.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2308682669319968/
“Lots of rust Chevy v8 and manual trans (327?) $1,800 or best offer No title”
UPDATE: Price dropped to $4800.
(08/23/2023) Tub is rough and patched.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/233585442426812
“Looking to sell this Willys. It is a 1953 CJ3B. It was running but now isn’t getting spark so I have ordered a distributor rebuild kit and will continue to try to get going again. Tires are mismatched and have dry rot but hold air. Tub is rough but has been patched and is usuable. Frame has surface rust but looks to be solid. Looks to be all there and has a clean Kentucky title. Has new brake lines, carb, newer wiring and battery and maybe a couple small things I’m forgetting. Located in Hyden KY and willing to help with shipping. Looking for 5500 or best offer. No trades.”
UPDATE: Still Available.
(09/19/2023) This appears to be a solid flattie.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1394765534424632/
“Willys CJ2A 4 cylinder, 3 speed, manual. Front disc brakes, great tires. Runs great.”
This article, and the short two page article that follows it, appeared in the Summer 1974 issue of The Milestone Car periodical. I’d never heard of this publication nor the associated “Milestone Car Society”.
Here are tow ads directed at existing or potential dealers. The first is from Willys-Overland likely in early 1953 and can be found here on eBay. Note the lack of a CJ-3B within the jeep-family that is shown.
This second one (here on eBay) is reported to have been published in 1956, though it lacks the CJ-6 or DJ-3A, so maybe early 1956? What’s curious is that by this time, the new “Willys Motors” organization had refocused on the “Jeep” brand. So, to see the brochure specifically refer to “Willys”, especially as the car brand was abandoned, is especially odd. This kind of has a recycled feel, as if someone in a hurry re-used an early 1950s ad.
UPDATE: Barney provided these pics of the compass from his 1962 leatherette dealer intro book for the J-series dated 1962.
==============
Maury shared this ebay auction. I wasn’t aware these existed. With 7 days left in the auction, the bidding has already reached $256!
View all the information on eBay
“This is a: NOS 1960’s Jeep Dash Accessory COMPASS ASSEMBLY KIT Factory Part 933536 RARE. This compass is in good, unused condition and appears ready for installation. It shows no signs of ever being mounted or used. The compass is working well, as intended. This kit comes complete with mounting bracket and hardware. The body is green in color which appears to be one of 3 different colors offered, according to the instruction sheet. The paperwork states this to be correct for J-Series applications and is dated 1963. This is a must have for any serious Jeep collector or restorer. This is the first new old stock Jeep compass I’ve come across in my many years of collecting parts. This will make a great addition to your classic restoration project.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.
It’s project that likely won’t be for sale much longer …
“George is a 1942 Ford GPW that will be your next project. He deserves to be brought back to life and not the storage unit he has become.
Turns over, but is not running.
Battery is two years old.
Fresh oil change two years ago.
Fuel tank was professionally cleaned and resealed by Auburn Servicenter Radiator.
Not pictured: two hoods, windshield frame, seat cushions and spare wheel
Garaged for the past 23 years.
Title in hand and registered through 1/10/2024.”
This is a classic Fresno-area build with the oversize glass in the windshield, the doors, and more. It may include a soft top. I see no evidence it includes a Muller top.
https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/fresno-1951-jeep-cj3a/7672608100.html
“Very clean Jeep CJ3a, 2nd owner, owned by the seller over 50 yrs.
SBC 350, Turbo 400, Spicer 18 transfer case, Warn overdrive 25%,
Dana 30 front, fresh Dana 44 rear
(new bearings, gears and LSD), Warn winch, big brakes, clean paint, good tires, and new dual fuel tanks. Upholstery and carpet is 4 yrs old with very little use.
Can be seen by appointment in Fresno CA.
You don’t see many like this one for sale. Odometer just rolled over last week, perfect starting point for the new owner”
Has some interior updates, but looks solid.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/soap-lake-1951-jeep-willys-price-drop/7668417134.html
“1951 Willys Wagon, original, 3 on the tree w/OD, interior great shape, nice prior restoration. Runs as it should…drive it home”
UPDATE: **SOLD**? Was $550.
“Vintage Signal Corps BC-659-J radio with with Signal Corps Case 79-A. The radio is missing some of the crystals and other components so not in working condition. The radio is period correct for WW2 military vehicles and Willys MB/GPW. I’m not sure if the Case 79-A is WW2 or post war. Both leather handles in nice shape and very solid, canvas straps and clips solid, power cables in great shape – nice and flexible.
Would like to sell as a set for $550 but can sell BC-659 radio separately for $450 and CS-79-A for $150.
Due to what the scammers get away with, am selling strictly as-is and as photographed with no returns, this is the exact set you will receive, please see the many photos for what is here, and ask any questions. LARGE AND HEAVY, will help pack it for for shipment (paid separately by the buyer) and of course local pick-up is always welcomed.”
This sounds like it needs some work, but unclear the scope needed.
https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/d/brush-prairie-1950-jeep/7670067054.html
“The Jeep was a project for our father who was dealing with some family health issues. This Jeep was like a model he had in the early years. We had a local shop do what I would describe as a makeover. They cleaned and painted the interior and visible exterior surfaces. They made what repairs were required to make it run and drive. In the process we replaced the canvas top, seats, gas tank, tail gate, starter motor, emergence brake kit among other smaller items.
The family enjoyed seeing him driving the Jeep on our property and it was a great distraction for all of us. If you’re interested in a project like this, the makeover we did would be a great first step towards a restoration project. There is the usual body erosion to deal with. The original engine, running gear and steering gear will require repairs to some degree.”
