Surrey Research Archives

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1961 DJ-3A & Surrey Smithfield, ME **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD**

“Here is a Running 1961 Willys DJ3A. This is a Numbers Matching unit which only 1542 were made. Has Firewall Tag which matches Frame Number, and the Original 134 Flathead Engine it was built with. Painted Military over very poor body work by an old soldier who wanted parade use. New tires on very scarce original wheels, It’s ready to go while you make it better.

Included is an ORIGINAL Willys Pink SURREY body, like those in the Elvis beach movies. Only about 1100 ever made. Fix the Surrey body and mount it on the ’61 DJ3A chassis and you have a very special Matching Numbers Surrey Jeep. Two DJ3A units are in this deal. I found ’em, you decide where you go from here. Health issues prevents me from doing this project. Delivery and financing are available”

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1961 DJ-3A Surrey Salt Lake City, UT **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: This sold for $14,889.99 on eBay. I just discovered that this was listed on KSL for only $8000! 

I’ll be in Salt Lake City this Tuesday/Wednesday.

“THIS PARTICULAR JEEP IS PART OF LARGE COLLECTION OF EARILY MODEL WILLYS JEEPS THAT WERE PUT IN STORAGE OVER 45 YEARS AGO, AND ARE JUST NOW BEING OFFERED FOR SALE. IT IS IN ORIGINAL CONDITION. IT HAS ITS ORIGINAL FACTORY PAINT, AND HAS NEVER HAD ANY BODY DAMAGE. IT IS COMPLETELY STRAIGHT. ”

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2004 Wrangler “Surrey” Sandy, UT **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $34,995.

TJ shared this unusual Wrangler. In terms of a DJ-3A Surrey throwback attempt, it doesn’t quite work for me.

/dealer/jeep/unspecified/2038992.html?refer=news#&gid=1&pid=6

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” This 2004 Jeep Wrangler Surrey very nice customization has brought this Jeep to look as though it came straight from the ’60s, displaying many of the signature themes seen on the original Surreys. The base for this re-creation is a 2004 Jeep Wrangler that is equipped with the much loved inline six-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The exterior has been finished in a light shade of blue with matching wheels and whitewall tires. The interior is finished with blue and white striped upholstery, blue door panels, blue dashboard; and a blue and white steering wheel. The Jeep is tailored with a rollbar, removable side curtains, a striped fringed top and a rear-mounted spare tire with a striped cover.

Along with the many aesthetic customizations, this Jeep has power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and an AM/FM radio. The re-creation completed here has been executed very well and complements the original Surrey Jeep design. This Jeep, with its modern drivetrain, presents itself as a perfect candidate for being used at a resort or used for a weekend adventure. Henry Kaiser bought Willis-Overland in 1953, and then went to live at a hotel that he owned in Hawaii. As a part of the hotel, he owned a car rental business that offered Surrey Jeeps as a cheap runabout vehicle that were used around the resorts. In 1959, a Gala edition, with striped upholstery and fringed top, was added to the export line; intended for resort areas like Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico. Later that year it was marketed domestically as the Surrey.”

 
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1963 DJ-3A Surrey Howell, NJ **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD**

(08/16/2017) “finally came to terms with myself. found this 15 yrs ago in a garage in Clifton nj. cleaned it up. new brakes clean fuel system.drove around the block a few times. put back in the barn and now its up for sale. needs some work.has some small rust holes nothing bigger than a quarter.
has original seats still. no top but have the frame for it. please only call if you want to buy it. and if you you know what it is.
easy resto or drive like it is. cash talks.”

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Australian CJ-3B Gala @ the CJ-3B Page

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

If you haven’t read this, take a look at the CJ-3B page and check out this story on the Australian CJ-3B Gala.

https://www.cj3b.info/Finds/FindsSurreyAustralia.html

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1960ish Las Brisas Jeep Rental Card W/Map

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

I found this neat little card from the Las Brisas resort on eBay. Folded up, it’s about the size of a post card. The illustrated side advertises pink jeep rentals in English and Spanish. The other side shows a map of the area (here’s a google map link). It’s meant to sit on a table or desk.

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Las Brisas Brochure W/ DJ-5s

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

UPDATE II: There are more photos of the DJ-3A “mobile bar” in the February 1962 Jeep News.

This 1966 brochure for the Las Brisas resort included some pics of Surreys.

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Here’s a DJ-5 with hubcaps.
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We’ve seen this DJ-3A “mobile bar” featured in a photo from another angle.1966-las-brisas-dj5-surrey1-lores

This is the booklet’s cover. 1966-las-brisas-dj5-surrey3-lores

 
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1963 Tonka Ad with Surrey on eBay

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

The January 1963 issue of Playthings Magazine included this neat Tonka ad. I tried to find a full issue of Playthings Magazine on eBay, but there weren’t any 1960s that I could find. I suspect this is probably a rare ad.

View all the information on eBay

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July 1966 Las Brisas Menu Surrey on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, Documents, Features • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s another Las Brisas Menu from 1966. I have one from August of ’66. This one is from July.

“Date: July 30, 1966.
Restaurant: Las Brisas Hotel.
Location: Acapulco, Mexico.
Size when open: 14 x 23 inches – 3 panel card stock menu.
The World’s Only Hotel With Room Service By Jeep.”

View all the information on ebay

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3 DJ-3As Long Beach, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** 

Gray Navy Jeep (has a gov plate on the right side of dash):

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Year? DJ-3A Valley View, TX Estate Sale

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

Charles spotted this Surrey-like jeep. It looks to me like an early, basic DJ-3A to which someone added some surrey trimmings. No price or description provided, other than the seller describes it as a “1953”, which would be three years before the first DJ was introduced. Still, it looks like a fun rig to drive around town. It’s for sale the weekend of May 12-14.

https://www.estatesales.net/TX/Valley-View/76272/1501800

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1964 DJ-3A Fairfield, CA $4500

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

UPDATE: Still Available.

(04/11/2017) This DJ-3A is actually a 1962 that sold in 1964. The trim ID indicates that it may have been a Surrey. Though it has an L-134, it’s a former industrial engine. The jeep has a few other modifications, including four wheel drive. Still, looks like a good price.

Re-posting as I was away for 2 weeks , 1964 3A flat-fender 4×4 Jeep last year of production, was used as a hunting Jeep, no rust in the body and well cared for. 134 stock motor , has new water pump, radiator, valve job. 60 amp alternator, 12 volt, starts on the first click ( started on first turn after just sitting two weeks) and runs very well. Has a rebuilt transmission and transfer case. Vintage 5 leaf Rancho 2 inch lift springs , 11″ bendix brake conversion ( stops on a dime) with rear axle parking brakes that work. has factory 3/4 -1/4 front seats, (was originally a column shift) vintage Ramsey PTO winch with front and rear pto output . all electrical and gauges work perfectly, including “gas gauges”, turn signals back up lights spedo and digital tac also , two gas tanks ( came with factory rear tank) is set up to tow and tows perfectly , has a rear tow receiver. Floating rear axle and has 4:88 gears. Roll bar, hubs and bikini top, has factory rear seat. All mechanical parts in great shape. Current registration so “Wild Willy” can be driven away… at 50 mph…ha.. $4,500 B/O Just a real rare stock great running Jeep. In person pickup and cash only.”

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/6081922285.html

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Photo of Sylvia Porter in a Gala (?)

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

Sylvia Porter was a financial guru of some renown in the 1960s. We think this might be an actual Gala from Las Brisas.

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1960 Pepsi Surrey Hatfield, MA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $15,000.

You can learn more about them on the CJ-3B Page: https://cj3b.info/Siblings/SurreyPepsi.html

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1959 DJ-3A Surrey St. Petersburg, FL **Status Unknown**

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

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was $24,500.

This refurbished surrey doesn’t have all the original surrey-like trimmings, but it does have several Surrey indicators, such as the dry type air filter and the footman loops on the fenders.

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“1959 Willy’s DJ3A Surrey/Gala, VIN# – 5633716515, Mileage – 14,680. My guess is that this is the lowest mileage Surrey/Gala in existence. The original owner ordered this Willy’s new directly from the factory. After a long ownership, he passed away and his widow sold the Surrey to her dear friend. It appears that this sale occurred in 1997.

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Soon after, The 2nd owner had a cosmetic restoration done to the vehicle including new blue paint and what I believe was an aftermarket seat and top kit sold back then by JC Witney. I still have this top. I first saw this auto online and became very interested after confirming that it was a Surrey/Gala. I purchased it sight unseen, had it shipped to me, and started on its mechanical restoration. I have now owned it for almost 4 years, driving her a couple times a week and,of course, keeping it garaged.

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1957 ‘Surrey-like’ CJ-5 Las Vegas, NV **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $9845.

(10/17/2013) “1957 Jeep Willys Manual Transmission, Good Upholstery, Excellent Tires, Runs Like a Champion…Don’t Miss it!  52,989Address: View our website: www.springvalleyautosales.net.

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1974 VW Thing Acapulco Edition on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This pink surrey-like vehicle looks fun. A blue version of this same vehicle and same year sold for $27,500 at a Barret-Jackson auction.

“Gateway Classic Cars of Tampa is proud to offer this eye-catching 1974 Volkswagen Type 181… aka, the Volkswagen Thing. With looks somewhere between an Army Jeep and a Volkswagen Beetle, the Volkswagen Thing already stands out, but this particular example was built to look like the ultra-rare Acapulco Edition. These cars were built in very low numbers but they are instantly recognizable, and that Caribbean look is transferred to this 1974 Volkswagen Thing Acapulco Edition Tribute with a two-tone pink-and-white paint job, matching interior and the Surrey soft top. If a canvas roof isn’t quite your style, though, this car also comes with a full open-side hard top and removable roll bars. Powering this 1974 Volkswagen Thing is a rear-mounted 1,584-cc horizontally opposed and air-cooled four-cylinder, and this engine is backed by a four-speed manual gearbox. Drop the top, remove the doors and flip down the windshield, and this 1974 Volkswagen Thing is a perfect beach cruiser, parade vehicle or show car!”

View all the information on eBay

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1960 DJ-3A Surrey Auctioned for $46,750

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

UPDATE: Sold for $46,750.

This 1960 DJ-3A Surrey will be auctioned in January of 2017 by Sotheby’s. The jeep is described as a “beautifully presented flawless restoration”. That statement is followed by a series of inaccurate statements regarding the history of DJ-3A, such as the DJ-3A was introduced in 1955 (nope 1956). You can see all the pics and information here:

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As Colin pointed out to Sotheby’s, despite some great work on this, there are actually numerous flaws with this restoration:

  1. Front bumper is from a 1948-49 Willys Jeepster, way too wide for a DJ3A Surrey.
  2. Valance panel behind the front bumper is too long, as it has to cover the Willys Jeepster front bumper brackets.
  3. Air filter is from a 1945-1949 Willys CJ2A 4WD Jeep and is made by Oakes.  The correct air filter should be either a small 7 inch dry air filter attached to the carburetor alone or a Donaldson oil bath air filter that attaches in the same position as the Oakes filter on this Jeep.
  4. The Fram oil filter is of the larger heavy duty unit, not the smaller one used by the civilian 4 cylinder Jeeps from 1946-1964.
  5. The windshield straps are incorrect, using webbed belts instead of vinyl with center buckle and three grommets, no additional adjusters on the straps at all.
  6. Windshield grab handles were chrome on Surreys, as were the side mirrors.
  7. The rear bumper is 1948-49 Willys Jeepster, has Willys Overland stamped into the center of the bumper and is too wide for a Surrey.  Surrey chrome bumpers were plain, without  the Willys Overland script.  Willys dropped the Overland part of the scripting for the 1950 models, but kept the Willys script on the 1950-51 Jeepsters and station wagon rear bumpers from 1950 through 1963 when the last of the old square bodies were used and the new Wagoneer station wagon debuted.
  8. The speedometer reads in kilometers, rather than miles per hour.  Surreys and all DJ3A Jeep speedometers read in miles per hour and calibrated from 0 through 9 after 1958.  0-8 for 1956- early 1958.  Kilometers were used on export Jeeps.
 
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1959 DJ-3A Surrey Valley View, Tx $8900

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

UPDATE: This is a DJ turned into a Surrey. Still Available.

(07/20/2015) “Pink & White with 2 tops, open surrey and Bestop with doors,heater,original I-134 engine, seat belts,original turn signals.price is firm”

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/5866102923.html

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1979 DJ-5 Emory, TX **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2200.

This might be the first DJ-5 “surrey” I’ve seen.

“1979 Jeep. Inline 4 cylinder engine with 3 speed automatic transmission. 2 wheel drive, right hand steering vehicle. The top & top frame are removable for a full open top. Tires have plenty of tread. This is a retired postal jeep DJ5, with lots of updates and it is fun to drive. It smokes a little when first started, needs the fuel gauge hooked up, and needs a passenger side seat-belt. Good Texas title. No trades. The price is FIRM at $2200 cash, don’t offer less, I won’t take a penny less than that. If you are not willing to pay that then don’t call.”

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1963 DJ-3A Surrey Warren, MI $10,000

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,000.

Thanks to Craig for spotting this one. I don’t see the footman loops on the fenders nor the hubcaps. Otherwise looks good to me.

“1963 Jeep Willys Surrey Gala
Pink — just like the one Elvis had.
Just over 1,000 of this model was produced from 1959 — 1964. They were produced in pink, green, and blue.
2 wheel drive, 3 speed, odometer shows just over 22,000 miles.
Top, sides, and rear canvas and all hardware is present and in remarkable condition considering the age. Fringes on top are dry rotted from age.
Original motor.
Runs & drives.
New tires.
New master cylinder.
$10,000 OBO
Don’t waste my time or yours with low ball offers.”

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Las Brisas Parkway or Traveller Wagon

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

This undated postcard is for sale on eBay. Note the wagon in the right lower corner. At first I thought that was a Parkway Conversion, but given the setup on the truck behind the wagon (the bend seats) I think this could be a Traveller. I’d have to guess this photo was taken in the early 1960s. It’s only photo I know of that shows a wagon at the Las Brisas Resort in Mexico.

The fact the wagon isn’t quite pink, kind of more purplish, might mean it didn’t belong to the resort, but just ferried visitors to/from it. Hertz Rentals did a similar thing by renting blue colored surrey-looking DJ-3As to visitors (see bottom of post).

View all the information on eBay

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Back of card:

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Hertz Rental Jeeps in Mexico:

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DJ-3A Galas & Frank M. Brandstetter

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

I recently ordered a biography called Brandy: Our Man in Acapulco as part of some research into DJs at the Las Brisas Resort in Acapulco. I was surprised to see the cover included a color photo, one I’ve never seen, of nine DJ-5 surrey/galas in Las Brisas. There’s an entire chapter on Las Brisas, so I’m hoping for some good research information.

I’ve only gone through the book briefly, but the book credits Brandsetter with taking over Las Brisas in 1959 and turning it into the world’s top resort by 1972. They also claim Frank instituted the resort’s no tipping policy, but that policy was actually implemented by founder Juan March and existed for more than a year before Brandsetter entered the picture as evidenced in a Feb. 28, 1958 Milwaukee Sentinel article. There is an entire chapter devoted to Brandy and Las Brisas, so hopefully there will be some interesting tidbits and research vectors.

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Article from 1958:

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1959 DJ-3A Gala/Surry? San Luis Obispo, CA **SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8000.

(03/01/2016) No pics provided.

“59 Gala Surrey 2wd Willys Jeep limited editionDJ-3A
a little over 1000 Surrey Gala Packages were produced, until 1965, 3 SPEED
has 24,000 original miles
has been stored for over 10years indoors and will need 160.00 gas tank and fresh fluids to get running properly
The willys has custom tan safari exterior and interior, have all soft window covers and soft panels.”

 
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1962 DJ-3A Surrey Fort Lauderdale, FL**SOLD**

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

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay. $14,999.

Most of the pics are more of these ‘models’ rather than jeep.

“This showroom-fresh Willy’s Beach Car was the center piece of Johnson Jeep & Willy’s in Riverside, California, for many years. The speedometer shows 200 miles since it has been restored.

From the looks of the restoration, it was done by the Jeep Company many years ago, probably in the seventies.
It needed a new parking break cable when I bought it. I’ve installed “Quick Steer” that has made this a joy to drive with 1 finger.

These DJ 3A Willy’s are impossible to find in this condition. From the paperwork, this vehicle looks to have been a Las Brisas hotel Willy’s (Acapulco). I believe that Elvis Presley once owned a Willy’s just like this one, in coral and pink. He certainly drove one in a few of his movies I have seen.

The jeep is missing the top, but I have a re-manufactured original top-style frame for it. And I have located the material and fringe for the Surrey top. This will be the new steward’s job.

The Willy’s stops, starts and rides as it should.
Books and records from the seventies are yours if you are the buyer.
It definitely has some scratches and patina on it. Come see it if you’d like.”

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