emailNeed to contact me and don't have my email? Click on email button.
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 .
Seller has some tractor parts.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/147813385939072
“I Have A Almost Compleat Rare Empire Tractor For Sale ! Made From 1946-1951 Will Not Part Out ! I Have Front End Grill Dash Jeep Motor Trans. Transfer Case ( Which Is What Came With ) ! Rear Hams 1 Fender Frame I Also Have 2 Others Not For Sale ! Yellow One Is What It Looks Like When Restored !”
I can’t tell for sure if this Empire Tractor is a model 88 (built from WWII parts) or a Model 90 (built from 2A parts), but the spring under the seat suggests to me it’s a 90. You can learn more about these here.
“1948 Empire tractor with Willys Jeep engine tractor was manufactured in Philadelphia after the World War II tractor in excellent condition with matching serial numbers with winch on the rear.”
https://nashville.craigslist.org/grd/d/empire-tractor-jeep-engine/6437473850.html
This jeep-engine-powered screw-tractor called the Wormobile was spotted by Aaron. There’s a third photo of this here.
“one of a kind screw type vehicle built in 54 has willys jeep motor and transmission a complete overhaul 2 years ago
willing to trade for a black stripe ten or a good utility tractor 3 pt and hydraulics a must”
https://greenbay.craigslist.org/grd/d/one-of-kind/6427859629.html
Seller doesn’t describe the particular tractor for sale. The description would suggest it is a Model 88. Later models used T-90 transmissions.
https://nh.craigslist.org/bar/d/1947-empire-tractor-4/6381140613.html
Mark’s selling this 1970 Topeka Hiway Mower/Snow plow. Contact him for more information: 419-563-4002. Here’s a similar Topeka model with a snow plow for comparison.
Thanks to Blaine for spotting this good looking Model 90 for sale. What’s an Empire Tractor?
“Empire tractors were only built for a few years after WWII.
The drivetrain of these tractors was the Willys Jeep 4×4 which were available at that time.
The engine, transmission, transfer case, rearend, radiator, steering column and wheel are all Willys.
The operator platform of the tractor is surplus navy ship decking.
This tractor does not have the original Willys engine, but instead has a flat head Jeep engine with a counterbalanced crankshaft. The electrical system has also been updated to 12v instead of the original 6v system.
The engine, transmission, and transfer case were all rebuilt a few years ago. The engine runs great and idles very smoothly.
The tractor can easily do 20mph on the road and if the rear tires were balanced it would go faster.
This tractor would be great for someone wanting to do one of the antique tractor drives that various tractor clubs offer.
There are less than 500 Empire tractors in the USA, known to the Empire Tractor Club.
(oh…. also included with the tractor for the buyer would be all the Empire Tractor Club newsletters that I have)”
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/grd/5194203972.html
This has been repowered with a Willys motor.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/grd/5142543350.html
“Cute little classic farm crawler tractor / dozer. I believe this is an Oliver OC-3-42 42” gauge tractor, probably late 1940’s or early 50’s. As I understand it, the Celtrac HG & Oliver OC-3 are the same tractor, so it could be either. This one has been rengined with a Willy’s Jeep flathead 4 cylinder gas motor. The tractor starts and runs well (12 volt) and all gears work as do both steering clutches. The sheet metal is in decent shape although the bottom section of the grill appears to have been cut off.
Dan forwarded this for a friend. You can contact Dan for more information. It appears in good shape. The data tag lists this as a “special” model, but what’s special about it is not clear to me. It hasn’t run in years but had new rings put in before it was parked.
Fcdan@wctatel.net
641-390-0208
UPDATE: Sold Was $3500.
This is a rare Empire Tractor built with civilian Willys parts.
“Empire tractors were only made for a few years after WWII. To start with they used surplus military Willys jeep drivetrains, later using civilian jeep drivetrains. The engine is jeep, the transmission and rearend are jeep, steering column and wheel is jeep, even the radiator is jeep. The operator platform is surplus Navy ship decking.
UPDATE: Still Available.
(10/01/2014) There are a few jeep parts under this crazy vehicle.
“homemade tractor converted from mid 1930’s willy’s jeep
have to see in person to believe
chains on tires
has plow attachment on front
newer honda 5 hp motor runs 2 transmissions
powerful easily hauls a cord of tree length wood or move a car
rear has a hitch with ball for pulling trailers
great conversation and show piece
guaranteed not to find anywhere else”
http://maine.craigslist.org/bar/4963763946.html
UPDATE: Jean would like to see this saved rather than send it to salvage. She’s moving, so it has to go. I drove up to Kimball Junction in Utah on Wednesday to get some better photos. The mower is a mix of jeep and non-jeep parts. You can contact Jean at jnbpc @ msn.com if interested in the mower. I have other photos.
This ‘Tornado’ Topeka Hiway Mower is different from other Topeka mowers I’ve featured. One of the biggest differences is the front grill area. All the Topeka’s I’ve seen have an angled front grille area like these. The front of Jean’s model has a more typical tractor front.
Jean hasn’t used it much over the last seven years. The motor was rebuilt around that time and has had very little use since. It is four wheel drive, has a transfer case, and a continental engine.
The front of this Topeka has a more typical tractor grille.
Are these FC suspension mounts?
Note the centered pumpkin. The Topeka uses a Dana 18 transfer case, so the driveline is angled.
Dana 18 with an interesting mounting system.
Continental motor.
Joe just picked up this rare Topeka Highway Mower last month. Joe would love to find a soft door setup like is shown on this Topeka.
Topeka like these were assembled with jeep parts. I’ve updated the Topeka Mower info.
Speaking of Hydraulic Lifts, the Love Tractor Company (or perhaps more accurately Love Industries — I’m not clear on the difference) made a lift and also sold a willys-engine powered tractor.
According to the Standard Catalog of Farm Tractors 1890-1980, by C.H. Wendel, Love Tractor offered model J51 that was built around a Willys CJ-2A engine. This may have been a repurposed Empire Tractor, because at least one source suggests Love purchased eighteen Empire Tractors when Empire dissolved. Anyone know more about the ‘Willys’ Love Tractor?
Standard Catalog of Farm Tractors 1890-1980, by C.H. Wendel
Love Tractor also created a hydraulic three-point lift system. At CJ3a.info is a page devoted to the lift. At the Farm Jeep site is a scan of the brochure.
The February 1947 issue of Popular Science has an article on the Love Hydraulic Lift System distributed by Newgren.
There is also an article about the Love system and Newgren in a 1949 issue of Farm implement news – Volume 70 – Page 56.
Willys-Overland powered Empire Tractors in the foreground and jeeps in the back.
The Empire Tractor was made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the Empire Tractor Corporation from 1946-1948. Leveraging the Willys drive train, Empire produced two different models: Model 88 and Model 90. You might have seen one of those tractors at a Willys show or for sale, but sightings are rare. The primary reason for their scarcity is that of the approximately 6,660 made around 5,370 were exported leaving about 1,290 available in the US and Canada.
The history behind the Empire Tractor company is complicated. It involves Willys Overland Motor’s largest shareholder, Empire Securities, and a successful international business man named Frank Cohen, who was investigated multiple times for suspicious financial dealings.
Here’s how and why only a few tractors were made . . .
The two basic models of tractors produced by Empire Tractors. They look pretty close, but one of the most noticeable differences is the seat.
EMPIRE SECURITIES:
In 1932 George Ritter, Ward Canaday, and H.J. Leonard organized Empire Securities, Inc. They launched it as a holding company to process claims against the Willys-Overland Company, which had gone into receivership. In 1935 Empire Securities offered to buy up all the Willys-Overland Company bonds that were due two years earlier in 1933 so they could reorganize the Willys-Overland Company. In October of 1936, Empire Securities successfully rebirthed the Willys-Overland Company as Willys-Overland Motors, Inc., and became the largest shareholder. Several years later the Empire Securities founders used Willys Overland stock to partly fund a business deal with a man named Frank Cohen.
Side Note: Empire Securities continued to be the largest shareholder through 1946. Meanwhile, Ward Canady was president of Empire Securities and Chairman of the Board of Willys-Overland Motors through 1946.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay
This 1991 booklet includes information on the Willys Farm Jeep. Not sure whether they mean the sparse CJ-3A version or something else. But, if you like jeeps and tractors, this might be for you.
“A COMPENDIUM OF LITTLE KNOWN AND MOSTLY FORGOTTEN TRACTORS 1930-1960 BY ALAN KING SOFTCOVER CONDITION VERY GOOD- COPYRIGHT 1991 PUBLISHED BY;INDEPENDENT PRINT SHOP CO. INC. -64 PAGES.. INCLUDING ;BROCKWAY,CENTAUR,CUSTOM, EAGLE, EARTHMASTER,FARMASTER,GIBSON, HARRIS, GRAHAM-BRADLEY, INTERCONTINENTAL,LAUGHLIN,LOVE,PORSCHE,SHEPPARD,SILVER KING,THOMSON AND MORE..11 NEBRASKA TEST RESULTS FOR THESE TRACTORS, SPECIFICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS DATA… CORBITT,GIBSON MODEL I & H,HARRIS POWER HORSE MODEL 53, HARRIS POWER HORSE FWD,INTERCONTINENTAL D 26 OR DE, AND MODEL DF, LONG MODEL A, FARMASTER MERCER FG 33 OR 30 CKAND FD 33 OR 30 BD, PORSCHE DIESEL JUNIOR L108, UNIMOG 30 DIESEL, WILLYS FARM JEEP…
OTHER NAMES IN BOOK ZETOR KOVO, THOMSON MACHINERY CO, R H SHEPPARD CO, LAUGHLIN ROW CROP, FRIDAY MODEL 048, FERGUSON HI-40, FATE ROOT HEATH, ,CI CAPPS CO JT GO-GETTE, AVERY RO-TRAK,ALLIGATOR”
Finding an Empire Tractor is a rarity. Carl and I are finishing up a special post about them for eWillys sometime in May.
“Interesting little Empire tractor. These were built from left over Jeep and Willy’s parts from WWII. For the best source of information go to http://www.empiretractor.net – this one is almost complete, the engine, drive train, etc, is there. It’s missing some of the body/panels. Great project or if someone is restoring a 40’s/50’s Jeep or Willy’s, lots of good parts! $650 cash.”
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/for/4440156572.html
I can’t say for sure this is an Empire Tractor, but it sure looks like one to me. The ad is from Bernstein Brothers Machinery Company in 1951.
View all the information on eBay
This tractor looks in good shape. Brian has seen this work in person.
“Very rare and 100% complete Empire Tractor . Good running Willys Jeep components . Original tractor ( lights are stamped tractor ) . New front tires , good rear tires .This is an excellent collectors tractor and is very rare . Second seat added for parades but not yet painted.”
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-other-1948-Empire-Tractor-Model-88-90-W0QQAdIdZ510141984
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6000
“The Empire tractor consisted of military power components from World War II-era jeeps. It had a 4-cylinder, 40 hp Willys-Overland engine, a Model T-84 Spicer 3-speed transmission, Spicer transfer case with high and low speeds, Willys rear end, steering column and gearbox. It also had PTO, individual clutch-type rear brakes with a stop provided for parking and a rear belt pulley. The fuel tank and an Empire-style seat were mounted on a large operator’s platform (made from Navy ship decking). Its simple, basic gauges (ammeter, oil pressure and temperature), ignition switch and starter button also came from the jeep. The Empire tractor was originally made for exportation in the Lend-Lease Program after World War II.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay
“Have a very rare Empire Tractor model 90 I beleive it is a 1947..The Empire tractors were built with left over WWII Willys Jeep Parts.. “NOTE” It has been totally taken apart and restoration started.. The restored tractor picture is just to show what they look like when finished.. I just dont have the time to finish.. It is very complete with many extra parts, extra trans/transfercase, hood,dash, to many to list… The motor and tranny are mounted on a stand (stand not included) and runs great..It will need to be finished and you will have a very rare and enjoyable tractor…”
These aren’t easy to find. Here is more information about them.
“Pretty much complete, motor does not turn over what you see is what you get, see pictures. Pick up only will help load on open trailer”
View all the information on eBay
This may be a Newgren mower. It was for sale on eBay in 2010.
<a href=”http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf?autostart=false&token=568_1233111054″ mce_href=”http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf?autostart=false&token=568_1233111054″ target=”_blank”>http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf?autostart=false&token=568_1233111054</a>
UPDATE: I recently ran across an article discussing a pre-war Topeka Hiway mower built from Ford truck parts: http://www.farmcollector.com/tractors/mowing-tractor-zmbz14octzkel.aspx I haven’t looked any deeper into this information.
This is Joe’s DiMaggio’s Topeka Mower in Wisconsin (see more pics here)
One source argues that the Topeka Hiway Mowers were built by ‘Shorty’ Meinhardt, who founded Meinholt Machine and Welding in Topeka Kansas. Shorty’s grandson Dean Fechter now runs the business. According to Meinhardt’s cousin, the first mower they built rolled over and broke Shorty’s back. But, that didn’t stop them from building more tractors.
Yet, according to at least one data plate, the Topeka Hiway mower was produced out of Irwindale, California, a product of the American Hoist & Derrick Company. Can anyone clear up the discrepancy between producers of the mower?
According to Marty Henson in 2009 there were three versions of the mower:
I have kept records of all of the people I know who have these mowers and information about the style, age and attachments. So far I have found three distinct styles. The oldest style appears to date to the late 1930s and uses Ford-style sheet metal and running gear. Examples are owned by collectors near Seattle, Wash., and Hartsville, Tenn.
The second style closely follows a CJ Willys/Jeep and uses a Continental 4-cylinder flathead engine, 3- or 4-speed transmission, and Dana 18 transfer case. The mower attachments on these were either a sickle bar or rotary. I think later mowers of this style included a windshield. I have found two examples of the later style Topeka Hi Way mower. One was recently sold by the Montana Highway Dept., and the other is in Lyons, Colo.
Most, if not all, of the mowers were painted yellow. To date, I have recorded the names and addresses of 11 owners in eight states. Just today I added two more contacts. By including my previous letter in your magazine, you have generated many of my contacts. I’d like to receive information from your readers about anyone who has one of these mowers or knows where one might be found. Thank you for producing such a wonderful magazine and assisting me in researching the Topeka Hi Way mower.
Here are some examples of the jeep version of the Topeka Mower:
This was for sale in December of 2014:
This one was for sale on eBay in Ohio in 2009 (see more pics here):
This one was for sale in Baker City, Oregon, in 2010 for $400.
Here’s an orange one:
From the CJ-3B Page. There’s a second pic here with the windshield up.
Here’s a fancy one from the Antique Tractors Page
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
“RARE WILLYS TOPEKA MODEL. ASSEMBLED IN TOPEKA KANSAS. ALL HYDRAULIC WITH POWER STEERING. HAS A CONTINENTAL FOUR CYLINDER INDUSTRIAL ENGINE WITH ABOUT 1100 HUNDRED HOURS. FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, TWO WHEEL DRIVE, HIGH LOW RANGE, FOUR WHEEL IN AND OUT AND HAND THROTTLE FOR THE REAR HYDROLICS SUCH AS LOG SPLITTER, DISC ETC. FOUR WAY PLOW, HEATER, WITH DEFROST AND REMOVEABLE CAB. GREAT FOR THE SUMMER ALSO. A SICKLE BAR OR ROTARY MOWER CAN BE ADDED ON THE RIGHT SIDE. HAS REAR HYDRAULIC REMOTES FOR ATTACHMENTS. TITLE NOT NEEDED AS ITS CONSIDERED AS A MOWER OR YOU COULD GET ONE AS IT HAS ALL THE STREET LEGAL ITEMS. NEW TIRES AND RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT.”
View more pics