Several folks shared this auction. Nick is selling his very rare Valentine-built CJ-3A APUs. He’s done a great job of uncovering the history of these Valentine APUs and sharing it with the jeep community.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/pair-of-willys-overland-cj-3a/

“These Willy-Overland CJ-3A utility vehicles were converted into auxiliary power units for the US Navy in the 1950s by the Valentine Welder & Manufacturing Company for use in starting jet aircraft engines. Both vehicles are finished in yellow and equipped with a seven-slot grille, flat front fenders, a single-seat operator’s station, and power take-off equipment. The pair includes an NC-2 mobile power plant that was designed for use on aircraft carriers and modified with rear-wheel steering, front-wheel drive, and a rear equipment platform. The other truck is one of approximately 75 such units modified into an NA-4 ground-based mobile APU and is fitted with a replacement Willys F-134 inline-four paired with a three-speed manual transmission. The engine has been removed from the NC-2 and is included in the sale.”

This might have an APU hood, but hard to tell for sure. Only the one pic provided.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1188774441743636

“V8 motor.brand new tires never driven on. New flare fins over tires.brakes all done..seat cushions to put on runs good..paddle tires also”

Darron spotted this APU jeep for sale. It still has the dash gauges.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1095410271291496

“1946 Willys Navy Jeep no engine but rest of drivetrain there, has been used as yard art and started to build rat rod at one time.”

This has an APU hood. It’s listed as a 1948, but doesn’t appear to have frame/bumper gussets on the front.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/423920254950594/

“1948 Willey’s (Jeep) priced and ready for restoration. Vehicle is located in Gustine, CA. Please serious enquiries only.”

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.

(05/10/2018) Has an APU hood, but doesn’t look to have been an APU.

“1951 WILLYS JEEP 4X4. Original 4cyl. 4 speed. Has been converted to 12 volts already. Just installed new ring gear. Newer tires and wheels. Seats just redone. A nice straight little jeep. Has tow bar. Original black and yellow plate. I just have too many projects, time to liquidate. No time wasters please..”

UPDATE: **SOLD** “Was $2300.

(03/02/2018) Bill shared this ad. There’s no sign of the extra gauges, so I can’t tell if this was an APU jeep or if the hood was appropriated from an APU jeep.

“1951 Willys Jeep Body Type VA Flat fenders is not running fly wheel is broke. Owner says it has new tires, rims, brakes, seat.”

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1200.

(02/15/2018) This has an APU hood, so it may have been an APU.

“Not a clean one owner, bad engine”

UPDATE: **SOLD**

“This is a solid 1952 Willys Jeep. It runs well and is drivable, but will need some brake work before it’s ready for the road. It has the overhead valve engine. The hood scoop is because it was updated by the military to the overhead valve engine from a flathead, and more room was needed for the carburetor.

I’m no expert, but here is a brief description of the APU conversion. They were converted by two companies for the military, O.E. Szekely and the Valentine Welder and Manufacturing Company. The APU stands for auxiliary power unit, and they were also called jet starter jeeps. The military converted these Jeeps for use in the Navy and Air Force. They were used among other things to start jet aircraft. There were a few variations, they made both 3 and 4 wheeled versions.

The right seat and factory toolbox underneath it were removed, and a pto was run up thru the floor towards the right seat well, to power the generator. I will attach a picture showing one, and here is a link to get you started:

http://warjeeps.com/articles/APUnavyJeeps/apu-jeeps.html [ed note … fine but slightly dated article at this point. I need to update that]
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UPDATE: Still Available.

(07/18/2017) The one has an APU hood. Maybe it was an APU jeep?

“1953 Willys Jeep. M38A1 Chevy V8, 4 Speed, Edelbrock intake manifold & carburetor, 8000# warn winch, 1 ton full floating rear axle, full roll cage, headers and dual exhaust, front lockout hubs and brake master cylinder rebuild new brakes, 32″ BFG mud terrains.”

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/d/willys-jeep/6222856466.html

UPDATE: **SOLD**

(06/15/2016) I emailed the seller to let them know it’s an APU.

“52 willys with solid tub, original engine/ running gear, it runs drives and stops. Needs a gas tank to run it though, it had a keg gas can that I took out. Also needs wiring for lights to drive on the road. Last tags on it were 2009. Has driver seat and a soft top cover, Dana 44 rear. I got it to restore but things changed and have to get rid of it.”

Nick’s jeep was just featured in the most recent issue of Dispatcher Magazine.

View all the information on eBay

Where do I even begin? This is a very rare and authentic piece of military history; it may be your only chance to own a vehicle like this. If you search “APU Jeep” this very Jeep is all over the internet. It is a 1951 Willys Jeep CJ3A, but was specially contracted by the US Navy to be used as a mobile power unit. This is known as an APU (auxiliary power unit). It’s sole purpose was to start early jet-aircraft as they did not have on-board starters. It utilized a PTO-driven generator off the transfercase and fed power through cables to the jet. The equipment was so heavy duty, the Jeeps were equipped with larger engines that weren’t even available to the public yet. Two different manufacturers built these Jeeps: A company named O.E. Szekely which a handful of Jeeps are left, but none have any of the original jet equipment. They are only known by their data plates. The other company was Valentine Welder & Co.

Continue reading →