This October 1954 photo and caption from Kaiser Willys News underscores how confident Willys Motors was about the coming year and their new CJ-5 model. About this time there was an explosion of new brochures and mailers, so Willys Motors did what it could to generate excitement about the commercial and utility market.
Jeep-Willys-News Research Archives
Kaiser Willys News Vs. Willys News
Not too long after Kaiser acquired Willys-Overland the company introduced a dealer news periodical. What I learned recently is that initially the periodical was called Kaiser Willys News. It wasn’t until March of 1955 that the Kaiser name was dropped and it was renamed Willys News. Apparently, it was felt that the jeep dealers needed different information and support from that of the auto dealers? I don’t know for sure, but it makes sense.
Here are examples of each periodical.
April 1955 Issue of Willys News on eBay
UPDATE: The starting price on this is $8.95. That’s a good price! This issue includes an article on the jeepcade with 284 entries.
1947 CJ-2A Fredonia, PA $1800
UPDATE: Barry worked the phone on this. See his comments below.
Is this the gravity dump bed highlighted in a 1955 Willys News article? It’s not an exact copy, but it’s similar. Both tilt to about 45 degrees. Here’s the article.
Read the rest of the article here.
“Dumpbed Willys , snow plow lift , hydraulic pump and valve , pretty much all there , just rusty, does not run . Also has a clear PA title .”
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/d/1947-willys-cj2a/6315198226.html
August 1961 Issue of the Jeep Merchandiser **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
This looks to be a four-page news piece directed at salespeople.
“original non color folder , 8.5 x 11 folded , 17 x 11 unfolded , this is volume 1 #3 of “Jeep Merchandiser” . Published by the merchandising and advertising department for Jeep salesman”
May 1961 Jeep Merchandiser Package **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
This package introduces the Merchandiser to the Jeep sales staff. I can’t tell how many pages it is.
“Original dealer’s part color folder , 8.5 x 11 folded , 17 x 11 unfolded , this is volume 1 #1 of “Jeep Merchandiser”. Published by the merchandising and advertising department for Jeep salesman , also included are two advertising bulletins introducing the Jeep Merchandiser , all items are in the original cardboard binder , 9 x 11.5.”
Jeeps From Venezuela
Feb. 1957 Willys News Magazine $25
I accidentally ordered an issue of Willys News I already had. So, I’m putting this one up for sale. It has eight pages of pictures and information. These sell for between $28 – $38 on eBay.
CJ-3Bs Delivered to Manila
This photo appeared in the February 1956 issue of Globetrotter. The jeeps were purchased by Manila’s Labor Law Commission.
1956 Article on Searchlights for Jeeps
This article appeared in the February 1956 issue of Globetrotter. A similar article, with just one photo, appeared in the April 1956 issue of Willys News.
1956 Harney Peak Article & Photos
The February 1956 issue of Globetrotter featured a short article about using jeeps to take tourists to Harney Peak in South Dakota. You can see more pics and information about Harney Peak jeeps on a couple other posts.
Sailing Sahara’s Sands by J. Mortimer Sheppard

When loose deep sand was encountered, the ‘Jeep’ had to pull both the yacht and the sedan. [ed note … this caption was included in the original article]
Shepard went on to write an article for Wide World Magazine titled First to Sail the Sahara. An 1800 mile journey with his wife and family in a sand yacht over the Desert in 1956 (it’s also been republished as a book, but this may be a modern item). The second, Sahara Adventure, is an actual book and probably a more complete account of the trip. I’ve just bought it, so I’ll report on it once I read it.
1956 Photo of Dispatcher at an Airport
This photo of a DJ-3A Dispatcher at an airfield shows they went to work for the airlines not long after they began production. This was published in a 1956 issue of Globetrotter Magazine.
Photos Circa 1956 From Colombia
These photos appeared in the February 1956 issue of Globe-trotter. I especially like the CJ-5 with the ice cream maker!
Jeeps at a Ranch in Mississippi
This article from the January 1958 issue of Willys News highlights the Holly-Bluff-on-the-Jordan ranch at Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, owned by James L. Crump.
1958 Chicago Auto Show
This article from the January 1968 issue of Willys News shared news from the 1958 Chicago auto show. To the left is a rare photo of Willys’ Economy Delivery Truck. Here are other photos from past Chicago shows related to jeeps. And this one from the 1959 show.
Creative Way to Sell FCs
Mr. H. E. George found a creative way to sell FCs by taking them to livestock auctions. This article was featured in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
Climbing Colorado’s Storm Mountain in a Jeep
Riggins’ Volunteer Fire Department
This January 1958 article from Willys News highlighted a group of teen boys who provided the small town of Riggins, Idaho, with fire protection using a fire jeep.
FC-170 Pipe Organ Delivery Service
Hmm … wonder if he delivered any Wurlitzers in this? This article was published in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
Economy Delivery Truck Article
1958 Article About an FC-170 as Boat Deliverer
This January 1958 article highlights Captain Gifford Markeson’s Fc-170 and its use as a boat delivery vehicle. Markeson owned Mark’s Sporting and Marine Supply Shop in McHenry, Illinois.
Uranium Hunters Using Willys Trucks
The January 1958 issue of Willys News included a photo of two intrepid uranium hunters using Willys trucks.
FC-170 Owner Gives Thanks for his Jeep
This January 1958 article in Willys News shares the story of Gordon Kohl and his satisfaction with his FC-170.
‘Jeep’ Fun Clubs
The March 1956 issue of Willys News alerted sales people and dealers to the rising interest in jeep clubs. They recommended getting involved and encouraging the growing phenomenen.